King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 5:6 Mean?

2 Chronicles 5:6 in the King James Version says “Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude.”

2 Chronicles 5:6 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude.

7

And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims:

8

For the cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude.

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 · 18 words
וְהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ1 of 18

“Also king”

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה2 of 18

“Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וְכָל3 of 18
H3605

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

עֲדַ֧ת4 of 18

“and all the congregation”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל5 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

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

הַנּֽוֹעָדִ֥ים6 of 18

“that were assembled”

H3259

to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi

עָלָ֖יו7 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לִפְנֵ֣י8 of 18

“unto him before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָֽאָר֑וֹן9 of 18

“the ark”

H727

a box

מְזַבְּחִים֙10 of 18

“sacrificed”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

צֹ֣אן11 of 18

“sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

וּבָקָ֔ר12 of 18

“and oxen”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

אֲשֶׁ֧ר13 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא14 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִסָּפְר֛וּ15 of 18

“which could not be told”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

וְלֹ֥א16 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִמָּנ֖וּ17 of 18

“nor numbered”

H4487

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

מֵרֹֽב׃18 of 18

“for multitude”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

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 5:6 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 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 29:211 Chronicles 16:1-22 Samuel 6:131 Kings 8:5

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