King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 5:9 Mean?

“And they drew out the staves of the ark, that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is unto this day. there: or, they are there”

Context

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.

9

And they drew out the staves of the ark, that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is unto this day. there: or, they are there

10

There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt. when the LORD: or, where, etc

11

And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: present: Heb. found

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **And they drew out . . . were seen.**—Rather, *And the staves were so long that the tips of the staves were seen.* &c. **From the ark.**—1Kings 8:8, “from the Holy Place.” So the LXX. and four Hebrew MSS. The priests in the great hall could see the tips of the staves projecting within the Holy of Holies; but persons outside (“without”) of the great hall could not see them. **And there it is unto this day.**—*And it* (the ark) *remained there unto this day.* So Vulg., “fuit itaque arca ibi.” LXX., Syr., Targ., Arab., *They*—i.e., the poles *were there;* and so some Heb. MSS., and 1Kings 8:8. This is no doubt right. A letter has fallen out of the Hebrew text. That the chronicler has preserved this remark without modification to suit altered circumstances, and indeed that the compiler of Kings did the same long before him, is a striking instance of the way in which Oriental historiographers are content to borrow with literal exactitude from the works of predecessors, even in cases where such borrowing appears to the modern mind infelicitous.

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 5:9 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 5:9

1 Kings 8:8-9
→
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter
2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book