And: In Hebrew this verse begins with the verbal transition that is sometimes translated “And it came to pass” (Jewish Publication Version). But most modern versions represent this transition by beginning a new paragraph.

As in verse 8, the holy place refers to the nave, that is, the room in front of the Most Holy Place. To leave the holy place is the same as leaving “the Temple” (so Good News Translation).

A cloud filled the house of the LORD: When Moses had finished building the Tent of the LORD’s presence, a cloud covered the tent and the dazzling light of the LORD’s presence filled the tent (see Exo 40.34-35). So the original readers would have understood this verse to mean that the LORD was now present in the Temple. Hebrew has no word in the text to correspond to the word “suddenly” in Good News Translation, but this addition correctly expresses the sense.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .