King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 5:11 Mean?

2 Chronicles 5:11 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanct...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: present: Heb. found”

2 Chronicles 5:11 · KJV

Context

9

And they drew out the staves of the ark, that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is unto this day. there: or, they are there

10

There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt. when the LORD: or, where, etc

11

And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: present: Heb. found

12

Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)

13

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course:

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on God's presence dwelling with His people. 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 Ark Brought to Temple point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיְהִ֕י1 of 13
H1961

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

בְּצֵ֥את2 of 13

“were come out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֤ים3 of 13

“And it came to pass when the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

מִן4 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ5 of 13

“of the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

כִּ֠י6 of 13
H3588

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

כָּל7 of 13
H3605

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

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֤ים8 of 13

“And it came to pass when the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַֽנִּמְצְאִים֙9 of 13

“that were present”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

הִתְקַדָּ֔שׁוּ10 of 13

“were sanctified”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֵ֖ין11 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לִשְׁמ֥וֹר12 of 13

“and did not then wait”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לְמַחְלְקֽוֹת׃13 of 13

“by course”

H4256

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 35:4Job 1:52 Chronicles 29:52 Chronicles 30:17-201 Chronicles 24:1-312 Chronicles 29:34

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 2Room · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E23 verses across 8 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 5 →

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