King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 7:10 Mean?

2 Chronicles 7:10 in the King James Version says “And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in hear...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.”

2 Chronicles 7:10 · KJV

Context

8

Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.

9

And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days. a solemn: Heb. a restraint

10

And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.

11

Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.

12

And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.

Read 2 Chronicles 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Divine acceptance with conditional covenant warnings. 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 God's Glory Fills Temple point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וּבְי֨וֹם1 of 21

“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

עֶשְׂרִ֤ים2 of 21

“and twentieth”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וּשְׁלֹשָׁה֙3 of 21

“And on the three”

H7969

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

לַחֹ֣דֶשׁ4 of 21

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י5 of 21

“of the seventh”

H7637

seventh

שִׁלַּ֥ח6 of 21

“away”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת7 of 21
H853

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

עַמּֽוֹ׃8 of 21

“his people”

H5971

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

לְאָֽהֳלֵיהֶ֑ם9 of 21

“into their tents”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

שְׂמֵחִים֙10 of 21

“glad”

H8056

blithe or gleeful

הַטּוֹבָ֗ה11 of 21

“and merry”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לֵ֔ב12 of 21

“in heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עַל13 of 21
H5921

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

הַטּוֹבָ֗ה14 of 21

“and merry”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אֲשֶׁ֨ר15 of 21
H834

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

עָשָׂ֤ה16 of 21

“had shewed”

H6213

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

יְהוָה֙17 of 21

“that the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְדָוִ֣יד18 of 21

“unto David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְלִשְׁלֹמֹ֔ה19 of 21

“and to Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל20 of 21

“and to Israel”

H3478

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

עַמּֽוֹ׃21 of 21

“his people”

H5971

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

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 7:10 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 7:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:66Psalms 100:2Deuteronomy 16:112 Chronicles 29:36Exodus 18:12 Chronicles 30:26

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