King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 8:5 Mean?

2 Chronicles 8:5 in the King James Version says “Also he built Bethhoron the upper, and Bethhoron the nether, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Also he built Bethhoron the upper, and Bethhoron the nether, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;”

2 Chronicles 8:5 · KJV

Context

3

And Solomon went to Hamathzobah, and prevailed against it.

4

And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath.

5

Also he built Bethhoron the upper, and Bethhoron the nether, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;

6

And Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion. all that: Heb. all the desire of Solomon which he desired to build

7

As for all the people that were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which were not of Israel,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Also he built Beth-horon the upper, and Beth-horon the nether, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;

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 · 14 words
וַיִּ֜בֶן1 of 14

“Also he built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת2 of 14
H853

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

בֵּ֤ית3 of 14
H0
חוֹר֖וֹן4 of 14

“Bethhoron”

H1032

beth-choron, the name of two adjoining places in palestine

הָֽעֶלְי֔וֹן5 of 14

“the upper”

H5945

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

וְאֶת6 of 14
H853

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

בֵּ֥ית7 of 14
H0
חוֹר֖וֹן8 of 14

“Bethhoron”

H1032

beth-choron, the name of two adjoining places in palestine

הַתַּחְתּ֑וֹן9 of 14

“the nether”

H8481

bottommost

עָרֵ֣י10 of 14

“cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מָצ֔וֹר11 of 14

“fenced”

H4692

something hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness

חוֹמ֖וֹת12 of 14

“with walls”

H2346

a wall of protection

דְּלָתַ֥יִם13 of 14

“gates”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

וּבְרִֽיחַ׃14 of 14

“and bars”

H1280

a bolt

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 8:5 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 8:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 7:24Joshua 16:5Joshua 16:32 Chronicles 14:7

Places in This Verse

Lower Beth-horonSettlement · Modern: Beit Ur al Tahta · 31.89°N, 35.08°E5 verses across 4 books
Upper Beth-horonSettlement · Modern: Beit Ur al Fauqa · 31.89°N, 35.11°E3 verses across 3 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 8 →

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