King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:5 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:5 in the King James Version says “Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to ... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel:

2 Chronicles 6:5 · KJV


Context

3

And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood.

4

And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David, saying,

5

Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel:

6

But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

7

Now it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel:

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 · 27 words
מִן1 of 27
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיּ֗וֹם2 of 27

Since the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 27
H834

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

הוֹצֵ֣אתִי4 of 27

that I brought forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת5 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַמִּ֥י6 of 27

my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ7 of 27

out of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַיִם֒8 of 27

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לֹֽא9 of 27
H3808

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

בָחַ֣רְתִּֽי10 of 27

I chose

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בְעִ֗יר11 of 27

no city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מִכֹּל֙12 of 27
H3605

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

שִׁבְטֵ֣י13 of 27

among all the tribes

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃14 of 27

Israel

H3478

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

לִבְנ֣וֹת15 of 27

to build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בַּ֔יִת16 of 27

an house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לִֽהְי֥וֹת17 of 27
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שְׁמִ֖י18 of 27

in that my name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שָׁ֑ם19 of 27
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְלֹֽא20 of 27
H3808

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

בָחַ֣רְתִּֽי21 of 27

I chose

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בְאִ֔ישׁ22 of 27

I any man

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)

לִֽהְי֥וֹת23 of 27
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נָגִ֖יד24 of 27

to be a ruler

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

עַל25 of 27
H5921

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

עַמִּ֥י26 of 27

my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃27 of 27

Israel

H3478

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


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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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