King James Version
What Does 2 Chronicles 5:6 Mean?
“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.”
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6) **Assembled.**—(*Nō‘ad, to meet at an appointed time and place,* Exodus 25:22). Not the same word as in 2Chronicles 5:2-3 (*qāhal*)*,* of which the root meaning is probably *to call together.*
**Before the ark.**—By the omission of a single Hebrew word [’*ittô*] before this phrase, the whole form of the sentence is altered from that of Kings. There we read “(were) *with him* before the Ark sacrificing,” &c.
**Sacrificed.**—*Were sacrificing.*
**And the priests . . .**—The verse is wholly identical with 1Kings 8:6 (see Notes there).
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 5:6 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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge