1 Kings 8 2

1 Kings 8:2 kjv

And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month.

1 Kings 8:2 nkjv

Therefore all the men of Israel assembled with King Solomon at the feast in the month of Ethanim, which is the seventh month.

1 Kings 8:2 niv

All the Israelites came together to King Solomon at the time of the festival in the month of Ethanim, the seventh month.

1 Kings 8:2 esv

And all the men of Israel assembled to King Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month.

1 Kings 8:2 nlt

So all the men of Israel assembled before King Solomon at the annual Festival of Shelters, which is held in early autumn in the month of Ethanim.

1 Kings 8 verses

1 Kings 8 2 Meaning

This verse describes a monumental gathering of the entire nation of Israel, convened by King Solomon. It marks a significant moment in their history, the dedication of the magnificent Temple built for the Lord. The specific timing of this event, during "the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month," indicates a joyous and biblically mandated festival, likely the Feast of Booths (Sukkot), a time of harvest, divine provision, and remembrance of God's dwelling with His people in the wilderness. It underscores the unity of the kingdom under Solomon's leadership and the centrality of worship at the newly established permanent dwelling place for God's name.

1 Kings 8 2 Context

This verse serves as the introduction to the pivotal event of the Temple's dedication in Jerusalem, after its completion as detailed in previous chapters (1 Kgs 6-7). Following David's earnest desire and God's promise to him regarding a dwelling place for His name, Solomon, David's son, completed the immense task of building the Temple. Chapter 8 opens with the entire nation gathering, signifying the immense national and spiritual importance of this event. The dedication culminates a long period of preparation and fulfills centuries of anticipation for a permanent central sanctuary. This moment solidifies Jerusalem's role as the spiritual capital of Israel and Solomon's reign as a period of glory and divine favor.

1 Kings 8 2 Word analysis

• And all the men of Israel: This phrase signifies a comprehensive representation of the unified nation. "All" (כָּל-כָּל, kol-kol) emphasizes the widespread attendance, not just leaders but the general populace. This reflects the deep communal interest and participation in this significant religious and national event, underscoring the solidarity of the tribes under Solomon's kingship and their shared faith in Yahweh.
• assembled themselves: The Hebrew verb here is קָהַל (qahal), meaning "to gather," "to convoke." This is not a casual meeting but a deliberate, organized assembly, often with a religious or civic purpose. It implies a sense of community, purpose, and reverence, suggesting a holy convocation where the nation presented itself before the Lord and their king. The root "qahal" is related to "Qahal Yisrael" (Congregation of Israel) or "Ecclesia" in the Septuagint, foreshadowing the concept of the church.
• unto King Solomon: Solomon is presented as the central human orchestrator of this event. His authority, divinely granted, is instrumental in gathering the nation for this act of worship. It highlights the convergence of royal leadership and religious observance, where the king serves as the one who facilitates the people's approach to God through the dedicated sanctuary. This shows God's chosen king leading His people in devotion.
• at the feast: The Hebrew word is חָג (hag), specifically referring to one of the three major pilgrimage festivals where all males were required to come to Jerusalem (Deut 16:16). This designation indicates a divinely appointed season of celebration and worship. While not explicitly named in this verse, the subsequent verses (1 Kgs 8:65-66) clarify it as the Feast of Booths (Sukkot), also known as the Feast of Ingathering, which typically lasted seven days, followed by an eighth day assembly.
• in the month Ethanim: This is an ancient pre-exilic, Canaanite name for the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The term אֵתָנִים ('Ethanim) relates to "enduring" or "perennial streams," perhaps referencing seasonal rainfall or fertility. It identifies the precise time according to the lunar calendar prevalent during the First Temple period, grounding the event historically.
• which is the seventh month: This clarifying statement for "Ethanim" emphasizes the significant calendrical timing. In the Hebrew lunar calendar, the seventh month (Tishrei/Ethanim) is rich with spiritual significance, containing the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Booths (Sukkot). Placing the Temple dedication at such a peak period of holy observance imbues the event with heightened solemnity, spiritual completion, and national rejoicing, aligning it with major acts of communal worship and reconciliation with God.

Words-Group Analysis:

• And all the men of Israel assembled themselves: This collective action signifies national unity and fervent commitment to the central act of worship. It implies the fulfillment of divine commands for a unified assembly and foreshadows future gatherings for communal prayer and sacrifice. The gathering reinforces a cohesive national identity bound by a covenant with God.
• unto King Solomon at the feast: This phrase brings together the divinely sanctioned authority of the king with a divinely ordained religious celebration. It illustrates the role of the Davidic king not just as a civil ruler but as a shepherd of God's flock, guiding them in proper worship. The combination underscores the interweaving of royal and spiritual life in ancient Israel, pointing towards God's sovereignty over both.
• in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month: The specific dating of the event to "the seventh month" adds immense liturgical and symbolic weight. The seventh month marked a culmination of the agricultural year (harvest) and the annual cycle of atonement and rejoicing. This timing connects the physical structure of the Temple to the ongoing covenant relationship between God and Israel, rooted in cycles of divine blessing and forgiveness. The dedication during this peak season underscored the temple as the heart of both Israel's national and spiritual life.

1 Kings 8 2 Bonus section

The "seventh month" (Ethanim) is replete with sacred significance in the Levitical calendar. It commences with the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), signaling new beginnings and reflection; proceeds to the solemn Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), focusing on national purification; and culminates in the joyous Feast of Booths (Sukkot), celebrating God's protective presence and bountiful harvest. Placing the Temple dedication amidst this intense period amplifies its spiritual weight. It means the dedication happened after Israel had observed Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, signifying that the people were in a renewed, purified state when they entered into the great rejoicing of Sukkot in the newly dedicated house of God. This synchronicity aligns the building's consecration with a moment of national repentance, divine forgiveness, and profound thanksgiving, making the Temple's inception a truly hallowed and complete act of national devotion and renewal of covenant with God.

1 Kings 8 2 Commentary

1 Kings 8:2 describes the grand convocation of the entire nation of Israel for the dedication of Solomon's Temple. This was not a regional gathering, but a full national assembly, indicating the profound significance of a permanent dwelling for the Lord in Jerusalem. The event's timing during "the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month" – confirmed later as Sukkot – was strategic and symbolic. This particular festival, the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles, celebrated God's provision and presence with Israel during their wilderness wanderings, culminating in a harvest celebration. Thus, the Temple's dedication during Sukkot underscored God's faithfulness from wilderness nomadism to settled kingdom, providing a permanent place for His name among a unified people who were enjoying the fruit of the land He gave them. It symbolized God's sustained presence and blessing, establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual epicentre of their faith under the divinely appointed Davidic king. The gathering under Solomon highlights the interplay between Israel's unified monarchy and its commitment to Yahweh worship, culminating in an act of communal worship that secured the Davidic covenant and the place of God's name in their midst.