King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 1:4 Mean?

2 Chronicles 1:4 in the King James Version says “But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitc...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Chronicles 1:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjath-jearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

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 · 15 words
אֲבָ֗ל1 of 15

“But”

H61

nay, i.e., truly or yet

אֲר֤וֹן2 of 15

“the ark”

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙3 of 15

“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

הֶֽעֱלָ֤ה4 of 15

“brought up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

דָּוִ֑יד5 of 15

“had David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מִקִּרְיַ֣ת6 of 15
H0
יְעָרִ֔ים7 of 15

“from Kirjathjearim”

H7157

kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine

בַּֽהֵכִ֥ין8 of 15

“had prepared”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

ל֖וֹ9 of 15
H0
דָּוִ֑יד10 of 15

“had David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

כִּ֧י11 of 15
H3588

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

נָֽטָה12 of 15

“for it for he had pitched”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

ל֛וֹ13 of 15
H0
אֹ֖הֶל14 of 15

“a tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃15 of 15

“for it at Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 1:4 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 1:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 6:22 Samuel 6:171 Chronicles 15:25-281 Chronicles 15:11 Chronicles 16:1Psalms 132:5-6

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
Kiriath-jearimSettlement · Modern: Deir el Azar · 31.81°N, 35.10°E19 verses across 8 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 1 →

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