2 Chronicles 8 14

2 Chronicles 8:14 kjv

And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.

2 Chronicles 8:14 nkjv

And, according to the order of David his father, he appointed the divisions of the priests for their service, the Levites for their duties (to praise and serve before the priests) as the duty of each day required, and the gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate; for so David the man of God had commanded.

2 Chronicles 8:14 niv

In keeping with the ordinance of his father David, he appointed the divisions of the priests for their duties, and the Levites to lead the praise and to assist the priests according to each day's requirement. He also appointed the gatekeepers by divisions for the various gates, because this was what David the man of God had ordered.

2 Chronicles 8:14 esv

According to the ruling of David his father, he appointed the divisions of the priests for their service, and the Levites for their offices of praise and ministry before the priests as the duty of each day required, and the gatekeepers in their divisions at each gate, for so David the man of God had commanded.

2 Chronicles 8:14 nlt

In assigning the priests to their duties, Solomon followed the regulations of his father, David. He also assigned the Levites to lead the people in praise and to assist the priests in their daily duties. And he assigned the gatekeepers to their gates by their divisions, following the commands of David, the man of God.

2 Chronicles 8 verses

2 Chronicles 8 14 Meaning

2 Chronicles 8:14 details King Solomon's meticulous organization of the Temple service, establishing the roles and responsibilities of the priests and Levites according to the specific ordinances and patterns laid out by his father, King David. This included dividing them into distinct groups for their various duties of worship, praise, and continuous ministry before God in the Temple, which functioned as the spiritual center and symbolic "camp of the Lord." The verse emphasizes the continuity of worship from David's vision to Solomon's implementation, and the daily, prescribed nature of their service, highlighting obedience to God's divine order for regular communion and sacred duties.

2 Chronicles 8 14 Context

2 Chronicles 8 chronicles Solomon's accomplishments after completing the Temple and his own palace, summarizing his administrative activities, building projects, and organization of the kingdom. Following chapters dedicated to the magnificent dedication of the Temple (2 Chron 5-7), this verse highlights Solomon's commitment not only to construction but also to the proper functioning of the worship life within the newly established sanctuary. It sits among descriptions of Solomon's other works, such as fortifications and cities, demonstrating that his focus on divine service was paramount and interwoven with his civil rule. The mention of "the order of David his father" is significant for the Chronicler, emphasizing legitimate, divinely ordained worship patterns inherited from David and implemented faithfully by Solomon, thereby solidifying the proper cultic practices essential for the nation's spiritual well-being. This was crucial for an audience in exile or post-exile who yearned for a return to faithful worship.

2 Chronicles 8 14 Word analysis

• appointed (יַעֲמֵ֣ד - yaʿămêḏ): From the root עָמַד (ʿāmāḏ), meaning "to stand, set up, establish." Here, in the Hiphil stem, it signifies to cause to stand, to ordain, to install, or firmly establish. This suggests deliberate, authoritative, and stable establishment, not a temporary measure.
• according to the order (מִשְׁפַּ֧ט - mishpāṭ): This Hebrew term signifies judgment, custom, ordinance, or rightful procedure. It denotes an established legal or traditional arrangement that is just and correct, rather than merely an arbitrary rule. It emphasizes that Solomon's action was not a new invention but an adherence to a previously defined and sanctioned divine plan, handed down through David.
• David his father: This phrase underlines the continuity of the royal line and, crucially, the divine authorization transmitted through David for the Temple's organization. David had received specific blueprints and instructions from God (1 Chron 28:11-19) regarding the Temple's construction and service, and Solomon faithfully carried them out. This continuity was a theological point of emphasis for the Chronicler, affirming the legitimacy and divine approval of Israel's worship.
• the divisions (מַחֲלֲקֹוֺת - maḥalāqôṯ): Refers to courses, sections, or classes. This term highlights the structured and organized system of rotation established for the large number of priests and Levites. This division ensured that service could be continuous and orderly, preventing chaos and burnout, as documented extensively in 1 Chronicles 23-26.
• priests (הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים - hakkōhănîm): Those of the lineage of Aaron, specifically chosen by God to mediate sacrifices, present offerings, burn incense, and pronounce blessings. Their service (עֲבֹדָתָֽם - ʿăḇōḏāṯām) refers to their holy work and ministration within the Temple, specifically pertaining to the sacrificial system and atonement.
• Levites (וְהַלְוִיִּ֖ם - wəhalləwiyyim): Descendants of Levi, assisting the priests in a multitude of Temple duties that did not involve the most holy acts of sacrifice.
• for their charges (מִשְׁמְרוֹתָ֗ם - mishmərôṯām): This noun denotes watches, custody, keeping, or specific assigned responsibilities. The Levites' "charges" included care of the Temple precincts, maintaining the purity of the sanctuary, gatekeeping, preparing sacred elements, music, and instruction of the people. This word indicates specific, delegated duties tailored to their different functions.
• to praise (לְהַלֵּ֣ל - ləhallēl): From the verb הָלַל (hālal), meaning "to praise, laud, commend." This emphasizes the centrality of vocal and musical worship, specifically within the Levites' role as Temple musicians and singers. It points to adoration and magnification of God's name as a primary function of the Temple service.
• and minister (וּלְשָׁרֵת֙ - ūləšārēṯ): From שָׁרַת (šāraṯ), meaning "to serve, attend upon, minister." This is a broader term encompassing all forms of active service performed for God, reflecting a dedicated, humble, and obedient attitude in their sacred work. It distinguishes active service from passive presence.
• before the gates of the camp of the LORD: This is a slightly archaic or symbolic phrase. The Temple replaced the Tabernacle as the central place of God's presence, and "camp of the LORD" echoes the Israelite encampment around the Tabernacle in the wilderness. It poetically refers to the entrance and various courtyards of the Temple, the thresholds where the holy presence of God was uniquely accessible and served, as opposed to inside the Most Holy Place, where only the High Priest could enter.
• as the duty of every day required (כְּדְבַר־י֣וֹם בְּיוֹמ֑וֹ - kədəvar-yōm bəyōmô): This signifies that the service was continuous, mandatory, and scheduled on a daily basis. It underscores the perpetual nature of the worship and care for God's sanctuary. This continuity reflected the covenantal relationship with God, requiring constant acknowledgement and dedication from His people through their representatives.

2 Chronicles 8 14 Bonus section

The phrase "camp of the LORD" is an anachronism for Solomon's time, where the Temple stood firmly in Jerusalem. It functions as a nostalgic and theologically significant link to Israel's wilderness origins and the Tabernacle, reminding the audience that the Temple inherited the sanctity and symbolism of God dwelling among His people in their journeys. It reinforces the idea that even in a fixed dwelling, the dynamic, portable presence of God experienced in the "camp" tradition endured. Furthermore, the detailed organization reflects a core belief in ancient Israel: divine order should permeate all aspects of life, especially worship. It’s a polemic against haphazard or self-devised worship, insisting on conformity to established patterns as crucial for divine favor. The Chronicler emphasizes that Judah’s success often hinged on their commitment to maintaining this prescribed system of worship, reinforcing its importance for post-exilic Judah.

2 Chronicles 8 14 Commentary

2 Chronicles 8:14 reveals King Solomon's foundational act of establishing and stabilizing the operational aspects of Temple worship. By "appointing according to the order of David his father," Solomon demonstrated not merely adherence to tradition but obedience to divine mandates, as David’s "order" was itself Spirit-inspired (1 Chron 28:11-19). This emphasis highlights the Chronicler's deep concern for proper cultic observance as essential for national blessing. The distinct roles of priests (for sacrifices and specific holy duties) and Levites (for general ministry, music, gatekeeping) show a well-defined hierarchy and division of labor within God’s service, reflecting divine wisdom in organization. The Temple was not a static structure but a vibrant hub of "praise and ministry," perpetual worship which the verse asserts as "the duty of every day." This speaks to the constant need for reverence, communion, and dedication to God's presence, serving as a reminder that faithful worship is a continuous, living sacrifice.