2 Chronicles 5:3

Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which [was] in the seventh month.

Wherefore all the men {H376} of Israel {H3478} assembled {H6950} themselves unto the king {H4428} in the feast {H2282} which was in the seventh {H7637} month {H2320}.

All the people of Isra'el assembled before the king at the festival in the seventh month.

So all the men of Israel came together to the king at the feast in the seventh month.

And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king at the feast, which was in the seventh month.

2 Chronicles 5:3 describes the grand assembly of the entire nation of Israel under King Solomon, gathered for a momentous occasion: the dedication of the newly constructed Temple in Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic entry of the Ark of the Covenant into its permanent resting place and the subsequent manifestation of God's glory.

Context

This verse follows Solomon's initial assembly of the elders, heads of tribes, and chief fathers of Israel (2 Chronicles 5:2) to bring the Ark of the Covenant from the City of David into the Temple. Verse 3 broadens the scope, indicating that "all the men of Israel" also assembled, highlighting the national significance of the event. This massive gathering was timed to coincide with the Feast of Tabernacles, a major pilgrimage festival, which added to the celebratory and solemn atmosphere of the dedication of Solomon's magnificent Temple.

Key Themes

  • National Unity and Corporate Worship: The gathering of "all the men of Israel" signifies a unified act of worship and dedication, demonstrating the nation's collective commitment to God and their king. It underscores the importance of communal faith and shared spiritual experiences.
  • Significance of the Temple: The large assembly highlights the monumental importance of the Temple as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. This was not merely a building but the heart of Israel's spiritual life.
  • Observance of Festivals: The timing during the Feast of Tabernacles (also known as Sukkot) was deliberate. This festival was a time of great rejoicing, thanksgiving for the harvest, and remembrance of God's provision during the wilderness wanderings, providing a rich backdrop for the Temple's dedication.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the feast which was in the seventh month" explicitly refers to the Feast of Tabernacles (Hebrew: Sukkot). This was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (alongside Passover and Pentecost) when all Israelite males were commanded to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem. Its celebratory nature made it an ideal time for such a joyous and significant national event as the Temple dedication.

Related Scriptures

  • A parallel account of this assembly and the Temple dedication can be found in 1 Kings 8:1, which often provides complementary details to the Chronicles narrative.
  • The importance of gathering for feasts is commanded in Exodus 23:14-17.
  • The completion of the Temple is a fulfillment of David's desire, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:13.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the power and importance of corporate worship and coming together as a community of faith. Just as ancient Israel gathered to dedicate a physical temple, believers today are called to gather as the spiritual temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16), celebrating His presence and provision. It encourages us to prioritize communal gatherings for worship, instruction, and fellowship, recognizing the strength and joy found in unity under God's sovereignty.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Kings 8:2

    And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which [is] the seventh month.

  • 2 Chronicles 7:8

    Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.

  • 2 Chronicles 7:10

    And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.

  • Leviticus 23:34

    Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month [shall be] the feast of tabernacles [for] seven days unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 23:36

    Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it [is] a solemn assembly; [and] ye shall do no servile work [therein].

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back