King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 8:7 Mean?

2 Chronicles 8:7 in the King James Version says “As for all the people that were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jeb...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

2 Chronicles 8:7 · KJV

Context

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,

8

But of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this day.

9

But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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,

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 · 13 words
כָּל1 of 13
H3605

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

הָ֠עָם2 of 13

“As for all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַנּוֹתָ֨ר3 of 13

“that were left”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

מִן4 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַֽחִתִּ֜י5 of 13

“of the Hittites”

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

וְהָֽאֱמֹרִ֤י6 of 13

“and the Amorites”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

וְהַפְּרִזִּי֙7 of 13

“and the Perizzites”

H6522

a perizzite, one of the canaanitish tribes

וְהַֽחִוִּ֣י8 of 13

“and the Hivites”

H2340

a chivvite, one of the indigenous tribes of palestine

וְהַיְבוּסִ֔י9 of 13

“and the Jebusites”

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

אֲשֶׁ֛ר10 of 13
H834

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

לֹ֥א11 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֖ל12 of 13

“which were not of Israel”

H3478

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

הֵֽמָּה׃13 of 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

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 8:7 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 8:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 15:18-21Deuteronomy 7:11 Kings 9:20-22

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