DOES GOD DWELL IN LIGHT OR DARKNESS?

This is an interesting question since I Timothy 6:16 says that God dwells in light while he is apparently said to dwell in darkness in I Kings 8:12; Psalm 18:11; and Psalm 97:2. As in many of the other contradictions that skeptics find (or make up) in the Bible, context is all-important.

Let's start with the easiest verse to understand, I Timothy 6:16. The idea that God covers himself with light as a garment is also found in Psalm 104:2. Generally, we are used to the image of light as a symbol of goodness, blessing, truth, and revelation from God. So the Dictionary of Biblical Imagery explains, “By extension, God who is light inhabits a heaven bathed in light.” But, “To the primitive mind, moreover, light is shrouded in mystery, and it retains this quality in the Bible. This shrouding feature of light is also evidenced in the occasions where humans could not see God due to the radiance of his glory.” The following commentators on I Timothy 6:16 echo this cloaking feature of God's appearance:

Because of the dazzling light, no one can see God. (Hanson)

Light represents God's transcendence and his invisibility. (Guthrie)

“On all sides of the light which is God's home notices are to be seen bearing the familiar words: 'keep out.'” (Ward)

“The blinding glory of God renders him unapproachable both metaphysically and morally.” (Lea and Griffen)

Explaining the references to God wrapped in darkness would seem to be much more difficult, but we actually see a perfect analogy the purpose of light. In the first place, keep in mind that the references above to God dwelling in darkness refer to theophanies only, i.e., when God comes down to earth and appears to humans. In these cases, it is again necessary that he conceal himself from view. This time the idea is expressed through the imagery of a dark cloud that envelops him, which may be literal or figurative. Here is what commentators have to say about the passages that utilize that phraseology:

On I Kings 8, G. H. Jones says that the Hebrew word “refers to the darkness of a cloud, which is often described as shrouding the deity.”

He is “a transcendent spiritual being veiled from human view.” “In OT theophanies the concealing or covering quality of darkness makes it part of God's appearance. On the premise that a mortal cannot see God and live, God's veiling of himself in darkness is an act of mercy toward the human race.” (DBI)

Kidner, in commenting on Psalm 97 states that “clouds and thick darkness warn of His unapproachable holiness and hiddenness to presumptuous man.”

Anderson similarly adds, “This description points to the awe and mystery which surround God, who is said, metaphorically, to dwell in thick darkness.”

Although thick clouds and darkness surround God as he comes, note (1) he is also accompanied by fire and lightning; (2) his appearing brings light to the righteous (v. 11); and (3) the “clouds and thick darkness” in v. 2a are in parallel to “righteousness and justice” in v. 2b, perhaps explaining what those images actually stand for.

Regarding Psalm 18:11, Although Yahweh manifests himself to men, at the same time, he is still the hidden God who cannot be seen by human eyes.” (Anderson)

He shrouds himself in darkness as he comes down in might and judgment. (DBI)

T. D. Alexander aptly summarizes the situation in this way: “Although God's presence is characterized by light, he is enshrouded with darkness to conceal...the light of his glory from human view.” (Dictionary of OT Theology and Exegesis)