King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 7:6 Mean?

2 Chronicles 7:6 in the King James Version says “And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king h... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood. by their: Heb. by their hand

2 Chronicles 7:6 · KJV


Context

4

Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD.

5

And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

6

And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood. by their: Heb. by their hand

7

Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the brasen altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, and the meat offerings, and the fat.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.

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.

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 God's Glory Fills Temple point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙1 of 26

And the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

עַל2 of 26
H5921

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

מִשְׁמְרוֹתָ֣ם3 of 26

on their offices

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

עֹֽמְדִֽים׃4 of 26

stood

H5975

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

וְהַלְוִיִּ֞ם5 of 26

the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

בִּכְלֵי6 of 26

also with instruments

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

שִׁ֤יר7 of 26

of musick

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

לַֽיהוָה֙8 of 26

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר9 of 26
H834

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

עָשָׂ֜ה10 of 26

had made

H6213

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

דָּוִ֖יד11 of 26

when David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ12 of 26

the king

H4428

a king

לְהֹד֤וֹת13 of 26

to praise

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

לַֽיהוָה֙14 of 26

of the LORD

H3068

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

כִּֽי15 of 26
H3588

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

לְעוֹלָ֣ם16 of 26

endureth for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

חַסְדּ֔וֹ17 of 26

because his mercy

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

בְּהַלֵּ֥ל18 of 26

praised

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

דָּוִ֖יד19 of 26

when David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּיָדָ֑ם20 of 26

by their ministry

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙21 of 26

And the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

מַחְצְצרִ֣ים22 of 26

sounded trumpets

H2690

to trumpet, i.e., blow on that instrument

נֶגְדָּ֔ם23 of 26
H5048

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

וְכָל24 of 26
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל25 of 26

before them and all Israel

H3478

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

עֹֽמְדִֽים׃26 of 26

stood

H5975

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


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 7:6 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 7:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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