2 Chronicles 8 13

2 Chronicles 8:13 kjv

Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.

2 Chronicles 8:13 nkjv

according to the daily rate, offering according to the commandment of Moses, for the Sabbaths, the New Moons, and the three appointed yearly feasts?the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.

2 Chronicles 8:13 niv

according to the daily requirement for offerings commanded by Moses for the Sabbaths, the New Moons and the three annual festivals?the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles.

2 Chronicles 8:13 esv

as the duty of each day required, offering according to the commandment of Moses for the Sabbaths, the new moons, and the three annual feasts ? the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Booths.

2 Chronicles 8:13 nlt

He offered the sacrifices for the Sabbaths, the new moon festivals, and the three annual festivals ? the Passover celebration, the Festival of Harvest, and the Festival of Shelters ? as Moses had commanded.

2 Chronicles 8 verses

2 Chronicles 8 13 Meaning

2 Chronicles 8:13 describes King Solomon's faithful adherence to the divinely prescribed worship practices for the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. It specifies the regular daily sacrifices, along with offerings on the weekly Sabbaths, monthly New Moons, and the three major annual pilgrim festivals: the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles. This verse emphasizes Solomon's commitment to maintaining the established order of worship, as commanded by Moses for the Israelite community.

2 Chronicles 8 13 Context

This verse is part of 2 Chronicles 8, which details Solomon's building projects, administration, and most importantly, his organization of Temple worship after its completion. Chapter 8 begins by summarizing Solomon's building endeavors (vv. 1-11), which included the Temple, his own palace, and fortified cities. Following this, the narrative shifts to Solomon's focus on religious order. Verses 12-16 emphasize his diligence in establishing the various Levitical services according to the commands given to Moses and King David. Verse 13 specifically elaborates on the regularity and content of the sacrifices, linking them directly to the Mosaic Law. Historically, this period marks the zenith of Israel's united kingdom, characterized by Solomon's reign of wealth, wisdom, and the centralization of worship in Jerusalem at the newly built Temple, fulfilling God's long-standing desire for a dwelling place among His people. The careful observance of these rituals, particularly the annual feasts, served to remind the people of God's covenant, their identity as His chosen people, and His acts of salvation in their history. It stood in stark contrast to the fluid and often immoral practices of surrounding pagan cultures, underscoring the specific and divinely revealed nature of Israel's worship.

2 Chronicles 8 13 Word analysis

• even after a certain rate every day (דְּבַר־יוֹם בְּיוֹמוֹ, dabar yom beyomo): Literally "the matter of day in its day" or "according to the due measure/requirement of each day." This phrase signifies precise, systematic, and daily observance without fail. It indicates adherence to an established schedule for regular offerings.
• offering according to the commandment of Moses: This highlights the foundation of Solomon's actions. His worship structure was not innovative or arbitrary but strictly conformed to the Law given by God through Moses. It underlines divine authority and covenant fidelity. This was fundamental for Israel's relationship with God.
• on the sabbaths (שַׁבָּתוֹת, shabbatot): The weekly day of rest and holiness, divinely ordained from creation (Gen 2:2-3; Exod 20:8-11). Specific sacrifices were mandated for these days (Num 28:9-10). It underscores the regular, foundational rhythm of worship.
• and on the new moons (רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים, rashei chodashim): "Heads of the months," the beginning of each lunar month. These were marked by special sacrifices and trumpet blasts (Num 10:10; 28:11-15; 1 Sam 20:5). It demonstrates a monthly rhythm of worship, signifying the consecration of time to the Lord.
• and on the solemn feasts (וּבַמּוֹעֲדִים, uvammo'adim): "Appointed times" or "festivals." This refers to the special annual gatherings, distinct from the weekly Sabbaths and monthly new moons. These were joyous occasions for pilgrimage and collective worship. They represent specific seasonal periods of corporate worship, often involving reflection on God's past actions and future hope.
• three times in the year: This phrase reiterates the legal requirement (Deut 16:16) for all males to appear before the Lord at Jerusalem for these specific pilgrim festivals. It highlights a centralized, national worship framework.
• even in the feast of unleavened bread (חַג הַמַּצּוֹת, chag haMatzot): The Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread (lasting seven days in Nisan/March-April). It commemorated the Exodus from Egypt and God's redemption (Exod 12; Lev 23:4-8).
• and in the feast of weeks (חַג הַשָּׁבֻעוֹת, chag haShavuot): Also known as Pentecost (seven weeks after Passover in Sivan/May-June). It celebrated the harvest and commemorated the giving of the Law at Sinai (Exod 34:22; Lev 23:15-21).
• and in the feast of tabernacles (חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת, chag haSukkot): Also known as Booths (seven days in Tishrei/September-October). It celebrated the final harvest and remembered Israel's dwelling in booths during the wilderness wanderings (Lev 23:33-43). These three feasts formed the backbone of Israel's religious calendar, pointing to God's continuous provision and presence.

2 Chronicles 8 13 Bonus section

The phrase "according to the commandment of Moses" found in this verse and others throughout Chronicles (e.g., 2 Chr 30:16; 33:8; 35:6) underscores a primary thematic emphasis in the Chronicler's work: the importance of strict adherence to the Law of Moses, especially regarding Temple worship. For the post-exilic audience, this provided a historical blueprint for re-establishing proper worship, showing that faithfulness to God's commands regarding the cult was paramount for national well-being and divine favor. The regular pattern of worship also reflects God's ordered nature and His desire for a consistent relationship with His people. While the sacrifices themselves no longer apply in the new covenant, the principle of systematic, faithful, and obedient worship remains. The "three times in the year" pilgrimage was not just a religious duty but also fostered national unity, as people from all tribes converged in Jerusalem, reminding them of their shared heritage and God.

2 Chronicles 8 13 Commentary

2 Chronicles 8:13 illustrates Solomon's commitment to ordered worship according to divine decree, a crucial aspect of Israel's national life and its covenant relationship with God. It wasn't enough to build the magnificent Temple; the King's piety was demonstrated by his meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law regarding sacrifices and festivals. This act showcased responsible kingship, where civil authority supported religious practice as commanded by the Almighty. These regularly observed rites, from daily offerings to annual feasts, served as constant reminders of God's holiness, His saving acts, and His ongoing presence among His people. They provided a framework for confession, thanksgiving, and communion with the Lord, preventing a decline into idolatry or neglect of spiritual duties. Solomon’s initial faithfulness here sets a high standard for subsequent kings and for the nation as a whole in prioritizing obedience to God's established forms of worship. This continuous, systematic approach to worship stands as an example of diligence and obedience in honoring God through prescribed means.