King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 8:13 Mean?

2 Chronicles 8:13 in the King James Version says “Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moo...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.”

2 Chronicles 8:13 · KJV

Context

11

And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come. holy: Heb. holiness

12

Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch,

13

Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.

14

And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded. so had David: Heb. so was the commandment of David the man of God

15

And they departed not from the commandment of the king unto the priests and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Consolidating the kingdom and establishing worship. 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 Solomon's Other Building Projects point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וּבִדְבַר1 of 18

“Even after a certain rate”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְּי֗וֹם2 of 18

“every 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

בְּי֗וֹם3 of 18

“every 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

לְהַֽעֲלוֹת֙4 of 18

“offering”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

כְּמִצְוַ֣ת5 of 18

“according to the commandment”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

מֹשֶׁ֔ה6 of 18

“of Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לַשַּׁבָּתוֹת֙7 of 18

“on the sabbaths”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וְלֶ֣חֳדָשִׁ֔ים8 of 18

“and on the new moons”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וְלַמּ֣וֹעֲד֔וֹת9 of 18

“and on the solemn feasts”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

שָׁל֥וֹשׁ10 of 18

“three”

H7969

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

פְּעָמִ֖ים11 of 18

“times”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

בַּשָּׁנָ֑ה12 of 18

“in the year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וּבְחַ֥ג13 of 18

“and in the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

הַמַּצּ֛וֹת14 of 18

“of unleavened bread”

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

וּבְחַ֥ג15 of 18

“and in the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

הַשָּֽׁבֻע֖וֹת16 of 18

“of weeks”

H7620

literally, sevened, i.e., a week (specifically, of years)

וּבְחַ֥ג17 of 18

“and in the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

הַסֻּכּֽוֹת׃18 of 18

“of tabernacles”

H5521

a hut or lair

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 8:13 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 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 16:16Exodus 29:38-42Ezekiel 46:3-15Numbers 28:1-29Exodus 23:14-17Ezekiel 45:17

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