2 Chronicles 5 5

2 Chronicles 5:5 kjv

And they brought up the ark, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, these did the priests and the Levites bring up.

2 Chronicles 5:5 nkjv

Then they brought up the ark, the tabernacle of meeting, and all the holy furnishings that were in the tabernacle. The priests and the Levites brought them up.

2 Chronicles 5:5 niv

and they brought up the ark and the tent of meeting and all the sacred furnishings in it. The Levitical priests carried them up;

2 Chronicles 5:5 esv

And they brought up the ark, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the Levitical priests brought them up.

2 Chronicles 5:5 nlt

The priests and Levites brought up the Ark along with the special tent and all the sacred items that had been in it.

2 Chronicles 5 verses

2 Chronicles 5 5 Meaning

This verse details a pivotal moment in ancient Israelite history: the solemn relocation of the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting), and all its sacred vessels from their temporary locations to their permanent home within the newly completed Temple built by King Solomon in Jerusalem. It underscores the culmination of God's nomadic presence among His people and the establishment of a fixed center for worship.

2 Chronicles 5 5 Context

This verse is set during the dedication of Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. It marks a momentous occasion where Israel's centuries-long nomadic existence, symbolized by the movable Tabernacle, transitioned into a settled, monarchical period with a permanent, grand structure for divine worship. The actions described are the climax of the Temple's construction and preparation, formally ushering in the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's tangible presence, into its final earthly dwelling place. This act established Jerusalem as the spiritual capital of Israel and signified God's enduring covenant faithfulness by taking up residence among His people in the land He promised. It also contrasts with the common pagan practices of building temples for local idols, emphasizing Yahweh's unique command for a dwelling that represented His transcendence and His presence being tied to the Law and His covenant, not a physical image.

2 Chronicles 5 5 Word analysis

• And they brought up: The verb "brought up" (Heb. וַיַּעֲלוּ, vayya‘alu) implies an act of ascent, appropriate for a journey to Jerusalem, which is geographically elevated. It signifies a solemn, intentional procession rather than a casual transfer. This movement was ceremonial, reinforcing the sacredness of the items and the gravity of the occasion.
• the ark: Referring to the Ark of the Covenant (Heb. אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית, aron habberith), the most sacred object in Israel. It was a golden chest containing the stone tablets of the Law (Exod 25:16), a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod (Heb 9:4). More significantly, it was surmounted by the mercy seat and cherubim, representing God's throne where He met with His people (Exod 25:22). Its presence symbolized God's personal dwelling and covenant relationship with Israel. Its journey reflects Israel's own journey from the wilderness to the promised land and finally, rest.
• and the tabernacle of the congregation: Also known as the Tent of Meeting (Heb. אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, ohel mo'ed), this was the portable sanctuary where God communed with Moses and the priests, and where sacrifices were performed (Exod 40:34-38). It was the visible manifestation of God's presence during Israel's wilderness wanderings and initial settlement. Its transfer into the Temple signified the continuity of God's presence and covenant promises, linking the foundational wilderness experience with the new era of settled nationhood. It demonstrated that the Temple was not a new cult, but the evolution of the very sanctuary God had always provided.
• and all the holy vessels: These were the sacred utensils and furniture used in the service of the Tabernacle (Heb. כְּלֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ, k’ley haqqodesh), such as the altar of incense, the table of showbread, the menorah, and various ritual implements. These items were meticulously specified by God for His worship (Exod 30:22-30) and were vital for maintaining the sacrificial and ceremonial system. Their inclusion ensured that the full scope of Mosaic worship could continue in the new Temple, preserving the sanctity and prescribed order of divine service.
• that were in the tabernacle: This phrase specifies the origin of these items, underscoring that the new Temple was not simply a building, but the consecrated successor and heir to the spiritual functions of the ancient Tabernacle. It reinforced the legitimacy and continuity of worship, validating the Temple's role as God's chosen dwelling.
• these did the priests and the Levites bring up: This highlights the specific roles and responsibilities assigned by God. The priests (Heb. הַכֹּהֲנִים, hakkohanim), descendants of Aaron, were authorized to handle the most sacred items like the Ark itself (Num 4:5-15). The Levites (Heb. הַלְוִיִּם, hallewiyim), members of the tribe of Levi, had broader responsibilities for carrying and dismantling the Tabernacle and its components (Num 3:25-37, 4:21-33), assisting the priests. Their ordered involvement demonstrates adherence to divine protocol, emphasizing that worship and the handling of sacred things must be done according to God's precise instructions and by those appointed for the task. This contrasts with profane attempts to handle holy things (e.g., Uzzah in 2 Sam 6:6-7), stressing the need for reverence and obedience.

2 Chronicles 5 5 Bonus section

The historical location of "the tabernacle" at this time is believed by many scholars to have been at Gibeon (1 Kgs 3:4; 2 Chr 1:3), while the Ark of the Covenant was in a separate tent erected by David in Jerusalem (2 Sam 6:17). Thus, this verse implies a two-part collection and procession: first the Tabernacle and its vessels from Gibeon, then the Ark from David's tent in Jerusalem, both ultimately brought into the new Temple. This reunification of the major sacred elements of Israel's worship underscores the full consolidation of God's earthly dwelling place and His spiritual presence under one roof in Solomon's Temple. The temporary existence of the Tabernacle and the Ark in separate locations represented an incomplete aspect of worship; their coming together in the Temple symbolized a unified and centralized form of worship, divinely sanctioned.

2 Chronicles 5 5 Commentary

2 Chronicles 5:5 is a profoundly symbolic verse, marking the culmination of centuries of Israel's journey and God's interaction with them. The relocation of the Ark and Tabernacle signifies a momentous shift from a nomadic, wilderness-bound existence to a settled, established nation with a fixed center of worship in the Promised Land. This was not merely an architectural achievement, but a theological statement: God, who had dwelled in a portable tent to accompany His wandering people, now takes residence in a magnificent, permanent dwelling. This act confirms God's covenant faithfulness in providing a land and a place for His name to dwell, embodying His desire to be permanently present among His people. The careful, priestly procession underscores the immense sanctity of these items and the meticulous divine order required for handling things of God, providing an example for reverence in all aspects of worship and life. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's progression in revealing Himself and establishing His dwelling among humanity, from a portable tent to a fixed temple, ultimately foreshadowing the incarnation of Christ (the true Tabernacle, Jn 1:14) and the spiritual indwelling of the Holy Spirit within believers as God's living Temple (1 Cor 6:19).