2 Chronicles 8 15

2 Chronicles 8:15 kjv

And they departed not from the commandment of the king unto the priests and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures.

2 Chronicles 8:15 nkjv

They did not depart from the command of the king to the priests and Levites concerning any matter or concerning the treasuries.

2 Chronicles 8:15 niv

They did not deviate from the king's commands to the priests or to the Levites in any matter, including that of the treasuries.

2 Chronicles 8:15 esv

And they did not turn aside from what the king had commanded the priests and Levites concerning any matter and concerning the treasuries.

2 Chronicles 8:15 nlt

Solomon did not deviate in any way from David's commands concerning the priests and Levites and the treasuries.

2 Chronicles 8 verses

2 Chronicles 8 15 Meaning

2 Chronicles 8:15 conveys that the established system of temple service—concerning the duties of the priests and Levites, and the management of all aspects including the treasuries—was strictly maintained by Solomon. This verse highlights the enduring faithfulness to the original commands and ordinances laid down by King David for the house of the LORD. It emphasizes an unwavering commitment to order and adherence in worship and administration.

2 Chronicles 8 15 Context

2 Chronicles 8:15 falls within a broader narrative of Solomon's reign, particularly following the completion of the Temple and his palace. The preceding verses (8:1-14) detail Solomon's extensive building projects, his re-establishment of the national borders, and his organization of the populace for labor. These activities showcase Solomon's wisdom and administrative skill in consolidating the kingdom.

Verse 15 marks a crucial shift from physical construction and political administration to the proper maintenance of the spiritual services within the newly built Temple. It emphasizes the continuity and adherence to the religious framework established by David, highlighting that Solomon did not invent new worship practices but faithfully implemented the divinely-inspired arrangements passed down from his father. This highlights that Solomon’s reign was not merely about material splendor but also about faithful observance of God's prescribed worship, upholding the integrity of the Israelite religious system. The implicit historical context highlights the importance of keeping sacred rites according to God's will, especially after a major temple construction, to avoid corruption or deviation from Yahwistic monotheism that surrounded idolatrous practices. It is an affirmation against syncretism or human-devised worship.

2 Chronicles 8 15 Word analysis

• And they did not (וְלֹא־סָר֣וּ / ve-lo-saru): The Hebrew verb "סָרוּ" (saru) means "to turn aside, deviate, depart." The negative "לֹא" (lo) emphasizes that there was no deviation, no turning away from the prescribed instructions. This highlights unwavering obedience and adherence. It stands in implicit contrast to nations that devised their own worship practices.
• from the commandment (מִמִּצְוַת / mimitzvat): "מִצְוָה" (mitzvah) refers to a command or an ordinance. While it often signifies a divine command, here it refers specifically to the instructions issued by King David concerning the Temple service. However, David's "commandment" for the Temple was understood to be divinely revealed, as shown in 1 Chronicles 28:19, making it effectively a divine directive through human agency.
• of the king (הַמֶּלֶךְ / hammelekh): Refers to King David. It is noteworthy that even though Solomon is the builder, David remains the authoritative source for the organization of the Temple's ministry, underscoring the spiritual legacy David laid.
• concerning the priests (עַל־הַכֹּהֲנִים / al-hakohenim): "כֹּהֲנִים" (kohenim) are the priests, descendants of Aaron, responsible for officiating sacrifices and other direct acts of worship in the Temple.
• and concerning the Levites (וְעַל־הַלְוִיִּם / ve'al-hallewiyim): "לְוִיִּם" (lewiyim) are the Levites, who performed a multitude of essential support functions within the Temple, including guarding, teaching, music, and various administrative roles.
• concerning any matter (לְכָל־דָּבָר / lekol-davar): "דָּבָר" (davar) means "word, thing, matter." The phrase "לְכָל־דָּבָר" signifies "in every respect," indicating a comprehensive adherence to the instructions. No detail, however small, was overlooked.
• or concerning the treasuries (וּלְהָאֹצָרֽוֹת / ulehā'otsarot): "אֹצָרוֹת" (otzarot) refers to storerooms, treasuries, or reserves. This specific mention indicates that not only the liturgical and spiritual functions but also the material, financial, and logistical aspects of the Temple were managed strictly according to the established plan. This demonstrates meticulous oversight over sacred resources.

Words-group analysis:

• "They did not deviate from the commandment of the king": This phrase emphasizes unswerving fidelity to an established pattern and divine authority. It speaks to a deep respect for foundational commands and highlights the stability achieved through strict adherence.
• "Concerning the priests and concerning the Levites": This pairing illustrates the divinely ordained division of labor and specialized functions within the Temple service. It points to a well-structured hierarchy and system, ensuring every task related to sacred worship was carried out by the appointed personnel.
• "Concerning any matter or concerning the treasuries": This comprehensive phrasing underlines the thoroughness of the adherence. It means that the instructions covered every aspect of Temple operation, from the most sacred rites performed by priests to the most practical and seemingly mundane tasks of resource management by Levites, with no part left to arbitrary decision. This signifies meticulous stewardship over all aspects of God's house.

2 Chronicles 8 15 Bonus section

The chronicler’s repeated emphasis on David's specific commandments for the Temple organization throughout the Chronicles (e.g., 1 Chr 24-26, 2 Chr 7:6) serves to elevate David's spiritual legacy beyond his warrior-king persona. He is presented as the divinely inspired architect of Israel's national worship, with Solomon being the faithful executor. This reinforces the theological message that proper worship is not a human invention but a divine revelation, to be precisely followed. The verse subtly establishes a "polemic" against any future deviation from divinely-instituted worship forms, reminding subsequent kings and generations of Israel to remain faithful to this established pattern, particularly as Israel struggled with idolatry and religious syncretism in later periods. The meticulousness mentioned, down to "treasuries," demonstrates that faithfulness to God extends to practical administration and resource management, not just the liturgical acts.

2 Chronicles 8 15 Commentary

2 Chronicles 8:15 serves as a testament to the order, diligence, and obedience that characterized the Temple service under Solomon's reign, immediately following its construction. It underlines that while Solomon built the magnificent structure, the operational principles were rooted in the divine ordinances received and transmitted by King David. The phrase "they did not deviate" stresses an uncompromising adherence to prescribed worship and administrative procedures, safeguarding against arbitrary human innovation or neglect. This obedience encompassed not only the sacred duties of the priests and Levites but also the mundane, yet vital, logistical and financial management of the Temple’s treasuries, underscoring the comprehensive nature of divine instruction and the importance of stewardship over all aspects dedicated to God. This steadfastness in maintaining divinely-ordained structures reflects God's valuing of order, faithfulness, and the proper conduct of His house, setting a standard for integrity in spiritual and material administration.