King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 5:2 Mean?

2 Chronicles 5:2 in the King James Version says “Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children o...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.”

2 Chronicles 5:2 · KJV

Context

1

Thus all the work that Solomon made for the house of the LORD was finished: and Solomon brought in all the things that David his father had dedicated; and the silver, and the gold, and all the instruments, put he among the treasures of the house of God.

2

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.

3

Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which was in the seventh month.

4

And all the elders of Israel came; and the Levites took up the ark.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.

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 · 25 words
אָז֩1 of 25
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

יַקְהֵ֨יל2 of 25

“assembled”

H6950

to convoke

שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה3 of 25

“Then Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֶת4 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

זִקְנֵ֣י5 of 25

“the elders”

H2205

old

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 25

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאֶת7 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל8 of 25
H3605

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

רָאשֵׁ֨י9 of 25

“and all the heads”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַמַּטּ֜וֹת10 of 25

“of the tribes”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

נְשִׂיאֵ֧י11 of 25

“the chief”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

הָֽאָב֛וֹת12 of 25

“of the fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לִבְנֵ֥י13 of 25

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל14 of 25

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶל15 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם16 of 25

“unto Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לְֽהַעֲל֞וֹת17 of 25

“to bring up”

H5927

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

אֶת18 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲר֧וֹן19 of 25

“the ark”

H727

a box

בְּרִית20 of 25

“of the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יְהוָ֛ה21 of 25

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

מֵעִ֥יר22 of 25

“out of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

דָּוִ֖יד23 of 25

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הִ֥יא24 of 25
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

צִיּֽוֹן׃25 of 25

“which is Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

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 5:2 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 5:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 6:122 Chronicles 1:4Numbers 10:331 Chronicles 15:251 Chronicles 24:31Psalms 87:2

Places in This Verse

City of DavidSettlement · Modern: City of David · 31.77°N, 35.24°E46 verses across 7 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 5 →

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