King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 8:14 Mean?

2 Chronicles 8:14 in the King James Version says “And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levit... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 8:14 · KJV


Context

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.

16

Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was perfected.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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 Other Building Projects point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וַיַּֽעֲמֵ֣ד1 of 29

And he appointed

H5975

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

כְּמִשְׁפַּ֣ט2 of 29

according to the order

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

דָּוִ֥יד3 of 29

for so had David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָ֠בִיו4 of 29

his father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אֶת5 of 29
H853

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

בְּמַחְלְקוֹתָ֖ם6 of 29

also by their courses

H4256

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙7 of 29

before the priests

H3548

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

עַל8 of 29
H5921

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

עֲבֹֽדָתָ֗ם9 of 29

to their service

H5656

work of any kind

וְהַלְוִיִּ֣ם10 of 29

and the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

עַל11 of 29
H5921

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

מִ֠שְׁמְרוֹתָם12 of 29

to their charges

H4931

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

לְהַלֵּ֨ל13 of 29

to praise

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

וּלְשָׁרֵ֜ת14 of 29

and minister

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

נֶ֤גֶד15 of 29
H5048

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

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙16 of 29

before the priests

H3548

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

לִדְבַר17 of 29

as the duty

H1697

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

בְּיוֹמ֔וֹ18 of 29

of 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

בְּיוֹמ֔וֹ19 of 29

of 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

וְהַשֹּׁעֲרִ֥ים20 of 29

the porters

H7778

a janitor

בְּמַחְלְקוֹתָ֖ם21 of 29

also by their courses

H4256

a section (of levites, people or soldiers)

וָשָׁ֑עַר22 of 29

at every gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וָשָׁ֑עַר23 of 29

at every gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

כִּ֣י24 of 29
H3588

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

כֵ֔ן25 of 29
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

מִצְוַ֖ת26 of 29

commanded

H4687

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

דָּוִ֥יד27 of 29

for so had David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אִישׁ28 of 29

the 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃29 of 29

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of


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 8:14 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 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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