King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 1:3 Mean?

2 Chronicles 1:3 in the King James Version says “So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle o... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.

2 Chronicles 1:3 · KJV


Context

1

And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.

2

Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.

3

So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.

4

But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

5

Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it. he put: or, was there


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Divine blessing through seeking God wholeheartedly. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Solomon Seeks Wisdom at Gibeon point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֵּֽלְכ֗וּ1 of 20
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

שְׁלֹמֹה֙2 of 20

So Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וְכָל3 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַקָּהָ֣ל4 of 20

and all the congregation

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

עִמּ֔וֹ5 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

לַבָּמָ֖ה6 of 20

to the high place

H1116

an elevation

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּגִבְע֑וֹן8 of 20

that was at Gibeon

H1391

gibon, a place in palestine

כִּי9 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁ֣ם10 of 20
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

הָיָ֗ה11 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֹ֤הֶל12 of 20

for there was the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵד֙13 of 20

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים14 of 20

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֛ה16 of 20

had made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מֹשֶׁ֥ה17 of 20

which Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עֶֽבֶד18 of 20

the servant

H5650

a servant

יְהוָ֖ה19 of 20

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃20 of 20

in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 1:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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