2 Chronicles 5 13

2 Chronicles 5:13 kjv

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;

2 Chronicles 5:13 nkjv

indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying: "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever," that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud,

2 Chronicles 5:13 niv

The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: "He is good; his love endures forever." Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud,

2 Chronicles 5:13 esv

and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the LORD), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the LORD, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever," the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud,

2 Chronicles 5:13 nlt

The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the LORD with these words: "He is good!
His faithful love endures forever!"
At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 5 verses

2 Chronicles 5 13 Meaning

2 Chronicles 5:13 describes a moment of profound unity and praise during the dedication of Solomon's Temple, where the coordinated sound of trumpeters and singers, combined with various musical instruments, proclaimed God's enduring goodness and mercy. This unified and focused worship led to a visible manifestation of God's presence, as the Temple was filled with a cloud, symbolizing the indwelling glory of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 5 13 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 5 focuses on the climactic event of bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the newly constructed Temple in Jerusalem, followed by its dedication. This verse (5:13) immediately precedes the priests being unable to minister due to the overwhelming glory of God filling the Temple (5:14). It sets the scene for God's divine approval and inhabitation of the dwelling place Solomon had built. Historically, this event signifies the culmination of a promise made to David regarding his son building God a permanent house. Culturally, the meticulously organized worship, involving priestly trumpeters and Levitical singers, highlights the theocratic order of Israel and the importance of ceremonial purity and unity in approaching God's presence. The mention of "trumpeters and singers" points to the Levites' divinely appointed role in Temple music, and the unison suggests a deep spiritual harmony beyond mere musical synchronicity.

2 Chronicles 5 13 Word analysis

• Indeed, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound:

  • Trumpeters (הַחֲצֹצְרִים - hachatstsôrîm): These were primarily priests, whose role included sounding trumpets for assembly, war, and sacred occasions (Num 10:1-10). Their presence underscores the solemn and priestly nature of the occasion.
  • Singers (הַמְשֹׁרְרִים - hameshorerîm): These were Levites, specifically designated for Temple music and worship, organized into various courses by David (1 Chr 25).
  • As one (כְּאֶחָד - ke'echad): A crucial phrase signifying profound unity, not just a collective effort but a singular mind and purpose. It speaks of spiritual harmony and agreement among all the participants. This unity was foundational for the divine response.
  • Make one sound: Emphasizes the singular, harmonious, and intentional sound of worship, focused entirely on glorifying God, without discord or distraction. This unified auditory experience prepared the way for the visible manifestation of God.

• To be heard in praising and thanking the LORD:

  • Praising (לְהַלֵּל - lehallel): From halal, meaning to laud, glorify, commend. This aspect focuses on God's inherent attributes and His greatness.
  • Thanking (וּלְהוֹדֹת - ulehôdôt): From yadah, meaning to give thanks, confess. This involves acknowledging God's deeds and mercies, offering gratitude. The combination indicates comprehensive worship—both adoration for who God is and gratitude for what He has done.

• And when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD:

  • Lifted up their voice: Signifies a strong, passionate, and uninhibited expression of worship, with conviction.
  • Trumpets (חֲצֹצְרוֹת - hâṣôṣerôt): Again, priestly instruments, denoting solemnity, joy, and the proclamation of God's presence.
  • Cymbals (וְהַמְצִלְתַּיִם - vəhamtsiltayim): Percussion instruments, used for accentuation and adding loudness, contributing to the full and joyful noise (Ps 150:5).
  • Instruments of music (כְּלֵי שִׁיר - kelê shîr): A general term covering stringed instruments (harps, lyres) and other forms of accompaniment. This indicates a rich and varied orchestra, suggesting the dedication of the best and all available resources to worship.

• Saying: "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,":

  • For He is good (כִּי טוֹב - ki tov): A fundamental theological affirmation. God's goodness refers to His benevolence, perfection, and righteous character.
  • For His mercy endures forever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ - ki le'olam chasdo): This is the well-known doxology found frequently in the Psalms and other historical books. Hesed (mercy) refers to God's steadfast love, loyal affection, covenant faithfulness, and kindness. "Endures forever" (le'olam) emphasizes its eternal and unwavering nature. This phrase directly counters any pagan deities thought to be fickle or malevolent; Yahweh's nature is constant, benevolent, and reliable. This affirmation serves as the very heart of their unified praise, declaring God's unchanging character as the reason for His powerful manifestation.

• That the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud:

  • House of the LORD (בֵּית יְהוָה - bêyt Yahweh): Refers specifically to the newly consecrated Temple. The repetition "the house, the house of the LORD" adds emphasis and solemnity.
  • Filled with a cloud (וְהֶעָנָן מָלֵא הַבָּיִת - vəhe'anan male' habbāyith): The cloud (עָנָן - anan) is a consistent biblical symbol of God's manifest presence, His Shekinah glory, going back to the Exodus, Sinai, and the Tabernacle (Ex 13:21-22, 19:9, 40:34-35). Its filling the Temple signified God's acceptance of the sanctuary and His intention to dwell among His people, confirming the legitimacy and divine approval of Solomon's monumental achievement.

2 Chronicles 5 13 Bonus section

• The overwhelming nature of the cloud (referred to in 2 Chr 5:14) prevented the priests from performing their duties, indicating that God's glory transcended any human ritual or performance. This underscored that the Temple's sanctity was due to God's presence, not the priests' actions alone.
• This scene prefigures later New Testament truths: just as the cloud filled the physical temple, the Holy Spirit filled the spiritual "temple" of believers at Pentecost (Acts 2), emphasizing the new covenant reality where God dwells in His people.
• The doxology "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever" serves as a timeless theological anchor, reminding believers throughout generations of God's unchanging nature despite circumstances, hardships, or national failures.
• The account highlights that God delights in and responds to genuine, heartfelt, and unified worship that truly magnifies His character. This event was a pinnacle experience for Israel, a visible sign of God's validation of the Temple and His covenant with His people.

2 Chronicles 5 13 Commentary

2 Chronicles 5:13 provides a profound theological truth about worship and divine presence. The verse depicts a carefully orchestrated act of corporate worship by all designated groups – priestly trumpeters and Levitical singers and instrumentalists. The critical element is their profound unity ("as one"), leading to a single, powerful sound of adoration. Their focus was singularly on praising and thanking God, vocalizing the ancient and fundamental confession: "For He is good, For His mercy endures forever." This doxology articulates the unchangeable character of God, providing the secure foundation for their faith and worship.

In response to this pure, unified, and Spirit-led worship, the manifest glory of God, symbolized by the cloud, filled the Temple. This was not a random occurrence but a divine response, indicating God's acceptance and His desire to indwell the sacred space dedicated to Him. This event echoed the filling of the Tabernacle in Exodus and established the Temple as God's chosen earthly dwelling. It demonstrates that when God's people genuinely and unitedly seek to honor Him through sincere praise, His presence is made manifest in a powerful and tangible way, affirming His covenant faithfulness and drawing His people into a deeper communion with Him. The orderliness and unity of the human response paved the way for the awesome, overwhelming divine response.