2 Chronicles 8 12

2 Chronicles 8:12 kjv

Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch,

2 Chronicles 8:12 nkjv

Then Solomon offered burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of the LORD which he had built before the vestibule,

2 Chronicles 8:12 niv

On the altar of the LORD that he had built in front of the portico, Solomon sacrificed burnt offerings to the LORD,

2 Chronicles 8:12 esv

Then Solomon offered up burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of the LORD that he had built before the vestibule,

2 Chronicles 8:12 nlt

Then Solomon presented burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar he had built for him in front of the entry room of the Temple.

2 Chronicles 8 verses

2 Chronicles 8 12 Meaning

2 Chronicles 8:12 describes King Solomon's established practice of offering burnt offerings to the LORD upon the altar he had constructed. This verse emphasizes Solomon's continued commitment to faithful worship and the prescribed Mosaic rituals after the completion of the temple and royal palace complexes. It underscores the centrality of the altar and sacrifices within the Solomonic worship system, positioning Solomon as a diligent leader in cultic matters, providing for regular and proper worship.

2 Chronicles 8 12 Context

This verse is situated within a larger passage detailing Solomon's extensive building projects and his ongoing administration (2 Chron 8:1-18). Having completed the Temple of the LORD, his own royal palace, and other building endeavors mentioned earlier in the chapter (e.g., cities for his chariot forces and cavalry, cities in Hamath), 2 Chronicles 8:12-16 functions as a climactic statement emphasizing Solomon's establishment of the regular Temple service. The Chronicler highlights Solomon's meticulous adherence to David's arrangements and the Mosaic Law concerning priests, Levites, gates, and the prescribed offerings. This serves to portray Solomon as a faithful executor of God's will and a builder not just of structures, but of an orderly and legitimate system of worship for the post-exilic audience, validating the established cult.

2 Chronicles 8 12 Word analysis

• Then: Signifies a chronological sequence, indicating that Solomon’s religious observances followed his extensive building projects.

• Solomon: King of Israel, son of David, famed for wisdom and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. In Chronicles, he is particularly depicted as the obedient builder and organizer of temple worship, establishing the Davidic pattern of cultic service.

• offered: עָלָה ('alah) - Hebrew verb meaning "to go up," "to ascend." In the context of sacrifices, it literally means "caused to ascend" (i.e., through smoke). It conveys the idea that the offering was sent up to God, indicating a direct communication or dedication.

• burnt offerings: עֹלוֹת ('olōt) - Plural of 'olah, a type of sacrifice in which the entire animal, except for the hide, was consumed by fire on the altar. It symbolized complete devotion, atonement for unintentional sin, or general thanksgiving, with the smoke "ascending" to God. This was a foundational and regular sacrifice.

• to the LORD: יְהוָה (Yahweh) - The sacred personal covenant name of God, revealing His presence and covenant relationship with Israel. Emphasizes that these offerings were directed specifically to the true God of Israel, not to idols.

• on the altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeaḥ) - From a root meaning "to slaughter." The bronze altar, placed in the outer court of the Temple, was the primary place for animal sacrifices. It represented the means of access to God, purification, and atonement for the people. Its centrality to worship is consistently emphasized.

• of the LORD: Reinforces that this was God's appointed altar, for His worship alone, further legitimizing the actions taken.

• that he had built: Explicitly connects the altar to Solomon's direct initiative and labor, affirming his role in establishing the physical infrastructure for proper worship, in contrast to earlier, more localized altars. This altar was massive, allowing for the huge number of sacrifices.

• before the porch: לִפְנֵי הָאוּלָם (lifnê ha'ulam) - Hebrew for "before the vestibule" or "front hall" of the Temple. This refers to the specific architectural placement of the altar within the Temple complex, situated prominently in the outer court directly facing the Temple entrance. This positioning highlighted its significance as the first point of approach for worshipers entering the sacred space.

• "Solomon offered burnt offerings": This phrase encapsulates Solomon's active role in instituting the Temple worship and specifically the continued practice of the 'olah. The Chronicler frequently emphasizes the king's active participation in establishing and maintaining proper religious order. This highlights piety and adherence to Mosaic Law, setting an example.

• "burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of the LORD": This reiteration of "the LORD" (Yahweh) underscores the exclusive dedication of these sacrifices to Israel's God, contrasting with pagan practices and validating the Temple cult as monotheistic and divinely sanctioned. The complete consumption of the burnt offering points to a total consecration to God.

• "that he had built before the porch": This group of words emphasizes the specificity and legitimacy of the cultic site. Solomon didn't just find an altar; he meticulously built one according to divine specification and placed it appropriately. Its location "before the porch" means it was the very first sacred fixture encountered by those entering the sanctuary, signifying its crucial role in worship and approach to God.

2 Chronicles 8 12 Bonus section

The Chronicler's particular interest in the Temple cult and proper worship is evident throughout 2 Chronicles. This verse, like many others, serves as a theological anchor for the post-exilic community, emphasizing the historical precedent for ordered, centralized worship led by legitimate authorities (king, priests, Levites). The focus on Solomon "building" the altar links him to the divine instruction given even for the Tabernacle altar, positioning his work as a direct continuation and expansion of God's revealed will. The 'olah, or burnt offering, was often made daily, even twice daily, reinforcing the continuous nature of worship and reliance on God's atonement and provision. The consistency implied by this verse is a deliberate theological point by the Chronicler: genuine faith is demonstrated not just in grand dedications, but in diligent, sustained adherence to God's ordinances.

2 Chronicles 8 12 Commentary

2 Chronicles 8:12 is a snapshot of Solomon's religious administration, demonstrating his active participation in maintaining the ritual practices prescribed by God. It directly links the king's responsibility for building the Temple with his ongoing responsibility for its functions. Unlike the book of Kings, which occasionally portrays Solomon's moral failings, the Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community, primarily emphasizes Solomon's adherence to God's law regarding worship, making him an exemplar of religious fidelity. The emphasis on "burnt offerings" highlights a key aspect of Israelite worship—complete devotion and atonement through sacrifice, pointing forward to the ultimate, complete sacrifice of Christ. The verse stresses order, divine appointment (altar "of the LORD"), and kingly oversight as foundational to legitimate worship. It serves as a reminder that proper worship is not merely structural but requires diligent, regular action in accordance with God's will.

• Example: Just as Solomon meticulously offered regular burnt offerings to the LORD on the specially constructed altar, so believers today are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1), daily committing their whole being to God in acts of worship, obedience, and service. This isn't about physical sacrifice but about spiritual dedication and Christ-centered living.