2 Chronicles 5 3

2 Chronicles 5:3 kjv

Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which was in the seventh month.

2 Chronicles 5:3 nkjv

Therefore all the men of Israel assembled with the king at the feast, which was in the seventh month.

2 Chronicles 5:3 niv

And all the Israelites came together to the king at the time of the festival in the seventh month.

2 Chronicles 5:3 esv

And all the men of Israel assembled before the king at the feast that is in the seventh month.

2 Chronicles 5:3 nlt

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

2 Chronicles 5 verses

2 Chronicles 5 3 Meaning

2 Chronicles 5:3 declares that the entire nation of Israel united, gathering before King Solomon during the sacred feast of the seventh month. This assembly occurred at the pivotal time of the Temple's dedication in Jerusalem, symbolizing the collective commitment of God's people to His presence and the worship established under His chosen king.

2 Chronicles 5 3 Context

This verse sets the stage for the magnificent dedication of Solomon's Temple. It follows the completion of the Temple construction (2 Chr 5:1) and the bringing in of the sacred Ark of the Covenant, along with other consecrated items (2 Chr 5:2). The historical context is Solomon's reign, a period of peace and prosperity, allowing for this monumental undertaking. The broader biblical context positions this event as the climax of Israel's journey from a nomadic people with a portable sanctuary to a settled nation with a permanent dwelling place for God's Name. The specific timing during "the seventh month" highlights the significance of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a major pilgrimage festival, connecting the Temple dedication to established Mosaic Law and a time of national celebration and reflection on God's provision.

2 Chronicles 5 3 Word analysis

• Therefore: (וַיֵּאָסְפ֣וּ, wayye’āspū - prefixed with 'and', connecting to the previous actions). This conjunction links the assembly directly to the preparations: the completion of the Temple and the bringing in of the consecrated items and the Ark of the Covenant. It indicates that the assembly was the necessary next step for the formal dedication and transfer of the Ark into its resting place.

• all: (כָּל־, kāl). Emphasizes the complete national participation. It was not merely a local gathering or a representation, but every eligible man from the entirety of the unified tribes. This underscores the national significance and the unified obedience to the Mosaic command to assemble.

• the men: (אִ֣ישׁ, ʾîš, here used collectively). Refers to the male heads of households who were primarily obligated to make the pilgrimage to the central sanctuary. This term reflects the societal structure and religious obligations of the time.

• of Israel: (יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל, yiśrāʾēl). Signifies the united twelve tribes, affirming the national identity and solidarity. It reinforces the idea of a singular people of God, under one king, gathering for one purpose.

• assembled themselves: (וַיֵּאָסְפ֣וּ, wayye’āspū, from the root אסף, ʾasap, to gather, collect). This active assembly signifies voluntary and purposeful action, indicative of national cohesion and adherence to religious obligation. The Hebrew term can also imply a solemn convocation, similar to the "assembly of the Lord."

• to the king: (אֶל־הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙, ʾel-hammelek). Indicates Solomon's central role as God's anointed leader. The people assembled to him, signifying their loyalty and his authority in orchestrating this national event, which ultimately pointed to God.

• in the feast: (בֶּחָ֜ג, beḥāg, from חָגַג, ḥagag, to celebrate a pilgrimage festival). Specifically refers to one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals mandated by the Mosaic Law. This term implies a joyous religious observance, often involving a journey.

• which was in the seventh month: (אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִֽי, ʾăšer baḥōdeš haššeḇîʿî). Crucial detail specifying the timing. The seventh month (Tishrei) held several significant feasts, most notably the Day of Atonement and, commencing on the 15th of the month, the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). The Temple dedication coincided with Sukkot, a celebration of ingathering, God's provision in the wilderness, and future messianic hopes.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Therefore all the men of Israel": This phrase emphasizes the unity and comprehensiveness of the gathering. "Therefore" links it to the preceding national efforts of building the Temple and bringing in the Ark, signaling the climax of a national endeavor requiring collective participation. "All the men of Israel" highlights the representative nature of the gathering, reflecting the entire covenant community's presence, rather than just leaders or a select group.
  • "assembled themselves to the king": This signifies national alignment and obedience, not just to a human sovereign but through him, to God. Solomon acted as God's instrument in establishing the Temple and unifying worship. The assembly was a show of national devotion and a communal act of worship initiated by the divinely appointed monarch.
  • "in the feast which was in the seventh month": This specific temporal marker grounds the event firmly within Israel's covenantal calendar. The "seventh month" points decisively to the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Choosing this feast for the Temple dedication added immense theological depth, associating the new permanent dwelling of God's presence with themes of divine provision in the wilderness (tabernacles/booths), agricultural ingathering (thanksgiving), and future divine indwelling and blessedness. It demonstrated adherence to the Mosaic covenant while celebrating the fulfillment of the promise of a permanent resting place for the Ark and God's Name.

2 Chronicles 5 3 Bonus section

The historical backdrop of this event also serves as a strong testament to the centralized worship commanded by God. The shift from multiple high places and localized altars to a single, glorious Temple in Jerusalem reinforced the uniqueness of Israel's God and their monotheistic worship. This public national assembly at a pivotal sacred site, led by the king, acted as a unifying force, establishing the new center of Israelite religious life and strengthening national identity under the covenant with Yahweh. This dedication established a theological precedent, signifying God's choice to dwell among His people, a theme later fully realized in the person of Jesus Christ (Jn 1:14), who "tabernacled" among us, and ultimately in the eternal dwelling of God with His redeemed people (Rev 21:3).

2 Chronicles 5 3 Commentary

2 Chronicles 5:3 describes the crucial convergence of the unified Israelite nation for the Temple dedication. This verse, though concise, underscores several profound realities. The "assembling" was not casual; it was a mandatory pilgrimage rooted in divine command (Deut 16:16). The "all" indicates a rare national consensus and spiritual fervor, a testament to Solomon's authority under God and the centrality of the Temple in the national life. The focus on the "king" emphasizes his role as God's vice-regent, orchestrating worship and guiding the nation towards obedience.

The timing, "in the feast which was in the seventh month," specifically the Feast of Tabernacles, is immensely significant. This feast commemorated Israel's wandering in the wilderness under God's protection and celebrated the final ingathering of harvest. Its choice for the Temple dedication connects the fulfillment of God's promise for a settled land and dwelling place (the Temple) with past divine provision and future hope. It was a joyful acknowledgment of God's faithfulness and Israel's secure covenant relationship. The verse implicitly shows Israel's collective adherence to Yahweh, distinguishing them from surrounding nations whose festivals often served polytheistic worship. This grand assembly foreshadows the future, where all nations will gather before God (Zech 14:16).