2 Chronicles 5 4

2 Chronicles 5:4 kjv

And all the elders of Israel came; and the Levites took up the ark.

2 Chronicles 5:4 nkjv

So all the elders of Israel came, and the Levites took up the ark.

2 Chronicles 5:4 niv

When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the Levites took up the ark,

2 Chronicles 5:4 esv

And all the elders of Israel came, and the Levites took up the ark.

2 Chronicles 5:4 nlt

When all the elders of Israel arrived, the Levites picked up the Ark.

2 Chronicles 5 verses

2 Chronicles 5 4 Meaning

2 Chronicles 5:4 describes the grand assembly of all the significant leaders of Israel who came before King Solomon in Jerusalem. This gathering was for the monumental occasion of dedicating the Temple, a newly completed and permanent house for the Lord, in fulfillment of God's promise and David's vision. It emphasizes the collective unity and representative nature of the entire nation in this sacred event.

2 Chronicles 5 4 Context

This verse is situated at the climax of the narrative detailing the construction of Solomon's Temple. Chapters 2 and 3 describe the materials, workmen, and detailed architectural plans, culminating in chapter 5 with the Temple's completion and furnishing (5:1). The immediate preceding verse (5:3) states that all the men of Israel assembled for the Feast in the seventh month. This assembly sets the stage for the dramatic bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple (5:5-10) and the subsequent filling of the Temple with the glory of the Lord (5:11-14), signifying divine approval. Historically and culturally, this event marks a profound transition from a nomadic tent-worship tradition (the Tabernacle) to a fixed, grand sanctuary, centralizing worship in Jerusalem. This move had immense theological and political significance, solidifying the Davidic dynasty's legitimacy and Israel's identity as a nation united under one God, served by a single, consecrated Temple. The comprehensive list of leaders underscores the nation's unified consent and participation.

2 Chronicles 5 4 Word analysis

• And all: Hebrew וְכָל־ (vekhôl), emphasizes universality and completeness. Not just a select few, but the totality of representatives, signifying a truly national event and consensus in worship. This detail is crucial for the Chronicler, who consistently stresses national unity around the Temple.

• the elders: Hebrew זִקְנֵי (ziqnei) from זָקֵן (zaqen), meaning "old, senior, wise." These were respected and experienced community leaders who traditionally served as advisors and representatives for their cities and regions from early Israelite history. Their presence affirmed the general populace's endorsement.

• of Israel: Hebrew יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrael), referring to the entire unified nation of the twelve tribes. This distinguishes them from later divisions or specific tribes. The focus is on the ideal, undivided people of God.

• and all the heads of the tribes: Hebrew וְכָל־רָאשֵׁי הַמַּטּוֹת (vekhol-rashei hammattot). רָאשֵׁי (rashei) means "heads, chiefs, leaders," and מַטּוֹת (mattot) refers to the tribal divisions (literally "rods" or "staves"). This denotes the leaders representing each of the twelve territorial tribes of Israel, highlighting the structured organizational aspect of the nation.

• the chief of the fathers: Hebrew נְשִׂיאֵי הָאָבוֹת (nesi'ei ha'avot). נְשִׂיאֵי (nesi'ei) means "princes, leaders, chieftains," and אָבוֹת (avot) refers to the ancestral houses or patriarchal clans. This represents the heads of the various extended families or ancestral lines within the tribes, reaching down to the fundamental societal units.

• of the children of Israel: Hebrew לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (livnei Yisrael), a reiteration of "Israel" but emphasizing their identity as descendants of Jacob. This phrase typically identifies the Israelite people as a collective body, linked by common lineage and covenant.

• came unto the king Solomon: Hebrew אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹה (el-hammelekh Shlomoh). אֶל־ (el) means "to, towards." Their convergence to Solomon signifies his central authority, God's chosen king for this pivotal moment. It indicates their allegiance and participation in the divinely ordained central worship at Jerusalem.

• Word-Groups Analysis:

  • "all the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel": This tripartite listing (elders, heads of tribes, chief of fathers) serves to demonstrate a thorough and complete representation of the entire Israelite populace, from top leadership down to familial units. It indicates an organic, deeply rooted national participation, emphasizing unity and legitimacy for the Temple's dedication. This detailed enumeration stresses the inclusiveness and voluntary participation of every significant societal group, countering any idea of a fragmented or unwilling populace.

2 Chronicles 5 4 Bonus section

The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, places significant emphasis on national unity and proper worship centered around the Temple. The detailed listing of Israel's leadership in this verse is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, reminding his audience of an ideal past when all segments of society, across tribal and familial lines, came together in harmonious worship under divinely appointed leadership. This contrasts with later divisions and highlights the importance of the Temple as a unifying force. This meticulous record also validates the Temple as the legitimate and universally accepted place for Yahweh's worship, countering any claims of other sacred sites or divided loyalties, thus underscoring the spiritual centralization intended by God.

2 Chronicles 5 4 Commentary

2 Chronicles 5:4 provides a succinct but profound picture of Israelite unity. The meticulously listed categories of leadership—elders, heads of tribes, and chiefs of patriarchal families—underscores that the Temple dedication was not a solitary act by Solomon or a religious elite, but a truly national covenant event. It was a formal, authorized assembly representing every segment of the Israelite society, demonstrating the full nation's commitment and consent to this central place of worship and their submission to King Solomon, God's anointed leader. This moment symbolized the fulfillment of God's covenant with David, establishing a permanent dwelling for the Lord's name. The unity portrayed here serves as an ideal for corporate worship and demonstrates how Israel, under proper leadership, gathered to honor God.