2 Chron 5:13a The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD….
What is the purpose of praise? Is it for us or for God? These are the thoughts that went through my head as I read this passage. The music, the singing, the sacrifices, all were in glory and honor to God. And God showed up as a cloud, and filled the temple to the point that “the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God” (v14).
2 Chron 5:13b …Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; His love endures forever.” …
And this imagery of God as a cloud, I find fascinating. I picture fog rolling in, taking an utterly familiar landscape and transforming it to something new and unfamiliar. Fall foliage in fog pops even more brightly. Fog shrouds the bigger picture, narrowing your perspective to what’s directly in front of you, shifting and moving so that your senses are heightened and you are much more diligent and aware. I find it a wonderful analogy.
2 Chron 5:13c … Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for showing up as we praise and glorify You. Thank You for the unique perspective that Your presence brings. May we never cease to be awed by and in wonder of You. Amen.
2 Chron 5:14 …and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.