King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:13 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:13 in the King James Version says “For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set i... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven, long: Heb. the length thereof, etc

2 Chronicles 6:13 · KJV


Context

11

And in it have I put the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, that he made with the children of Israel.

12

And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:

13

For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven, long: Heb. the length thereof, etc

14

And said, O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts:

15

Thou which hast kept with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him; and spakest with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Covenant faithfulness and answered prayer. 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 Solomon's Dedication Prayer point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
כִּֽי1 of 29
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עָשָׂ֨ה2 of 29

had made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה3 of 29

For Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

כִּיּ֣וֹר4 of 29

scaffold

H3595

properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl

נְחֹ֗שֶׁת5 of 29

a brasen

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וַֽיִּתְּנֵהוּ֮6 of 29

and had set

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּת֣וֹךְ7 of 29

it in the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הָֽעֲזָרָה֒8 of 29

of the court

H5835

an inclosure; also a border

וְחָמֵ֤שׁ9 of 29

and five

H2568

five

וְאַמּ֥וֹת10 of 29

cubits

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

אָרְכּ֗וֹ11 of 29

long

H753

length

וְחָמֵ֤שׁ12 of 29

and five

H2568

five

וְאַמּ֥וֹת13 of 29

cubits

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

רָחְבּ֔וֹ14 of 29

broad

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

וְאַמּ֥וֹת15 of 29

cubits

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

שָׁל֖וֹשׁ16 of 29

and three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

קֽוֹמָת֑וֹ17 of 29

high

H6967

height

וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֣ד18 of 29

and upon it he stood

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עָלָ֗יו19 of 29
H5921

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

וַיִּבְרַ֤ךְ20 of 29

and kneeled down

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

עַל21 of 29
H5921

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

בִּרְכָּיו֙22 of 29

upon his knees

H1290

a knee

נֶ֚גֶד23 of 29
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

כָּל24 of 29
H3605

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

קְהַ֣ל25 of 29

before all the congregation

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל26 of 29

of Israel

H3478

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

וַיִּפְרֹ֥שׂ27 of 29

and spread forth

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

כַּפָּ֖יו28 of 29

his hands

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

הַשָּׁמָֽיְמָה׃29 of 29

toward heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r


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 6:13 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 6:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study