King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 7:6 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **And the priests.**—This verse is added by the chronicler, after his usual fashion of laying stress on the ritual, especially its choral and musical side. (Comp 2Chronicles 5:11-13.) **Waited on their offices.**—Literally, *And the priests upon their wards* (*watches*)* were standing, i.e.,* stood at their posts. Vulg., “sacerdotes autem stabant in officiis suis.” **Instruments of musick of the Lord**—*i.e.,* of *sacred music,* as we should say. (Comp. 1Chronicles 16:42.) **Which David . . . had made.**—1Chronicles 23:5. To **praise.**—*Give thanks to.* (Comp. 2Chronicles 7:3 *supr.*) **When David praised by their ministry.**—See margin; and 1Chronicles 16:4-7. The LXX., ἐν ὕμνοις Δαυιδ διὰ τη̑ςχειρὸς αὐτῶν takes *b’hallēl* substantively, as if it meant “in David’s psalmody,” perhaps with special reference to the great *hallel* of the synagogue. The Authorised Version gives the true meaning, namely, that the Levites were David’s ministers of praise. **Sounded trumpets.**—*Were trumpeting.* **Stood.**—*Were standing.*

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 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.