2 Chronicles 5:11

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy [place]: (for all the priests [that were] present were sanctified, [and] did not [then] wait by course:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when the priests {H3548} were come out {H3318} of the holy {H6944} place:(for all the priests {H3548} that were present {H4672} were sanctified {H6942}, and did not then wait {H8104} by course {H4256}:

Complete Jewish Bible

When the cohanim came out of the Holy Place (for all the cohanim who were present had consecrated themselves; they didn't keep to their divisions;

Berean Standard Bible

Now all the priests who were present had consecrated themselves regardless of their divisions. And when the priests came out of the Holy Place,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place (for all the priests that were present had sanctified themselves, and did not keep their courses;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 5:11 describes a pivotal moment during the dedication of Solomon's Temple, immediately following the placement of the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place. This verse highlights the extraordinary state of the priesthood: all priests present were consecrated and, unusually, served together rather than by their customary divisions. This collective sanctification and unified service set the spiritual stage for the dramatic manifestation of God's glory that immediately followed, signaling divine approval and indwelling presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the crescendo of the Temple's dedication narrative in Jerusalem, a moment of immense national and spiritual significance. The preceding verses meticulously detail the Levites bringing the Ark of the Covenant, the very symbol of God's presence, into its final resting place within the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place, as described in [2 Chronicles 5:7-10](/2_chronicles/5-7-10 "2 Chronicles 5:7-10 - The Ark Placed in the Temple"). Verse 11 captures the priests' actions and spiritual state as they emerge from this sacred task, forming a crucial transition. It immediately precedes the climactic manifestation of God's glory, where the cloud of the Lord's presence fills the Temple, preventing the priests from ministering, as vividly recounted in [2 Chronicles 5:13-14](/2_chronicles/5-13-14 "2 Chronicles 5:13-14 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple"), thereby validating the entire dedication process. The specific mention of the priests' sanctification and unified service underscores the unique and extraordinary nature of this event, distinguishing it from regular Temple liturgy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of Solomon's Temple marked a monumental epoch in Israelite history, fulfilling David's vision and establishing a permanent dwelling place for God among His people in Jerusalem. This event occurred during the Solomonic era (c. 970-931 BC), a period of great prosperity and national consolidation. The priesthood, descended from Aaron, held a central role in Israelite worship, mediating between God and the people. King David had previously organized the priests into twenty-four divisions or "courses" (as detailed in [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Priestly Divisions")), ensuring an orderly and continuous system of service throughout the year. The explicit statement in 2 Chronicles 5:11 that "all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course" is highly significant. It indicates a deliberate suspension of these established norms, emphasizing the unparalleled importance and sacredness of the Temple dedication. This collective, unified participation, rather than a rotational duty, signified an extraordinary moment of national consecration and unified devotion before the Lord.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Unusual Priestly Unity and Full Participation**. The suspension of the established "courses" (as seen in [1 Chronicles 24:1-19](/1_chronicles/24-1-19 "1 Chronicles 24:1-19 - Priestly Divisions Established")) underscores the unique and unparalleled nature of the Temple dedication. This was a moment demanding the collective, unified presence and service of *all* available priests, symbolizing a profound communal commitment to God. Secondly, the theme of **Consecration and Readiness** is central. The declaration that "all the priests... were sanctified" emphasizes the absolute necessity of ritual purity and spiritual preparedness for ministering in God's presence. This act of sanctification (Hebrew: _qadash_) was a prerequisite for approaching the Holy God, ensuring their fitness for such a sacred occasion. Finally, the verse builds an intense **Anticipation of Divine Presence**. The unified, consecrated state of the priesthood was not merely an administrative detail but a vital component in preparing the spiritual atmosphere for God's manifest glory. Their collective worship and readiness served as a prelude to the overwhelming cloud of the Lord's glory filling the Temple, as described in [2 Chronicles 5:13-14](/2_chronicles/5-13-14 "2 Chronicles 5:13-14 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple"), a clear sign of His acceptance and indwelling presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sanctified (Hebrew, _qâdash'_ H6942):** This verb signifies being set apart, consecrated, or made holy for a specific sacred purpose. In the context of the Old Testament priesthood, it involved a process of ritual purification and dedication, often through washing, anointing, and specific sacrifices, rendering them fit to enter God's presence and perform sacred duties. Here, it implies that every priest present had undergone the necessary rites to be ceremonially and spiritually prepared for this momentous occasion, ensuring their purity and acceptability before the Lord.
* **Course (Hebrew, _machălôqeth'_ H4256):** The term "course" refers to the priestly divisions or rotations established by King David (cf. [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Priestly Divisions")) to ensure an orderly and continuous system of service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Priests would serve for specific periods according to their assigned course. The phrase "did not then wait by course" indicates a deliberate suspension of this normal rotational duty. For the Temple dedication, all available priests were present and actively participating simultaneously, rather than adhering to their usual roster. This highlights the extraordinary nature of the event, demanding full, unified priestly involvement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy [place]:"** This clause marks a crucial transition. The "holy [place]" (Hebrew: _qôdesh_ H6944) here refers to the inner sanctuary of the Temple, specifically the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies), from which the priests were emerging after having successfully placed the Ark of the Covenant within it (cf. [2 Chronicles 5:7-10](/2_chronicles/5-7-10 "2 Chronicles 5:7-10 - The Ark Placed in the Temple")). Their exit signifies the completion of the most sacred act of the dedication, opening the way for God's response.
* **"(for all the priests [that were] present were sanctified, [and] did not [then] wait by course:)"** This parenthetical explanation provides the vital context for the preceding action and the subsequent manifestation of God's glory. It explains *why* the priests were able to participate in such a unified and extraordinary manner. The phrase "all the priests that were present were sanctified" emphasizes their collective ritual purity and spiritual readiness, a prerequisite for ministering before the Lord. Furthermore, "did not then wait by course" highlights the suspension of their usual rotational duties, underscoring the unique and unparalleled nature of this dedication. It signifies a moment of complete unity and full participation, where every available priest was consecrated and actively engaged, rather than serving in their appointed shifts. This collective readiness was a necessary precursor to the divine glory that was about to descend.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Parenthetical Explanation** to provide crucial background information. The clause "(for all the priests [that were] present were sanctified, [and] did not [then] wait by course:)" functions as an explanatory aside, clarifying the extraordinary circumstances of the priests' actions. This device serves to **emphasize** the unique and unparalleled nature of the Temple dedication. By explicitly stating that *all* priests were sanctified and serving together, the text underscores the immense significance of the moment, distinguishing it from regular Temple service. This collective unity and consecration also serve as a form of **foreshadowing**, building anticipation for the divine manifestation that immediately follows. The meticulous preparation and unity of the priesthood create an atmosphere of expectation, hinting at the profound divine response that is about to occur.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 5:11 powerfully illustrates the themes of divine order, human preparation, and the manifestation of God's presence. The meticulous sanctification of the priests and their unified service underscore the biblical principle that approaching a holy God requires intentional purity and collective reverence. God delights in the unity of His people, especially in worship, and this verse demonstrates how such unity, coupled with consecration, can create an environment conducive to experiencing His manifest glory. It reminds us that while God's presence is sovereign, our posture of readiness and obedience plays a significant role in our capacity to perceive and receive it. This moment in Israel's history serves as a paradigm for the importance of corporate spiritual readiness in the life of God's people.

* [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "The Glory Fills the Tabernacle") - The cloud of glory filling the Tabernacle, mirroring the divine indwelling at the completion of the first sanctuary.
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Royal Priesthood") - Believers are called a "royal priesthood," emphasizing our collective access to God and responsibility for holy living and service.
* [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Access to the Holy Place Through Christ") - Through Christ, believers now have bold access to the true "holy place," the presence of God, with purified hearts.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 5:11 offers profound lessons for the contemporary believer and the church. The unified and sanctified state of the priests challenges us to consider our own approach to corporate worship and individual spiritual discipline. Just as all available priests set aside their normal routines to participate fully in a moment of unparalleled significance, we are called to prioritize and prepare ourselves for encounters with God, whether in communal gatherings or in our private devotion. This verse reminds us that true worship is not merely a ritual but a consecrated act of unity and readiness, where our hearts are set apart for God's purposes. When we gather in unity, prepared in heart and spirit, we create an atmosphere of expectation for God to move and manifest His glory among us, fostering a deeper experience of His presence and power. It calls us to examine our own spiritual "sanctification" – our ongoing process of being set apart for God – and to embrace the power of collective, unified worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unusual unity of the priests in 2 Chronicles 5:11 challenge our understanding and practice of corporate worship today?**
* **What does it mean for a believer to be "sanctified" in the New Covenant, and how does this translate into practical daily living?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community, cultivate a deeper sense of anticipation and readiness for God's presence in our lives and gatherings?**

### FAQ

**Why were all the priests present and not serving by course?**

Answer: The suspension of the normal priestly "courses" (rotational duties established by King David, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Priestly Divisions")) was a deliberate and extraordinary measure for the dedication of Solomon's Temple. This event was a singular, monumental occasion in Israelite history, signifying the establishment of God's permanent dwelling place among His people. The presence and unified participation of *all* available priests, rather than just a rotating shift, underscored the unparalleled importance and sacredness of the moment. It symbolized a collective national consecration and unified devotion, demonstrating the entire priesthood's full commitment to this foundational act of worship and the establishment of God's presence.

**What does "sanctified" mean in this context, and why was it important?**

Answer: In this context, "sanctified" (Hebrew: _qadash_) means that the priests had undergone the necessary ritual purifications and consecrations to be set apart and made holy for sacred service. This involved specific ceremonies, washings, and offerings that rendered them ceremonially pure and spiritually fit to approach God's presence and perform their duties in the Temple. It was vitally important because God is holy, and only those who were ritually and spiritually pure could minister before Him without incurring His wrath (cf. [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu")). Their sanctified state ensured that their participation in the Temple dedication was acceptable to God, preparing the way for His glory to fill the house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament priesthood and the Temple, with their emphasis on sanctification and access to God's presence, find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The priests' collective sanctification and unified service in 2 Chronicles 5:11 foreshadow the perfect and singular ministry of Jesus, our great High Priest, who required no cleansing for Himself but offered Himself as the spotless sacrifice for our sins ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest")). His once-for-all sacrifice accomplished what the continual sacrifices of the Old Covenant priesthood could not: true and eternal sanctification for all who believe ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through Christ, the veil separating humanity from God's Most Holy Place has been torn ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), and believers are now invited to draw near with confidence, not through a human priesthood or a physical temple, but through the blood of Jesus ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, the glory of the Lord filling the Temple in [2 Chronicles 5:13-14](/2_chronicles/5-13-14 "2 Chronicles 5:13-14 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple") prefigures the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, making each one a "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), and collectively, the church becomes the living temple where God's presence truly dwells ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built Together into a Holy Temple")). Thus, the unity and consecration of the priests at the Temple's dedication point forward to the new reality in Christ, where all believers are a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), sanctified and united in Him, offering spiritual sacrifices and experiencing God's presence not in a building, but within their very being.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 30:17

For [there were] many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one [that was] not clean, to sanctify [them] unto the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:20

And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.

2 Chronicles 29:5

And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy [place].

Job 1:5

And it was so, when the days of [their] feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings [according] to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

2 Chronicles 35:4

And prepare [yourselves] by the houses of your fathers, after your courses, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and according to the writing of Solomon his son.

1 Chronicles 24:1

¶ Now [these are] the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

1 Chronicles 24:31

These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.