King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 5:2 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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.

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.

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

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

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **The chief of the fathers.**—Rather, *the chiefs of the clans* (*father-houses*)*.* Vulg., “capita familiarum;” LXX., τοὺς ἠγουμένους πατριῶν*.* **Elders . . . heads.**—Or, *sheikhs . . .* *ameers.* **Zion.**—Syr. and Arab., *Hebron.* **In the feast which was in the seventh month.**—Heb., *in the feast; that* (*is*)* the seventh month.* The words *“*in the month of Ethanim” (Kings) have been accidentally omitted before the expression rendered “in the feast.” The Authorised version suggests another mode of emending the text. (Comp. Nehemiah 8:14.) Syr., “in the month of the fruits (*’ebbô*) of the feast of Tabernacles; that is the seventh month.” The LXX. had the present faulty Hebrew.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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.