2 Chronicles 5:2

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which [is] Zion.

Then Solomon {H8010} assembled {H6950} the elders {H2205} of Israel {H3478}, and all the heads {H7218} of the tribes {H4294}, the chief {H5387} of the fathers {H1} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, unto Jerusalem {H3389}, to bring up {H5927} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068} out of the city {H5892} of David {H1732}, which is Zion {H6726}.

Shlomo assembled all the leaders of Isra'el and all the heads of the tribes and the chiefs of the paternal clans of the people of Isra'el, to Yerushalayim, to bring the ark for the covenant of ADONAI out of the City of David, also known as Tziyon.

At that time Solomon assembled in Jerusalem the elders of Israel—all the tribal heads and family leaders of the Israelites—to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Zion, the City of David.

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers’housesof the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of Jehovah out of the city of David, which is Zion.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 5:2 describes a pivotal moment in ancient Israel's history: King Solomon's grand assembly of the nation's leaders in Jerusalem. This gathering was convened for the solemn and significant purpose of relocating the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in Israel, from its temporary dwelling in the City of David to its permanent home within the newly constructed Temple.

Context

This verse marks the culmination of years of preparation and construction initiated by King David and brought to completion by his son, Solomon. The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people, had been brought to Jerusalem by David (2 Samuel 6:17) but had not yet found a permanent sanctuary. Solomon's magnificent Temple, described in detail from 2 Chronicles chapter 3, was now ready. The assembly of "the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel" underscores the national importance and unity surrounding this event, reflecting the broad support and participation from all segments of society, from tribal leaders to family heads.

Key Themes

  • Unity and National Acknowledgment: Solomon's deliberate act of assembling leaders from every tribe highlights the importance of national unity in worship and obedience to God. It was a collective act of faith and dedication.
  • Centrality of God's Presence: The primary purpose of the Temple was to house the Ark of the Covenant, signifying the dwelling of God among His people. Moving the Ark was not merely a logistical task but a profound spiritual act, establishing God's presence at the heart of the nation's spiritual life.
  • Fulfillment of David's Vision: This event represents the fulfillment of King David's fervent desire to build a permanent house for the Lord and the Ark, a vision he was unable to complete himself but entrusted to Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:2-3).
  • Preparation for Consecration: This relocation was a vital precursor to the Temple's dedication, an event where God's glory would powerfully descend, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 7:1-3.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the city of David, which is Zion" clarifies the location from which the Ark was moved. Zion often refers specifically to the fortified hill in Jerusalem where David established his capital, and by extension, it became a poetic and spiritual name for Jerusalem itself, representing the dwelling place of God and His people. This emphasizes the transition of the Ark from David's more humble, military-oriented dwelling to the magnificent, purpose-built Temple, signifying a new era of established worship.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers today of the importance of prioritizing God's presence. Just as the Ark was central to Israel's identity and worship, God's presence, now manifest through the Holy Spirit in believers (1 Corinthians 6:19), should be central to our lives, homes, and communities. It also highlights the significance of unity among leaders and the community in pursuing spiritual objectives and establishing places where God is honored and sought. We are called to create an environment where God's presence is welcomed and revered.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 6:12 (5 votes)

    ¶ And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that [pertaineth] unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.

  • 2 Chronicles 1:4 (3 votes)

    But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to [the place which] David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

  • 1 Chronicles 26:26 (2 votes)

    Which Shelomith and his brethren [were] over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the host, had dedicated.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.

  • Psalms 87:2 (2 votes)

    The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

  • 2 Samuel 5:7 (2 votes)

    Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same [is] the city of David.