King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 5:3 Mean?

2 Chronicles 5:3 in the King James Version says “Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which was in the seventh month.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 5:3 · King James Version

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.

5

And they brought up the ark, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, these did the priests and the Levites bring up.

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Commentaries3 scholars

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

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיִּקָּהֲל֧וּ1 of 10

“assembled”

H6950

to convoke

אֶל2 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ3 of 10

“themselves unto the king”

H4428

a king

כָּל4 of 10
H3605

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

אִ֥ישׁ5 of 10

“Wherefore all the men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 10

“of Israel”

H3478

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

בֶּחָ֑ג7 of 10

“in the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

ה֖וּא8 of 10
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

הַחֹ֥דֶשׁ9 of 10

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשְּׁבִעִֽי׃10 of 10

“which was in the seventh”

H7637

seventh

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 5:3 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 5:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:22 Chronicles 7:8-10Leviticus 23:34-36

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