2 Chronicles 5 11

2 Chronicles 5:11 kjv

And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course:

2 Chronicles 5:11 nkjv

And it came to pass when the priests came out of the Most Holy Place (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves, without keeping to their divisions),

2 Chronicles 5:11 niv

The priests then withdrew from the Holy Place. All the priests who were there had consecrated themselves, regardless of their divisions.

2 Chronicles 5:11 esv

And when the priests came out of the Holy Place (for all the priests who were present had consecrated themselves, without regard to their divisions,

2 Chronicles 5:11 nlt

Then the priests left the Holy Place. All the priests who were present had purified themselves, whether or not they were on duty that day.

2 Chronicles 5 verses

2 Chronicles 5 11 Meaning

2 Chronicles 5:11 describes the unusual circumstances of the priests immediately before God's glory filled the newly dedicated Temple. It states that when the priests emerged from the holy place, all who were present were ritually purified and set apart (sanctified), departing from their usual system of rotating service by division. This complete unity and special consecration of the priesthood prepared them for the profound manifestation of God's presence.

2 Chronicles 5 11 Context

Chapter 5 of 2 Chronicles details the culmination of Solomon's grand project: the construction of the Lord's Temple in Jerusalem. Following the transfer of all sacred vessels into the treasury (Ch 4), this chapter describes the climactic event of bringing the Ark of the Covenant, the central symbol of God's presence, into its resting place within the Most Holy Place of the newly completed Temple (v. 7-10). Verse 11 directly follows this action, setting the stage for the dramatic display of divine glory described in the subsequent verses (v. 12-14). It highlights a specific, crucial condition concerning the officiating priests—their comprehensive purification and unity—which was foundational to the temple dedication and the outpouring of God's presence. Historically, this event was a pivotal moment for Israel, signifying God's permanent dwelling place among His chosen people.

2 Chronicles 5 11 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (וַיְהִי - vayehi): A common Hebrew transitional phrase, often introducing a significant event or new stage in the narrative. It emphasizes that what follows is an important development.
• when the priests were come out: Indicates a movement or transition. They had performed their duty (placing the Ark, v. 7-10) and were emerging, preparing for what was next. This movement signifies a shift from specific ritual action to reception of divine presence.
• of the holy place (מִן הַקֹּדֶשׁ - min ha-qodesh): Refers to the sanctuary proper. In this context, given the Ark's placement, it likely implies emerging from the inner chambers or even specifically from the Most Holy Place, after concluding their duties related to the Ark. It signifies exiting the sacred core of the Temple structure.
• (for all the priests that were present: The parenthetical statement provides crucial explanatory detail. "All the priests that were present" (כָּל הַכֹּהֲנִים הַנִּמְצְאִים - kol hakkohanim hannimtzai’im) highlights a complete, collective gathering of the priesthood, rather than just a segment. This unity among them is significant.
• were sanctified (מִתְקַדְּשִׁים - mitqaddeshim): Means "made holy," "purified," or "consecrated." This signifies a specific ritual cleansing and setting apart, ensuring their ceremonial and spiritual readiness to be in God's immediate presence. It goes beyond routine cleanness to a state of heightened preparedness for sacred service and divine encounter. This active sanctification shows their diligence and obedience.
• and did not then wait by course (לֹא חֶכְלִיק בְּמַחְלְקוֹת - lo hithkhalku bemakhlekoth or similar, though some versions use simpler words, the meaning implies divisions): This directly refers to the established system of priestly duties organized into divisions or "courses" (as outlined in 1 Chr 24). The phrase means they were not serving according to their pre-arranged schedule or shifts. Instead, all available priests participated together, breaking the normal procedural order. This departure from the norm emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the Temple dedication event, overriding regular duty rosters for unified presence and readiness.

Words-group analysis

• "when the priests were come out of the holy place": This phrase pinpoints the precise moment – immediately after their service related to the Ark's placement – establishing the timeframe for the divine outpouring that follows. It shows their transition from active ritual work to receptive waiting.
• "all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course": This full clause is the interpretive core of the verse. It underscores the exceptional nature of this assembly. The unity ("all") and comprehensive spiritual preparation ("sanctified") combined with a departure from routine ("did not then wait by course") indicate a singular focus and dedication among the priesthood. This unique state of readiness among the priests served as a proper prerequisite for the Holy One to manifest His glory among them. It emphasizes collective obedience and reverence, creating an atmosphere conducive to divine revelation.

2 Chronicles 5 11 Bonus section

• The detail in 2 Chron 5:11 (the priests being sanctified and not waiting by course) is notably present in Chronicles but largely absent in its parallel account in 1 Kings 8. This specificity in Chronicles likely serves to emphasize the priestly role, the importance of proper worship, and the ideal state of Israel in moments of divine favor, consistent with the Chronicler's thematic focus.
• The "sanctification" process would involve specific rituals, perhaps including special washing, sacrifices, or separation, distinct from daily ceremonial cleanliness, ensuring a state of exceptional purity before God.
• The united posture of "all" priests, foregoing their scheduled divisions, demonstrates extraordinary spiritual consensus and obedience among those who served in direct ministry to God, reflecting a powerful symbol of the people's readiness to receive divine presence through their appointed mediators.
• This verse contributes to a broader biblical theology of God dwelling among His people, reinforcing the principle that holiness is required in those who approach His presence, foreshadowing the even greater access to God in the New Covenant through Christ, who himself is the ultimate High Priest (Heb 7:26).

2 Chronicles 5 11 Commentary

2 Chronicles 5:11 serves as a vital explanation for the overwhelming manifestation of God's glory that follows. The emphasis here is on the deliberate, collective holiness of the priesthood. Rather than a partial contingent, all available priests were present and had undergone a specific, intense process of purification—they were "sanctified." This suggests more than mere ritual cleansing; it implies a spiritual consecration fitting for standing before the Lord. Their departure from "waiting by course," a structured rotation of duty, further highlights the unprecedented nature of the event; the entirety of the priesthood stood united in this special state of readiness. This act of priestly preparation, diligence, and obedience in unity created an appropriate vessel for God's glory to descend and fill His new dwelling place, making it clear that His presence demands holiness and order, even if that order deviates from the norm for a unique divine purpose. It serves as a reminder that proper preparation and collective spiritual purity are paramount when seeking to encounter the Holy One.