2 Chronicles 5:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 5:3 vividly portrays a momentous national gathering in ancient Israel, where "all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king" Solomon. This grand convocation took place in Jerusalem during the "feast which was in the seventh month," specifically the Feast of Tabernacles. This verse serves as the pivotal prelude to the dedication of the newly completed Temple, setting the stage for the solemn procession of the Ark of the Covenant into its permanent resting place and the subsequent overwhelming manifestation of God's glory among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [2 Chronicles 5:2](/2_chronicles/5-2 "2 Chronicles 5:2 - Assembly of Elders for the Ark") which describes King Solomon's initial assembly of the elders, heads of tribes, and chief fathers of Israel. Their purpose was to bring the Ark of the Covenant from the City of David (Zion) to the newly constructed Temple. [2 Chronicles 5:3](/2_chronicles/5-3 "2 Chronicles 5:3 - All Israel Assembles") broadens the scope of this gathering, emphasizing that "all the men of Israel" also assembled, indicating a truly national and comprehensive participation in this monumental event. This sets up the dramatic entry of the Ark in [2 Chronicles 5:7](/2_chronicles/5-7 "2 Chronicles 5:7 - Ark Brought to the Temple") and the subsequent filling of the Temple with the glory of the Lord in [2 Chronicles 5:13-14](/2_chronicles/5-13 "2 Chronicles 5:13-14 - Glory Fills the Temple"). The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, emphasizes the unity and obedience of the nation under a righteous king, providing a model for restoration and faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The assembly described in [2 Chronicles 5:3](/2_chronicles/5-3 "2 Chronicles 5:3 - All Israel Assembles") took place during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (alongside Passover and Pentecost) when all Israelite males were commanded to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem ([Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Feasts")). This feast, occurring in the seventh month (Tishrei, roughly September/October), was a time of great rejoicing, thanksgiving for the autumn harvest, and a remembrance of God's provision during the wilderness wanderings, when the Israelites lived in temporary shelters or "tabernacles" ([Leviticus 23:34-43](/leviticus/23-34 "Leviticus 23:34-43 - Feast of Tabernacles Instructions")). The timing of the Temple dedication during this particular feast underscored its significance as a joyous celebration of God's dwelling among His people, reminiscent of His presence in the wilderness tabernacle, now in a permanent structure. The sheer scale of the gathering highlights Solomon's administrative power and the deeply ingrained religious practices of the Israelite nation.
* **Key Themes:** The verse strongly contributes to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **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. This communal faith is vital for the spiritual health of the nation, as seen in the Chronicler's emphasis on corporate repentance and blessing throughout the book. Secondly, it highlights the **Significance of the Temple** as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The dedication of the Temple, a project initiated by David and completed by Solomon ([2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Promise to David about the Temple")), was not merely a building project but the heart of Israel's spiritual life and national identity. Finally, the timing during the Feast of Tabernacles emphasizes the **Observance of God's Appointed Times**, illustrating the importance of adhering to divine commands and the joy found in celebrating God's faithfulness and provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Assembled (Hebrew, _qahal'_):** This verb (קהל) signifies a formal gathering or congregation, often with a religious or communal purpose. It implies a deliberate act of coming together, not a chance encounter. In this context, it emphasizes the organized and intentional nature of the national assembly under the king's authority, highlighting the unity and corporate participation of the entire nation in this sacred event. The noun form, _qahal_, is often translated as "assembly" or "congregation," reinforcing the idea of Israel as God's gathered people.
* **Feast (Hebrew, _chag'_):** The term (חג) specifically refers to one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals in Israel (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles), during which all Israelite males were required to travel to Jerusalem. Unlike a general celebration, a _chag_ carried specific religious obligations and communal significance, often involving sacrifices, joyful celebration, and remembrance of God's historical acts of deliverance and provision. Its mention here anchors the Temple dedication within the established liturgical calendar of Israel, adding layers of theological meaning to the event.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king":** This clause establishes the universal scope of the gathering, emphasizing that representatives from all tribes and regions of Israel came together. The phrase "unto the king" underscores Solomon's central role as the orchestrator of this national event, acting as God's chosen leader for the dedication of His house. It signifies a unified act of obedience and loyalty, both to the monarch and, by extension, to the God he served. The assembly was not merely a crowd but a deliberate convocation of the nation.
* **"in the feast which [was] in the seventh month":** This specifies the precise timing of the assembly. The "seventh month" (Tishrei) was known for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a major pilgrimage festival. This timing was highly significant, as it was a period of national thanksgiving, remembrance of God's wilderness provision, and joyful celebration. Holding the Temple dedication during this feast imbued the event with profound theological resonance, linking the permanent dwelling of God with His historical faithfulness and the promised blessings of the land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all the men of Israel," which, while not literally every single male, signifies a comprehensive and representative gathering of the entire nation, emphasizing the universal participation and corporate nature of the event. This exaggeration underscores the monumental importance of the Temple dedication. The mention of "the feast which was in the seventh month" serves as an instance of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the seventh month) stands for the whole (the Feast of Tabernacles), relying on the audience's familiarity with the Israelite calendar. This precise temporal marker also functions as **Setting**, grounding the sacred event within a specific, divinely ordained time, highlighting the intentionality and divine orchestration of the dedication. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, building anticipation for the dramatic events that follow, particularly the bringing of the Ark into the Temple and the subsequent manifestation of God's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 5:3 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of corporate worship and the centrality of God's dwelling place among His people. The unified assembly of "all Israel" for the Temple dedication highlights the importance of the community of faith coming together in obedience and celebration. This gathering was not merely a political event but a sacred act, recognizing God's sovereignty and His covenant faithfulness. The Temple, as the locus of God's presence, served as a tangible reminder of His promise to dwell with His people, providing a focal point for their national identity and spiritual life. This event, timed during a major pilgrimage festival, underscored the joy and thanksgiving inherent in drawing near to God in His appointed ways.

* [1 Kings 8:1](/1_kings/8-1 "1 Kings 8:1 - Parallel Account of Assembly for Temple Dedication")
* [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Command for Three Annual Feasts")
* [Psalm 122:1](/psalms/122-1 "Psalm 122:1 - Joy in Going to the House of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The grand assembly of "all the men of Israel" for the Temple's dedication in 2 Chronicles 5:3 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us of the inherent value and power of corporate worship and communal gathering. Just as ancient Israel found strength, identity, and spiritual vitality in coming together before God, so too do believers today. Our individual faith is enriched and sustained by our participation in the body of Christ, where we collectively celebrate God's presence, hear His Word, and encourage one another. This verse challenges us to prioritize gathering with fellow believers, recognizing that our communal worship is a powerful testimony to the world and a vital expression of our devotion to God. It encourages us to approach corporate worship with intentionality and reverence, understanding that we are assembling before the King of kings, not merely for a social event, but for a sacred encounter.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "all the men of Israel" assembling challenge my understanding of individual versus corporate faith?**
* **What significance does gathering for worship hold in my life, and how can I approach it with greater intentionality and joy?**
* **In what ways does my local church community function as a "temple" where God's presence is celebrated and His glory is manifested?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Temple dedication timed specifically to "the feast which was in the seventh month"?**

Answer: The timing of the Temple dedication during "the feast which was in the seventh month" was highly significant because it refers to the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals commanded by God in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 23:34-43](/leviticus/23-34 "Leviticus 23:34-43 - Instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles")). This feast was a time of immense national rejoicing, thanksgiving for the harvest, and a remembrance of God's faithful provision during Israel's forty years in the wilderness, when they lived in temporary shelters or "tabernacles." By dedicating the permanent Temple during this particular feast, Solomon linked the new, enduring dwelling place of God with His historical presence and faithfulness, emphasizing continuity and the fulfillment of His promises. It provided a context of national unity, celebration, and deep theological resonance for such a monumental event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The assembly of "all the men of Israel" for the dedication of Solomon's Temple, particularly during the Feast of Tabernacles, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, the focal point of God's presence among His people, was a foreshadowing of Christ Himself, who is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") states that the Word "dwelt among us," literally "tabernacled among us"). Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Furthermore, the gathering of "all Israel" for worship prefigures the universal assembly of all believers—Jew and Gentile—who are now gathered into the spiritual Temple, the Church, with Christ as its cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Dwelling")). The joyous Feast of Tabernacles, celebrating God's provision and presence, points to the ultimate joy and provision found in Christ, who offers living water to all who thirst ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus Offers Living Water")) and promises His abiding presence with His people forever ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")). Thus, the dedication of the Temple in 2 Chronicles 5:3 serves as a powerful Old Testament type, pointing forward to the greater reality of God's dwelling in Christ and among His redeemed people.

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

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].