2 Chronicles 5:5

KJV

And they brought up the ark, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that [were] in the tabernacle, these did the priests [and] the Levites bring up.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they brought up {H5927} the ark {H727}, and the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and all the holy {H6944} vessels {H3627} that were in the tabernacle {H168}, these did the priests {H3548} and the Levites {H3881} bring up {H5927}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and brought up the ark, the tent of meeting and all the holy utensils that were in the tent; these are what the cohanim and L'vi'im brought up.

Berean Standard Bible

and they brought up the ark and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. The Levitical priests carried them up.

American Standard Version

and they brought up the ark, and the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the Tent; these did the priests the Levites bring up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 5:5 meticulously chronicles the solemn and climactic procession in which the most sacred elements of Israelite worship—the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and all its holy vessels—were reverently transported and installed into their permanent resting place within Solomon's newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. This pivotal moment signifies the culmination of centuries of nomadic worship, establishing God's centralized, glorious dwelling among His people, executed with precise adherence to divine protocol by the consecrated priests and Levites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the grand narrative of the Temple's dedication, serving as a crucial physical act preceding the divine manifestation of God's glory. It follows the assembly of the elders of Israel and the heads of the tribes in [2 Chronicles 5:2-4](/2_chronicles/5-2-4 "Assembly for Temple Dedication"), highlighting the national and spiritual significance of the event. The preceding chapters detail King Solomon's extensive preparations and the laborious construction of the Temple, fulfilling his father David's divinely inspired vision (e.g., [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "David's Preparations for the Temple")). The movement of these sacred objects, particularly the Ark and the Tabernacle, from their temporary locations to the magnificent new edifice, is the climactic physical act before the cloud of God's glory fills the Temple in [2 Chronicles 5:11-14](/2_chronicles/5-11-14 "The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple") and Solomon offers his profound dedicatory prayer in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). This orderly and reverent transfer underscores the divine orchestration and human obedience central to the Chronicler's theological emphasis.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For nearly five centuries, Israel's worship centered around the portable Tabernacle, a "tent of meeting" constructed in the wilderness according to God's precise instructions (e.g., [Exodus 25-30](/exodus/25-30 "Instructions for the Tabernacle")). This movable sanctuary symbolized God's intimate presence accompanying His people throughout their wanderings. The Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred item within the Tabernacle, had a tumultuous history, including its capture by the Philistines ([1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "The Philistines Capture the Ark")) and its eventual return to a temporary tent in the City of David under King David ([2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")). Meanwhile, the main Tabernacle itself, along with its associated vessels, had been situated at the high place in Gibeon ([1 Kings 3:4](/1_kings/3-4 "Solomon Sacrifices at Gibeon"); [2 Chronicles 1:3](/2_chronicles/1-3 "Solomon Goes to Gibeon")). The construction of Solomon's Temple marked a profound theological and cultural shift from a nomadic, temporary dwelling for God to a permanent, glorious structure in Jerusalem, the chosen capital. The meticulous involvement of the priests and Levites reflects the highly structured and ritualistic nature of Israelite worship, where only consecrated individuals could handle sacred objects, adhering to strict Mosaic law to avoid divine wrath ([Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Duties of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **God's Dwelling Among His People**, as the Tabernacle and Ark, tangible symbols of His presence, are finally settled in a permanent, magnificent house, signifying God's enduring commitment to Israel. It also highlights the **Fulfillment of Divine Promise**, specifically God's covenant with David that his son would build a house for the Lord's name ([2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "God's Covenant with David"); [1 Chronicles 17:12](/1_chronicles/17-12 "God's Covenant with David")). The careful, ordered procession, involving the designated roles of the priests and Levites, underscores the theme of **Reverence and Order in Worship**, emphasizing the sanctity required when approaching God and handling His holy things. This event is not merely a logistical transfer but a profound theological statement about God's faithfulness and the proper human response to His holiness, laying the groundwork for the subsequent divine approval and filling of the Temple with God's glory ([2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7-1-3 "Fire from Heaven Consumes the Offerings")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brought up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** This Hebrew verb (H5927) signifies an ascent, not merely a horizontal movement. In this context, it carries both a literal meaning, as Jerusalem was geographically elevated, and a profound symbolic one. It suggests the elevation and exaltation of God's dwelling place, transitioning from a temporary, portable structure to a glorious, permanent edifice. Spiritually, it implies the lifting up of God's presence to a place of supreme honor and centrality within the nation. The repetition of "bring up" at the beginning and end of the verse emphasizes the deliberate and significant nature of this action.
* **Ark (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn'_):** This noun (H727) refers to a box or chest, specifically the Ark of the Covenant. It was the holiest object in Israel, containing the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. More than a container, it represented God's throne, His covenant presence, and the place of atonement (the mercy seat). Its central role in the procession underscores its supreme importance as the tangible symbol of God's relationship with His people.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This adjective (H6944) denotes a sacred place or thing, set apart for God's exclusive use and presence. The "holy vessels" were not merely functional items but objects consecrated and dedicated to divine service, imbued with a special sanctity. This word emphasizes the inherent sacredness of the objects being moved and, by extension, the sacredness of the entire Temple complex and the act of worship itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought up the ark":** This initial clause describes the primary action of the procession, focusing on the most sacred object. "They" refers broadly to the assembled Israelites, but the subsequent clarification specifies the authorized personnel. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's very presence and covenant relationship with Israel, was the central focus of this solemn transfer, signifying the relocation of divine authority and presence.
* **"and the tabernacle of the congregation":** Alongside the Ark, the entire Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting (H168, H4150), was brought. This portable sanctuary, which had served as God's dwelling place since the Exodus, was now being formally retired from its primary function as a mobile sanctuary. Its components were reverently moved into the Temple complex, signifying the culmination of a historical era of worship and the establishment of a new, permanent center.
* **"and all the holy vessels that [were] in the tabernacle":** This phrase specifies the comprehensive nature of the transfer. It includes all the sacred implements used in Tabernacle worship—such as altars, the menorah, tables, and other consecrated items (H3627, H6944)—ensuring that the entire apparatus of the old covenant worship was properly integrated or stored within the new Temple. This highlights the continuity and preservation of sacred tradition, acknowledging the divine origin of all aspects of Israelite worship.
* **"these did the priests [and] the Levites bring up":** This final clause clarifies the specific individuals responsible for this sacred task. The priests (H3548), descendants of Aaron, and the Levites (H3881), from the tribe of Levi, were the only ones authorized by God's law to handle the holy objects and perform sacred service. Their involvement underscores the meticulous adherence to divine protocol, the profound solemnity of the occasion, and the consecrated nature of the objects being moved. The repetition of "bring up" (H5927) emphasizes the completion of the action by the divinely appointed personnel, highlighting obedience and reverence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Repetition** ("brought up" appears twice) to underscore the significance and deliberate nature of the action, creating a sense of solemnity and purpose. The careful enumeration of the sacred objects—the Ark, the Tabernacle, and all the holy vessels—uses **Merism** (mentioning parts to represent the whole) to convey the comprehensive nature of the transfer, ensuring no sacred item was overlooked in this momentous transition. Furthermore, the objects themselves function as powerful **Symbols**: the Ark symbolizing God's covenant presence, His throne, and the place of atonement, and the Tabernacle representing His dwelling among His people. The entire scene is imbued with **Ceremonial Language**, reflecting the highly ritualized, divinely ordained, and deeply reverent nature of Israelite worship, emphasizing the awe due to God's holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, detailing the transfer of God's dwelling place, powerfully illustrates His enduring desire for intimate presence with humanity. For centuries, the Ark and Tabernacle served as tangible symbols of God's immanence, His willingness to reside among His chosen people, guiding and protecting them through their wilderness wanderings and conquest of the land. The transition to a permanent Temple signifies a new, more settled phase in this relationship, establishing a central, magnificent place for worship and communion that would serve as a spiritual beacon for the nation. This act underscores God's faithfulness to His promises, particularly to David concerning a lasting dynasty and a house for His name. It also highlights the profound reverence and order required in approaching a holy God, a principle that transcends the Old Covenant and speaks to the intentionality, purity, and obedience demanded in all forms of worship. The meticulous care taken by the priests and Levites in handling these sacred objects serves as a perpetual reminder that God is holy and must be approached on His terms, with respect and obedience to His divine commands.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")
* [Psalm 132:8](/psalms/132-8 "God's Resting Place in Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 5:5, though ancient, resonates with timeless truths about God's nature and our relationship with Him. It reminds us that God is deeply committed to dwelling with His people, moving from a portable tent to a magnificent Temple, and ultimately, through Christ, to dwell within believers themselves. This historical moment calls us to reflect on the sanctity of God's presence and the profound reverence due to Him. It challenges us to consider how we approach God in our own lives, whether individually in prayer and devotion or corporately in worship. Are we casual or intentional? Do we recognize the holiness of His presence and respond with awe, humility, and respect? Just as the priests and Levites handled the sacred vessels with utmost care, we are called to steward our spiritual lives and our corporate worship with intentionality, purity, and a deep appreciation for the privilege of God's indwelling presence. This passage encourages us to cultivate a heart that honors God's holiness, seeks His presence above all else, and understands the profound privilege of being His dwelling place.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the transition from a portable Tabernacle to a permanent Temple inform our understanding of God's presence throughout redemptive history, culminating in Christ?**
* **What does the meticulous care taken by the priests and Levites teach us about our own approach to worship and handling sacred things, such as God's Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, serve as a "temple of the Holy Spirit," and what implications does this have for our daily lives, conduct, and interactions with the world?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Tabernacle of the Congregation brought up if the Ark was already in Jerusalem?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant had a separate, more tumultuous journey after its capture by the Philistines and its eventual return to a temporary tent in the City of David under King David ([2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")). However, the main Tabernacle, along with its other holy vessels and components, had been located at the high place in Gibeon ([1 Kings 3:4](/1_kings/3-4 "Solomon Sacrifices at Gibeon"); [2 Chronicles 1:3](/2_chronicles/1-3 "Solomon Goes to Gibeon")). Therefore, [2 Chronicles 5:5](/2_chronicles/5-5 "The Ark and Tabernacle Brought to the Temple") describes the comprehensive act of bringing *both* the Ark (from the City of David) and the Tabernacle with all its remaining vessels (from Gibeon) into the newly completed Temple. This ensured that all elements of the old, portable sanctuary were reverently incorporated or stored within the new, permanent structure, signifying a complete and unified transition in the locus of national worship.

**What was the specific role of the priests and Levites in this procession?**

Answer: The priests and Levites, as divinely appointed and consecrated individuals from the tribe of Levi, held exclusive responsibility for handling the holy objects and performing sacred service according to Mosaic law. The priests (descendants of Aaron) were specifically tasked with carrying the Ark of the Covenant, as stipulated in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Kohathites to Carry the Holy Things"). The Levites, in general, were responsible for the care and transport of the Tabernacle and its vessels ([Numbers 1:50-51](/numbers/1-50-51 "Levites Appointed to the Tabernacle"); [Numbers 3:25-37](/numbers/3-25-37 "Duties of the Gershonites and Merarites")). Their involvement in [2 Chronicles 5:5](/2_chronicles/5-5 "The Ark and Tabernacle Brought to the Temple") underscores the strict adherence to divine protocol and the profound sanctity of the occasion. Their presence ensured that the transfer of these sacred items was performed with the utmost reverence, order, and obedience to God's prescribed commands, emphasizing the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching His presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The bringing of the Ark and Tabernacle into Solomon's Temple in [2 Chronicles 5:5](/2_chronicles/5-5 "The Ark and Tabernacle Brought to the Temple") serves as a profound foreshadowing of God's ultimate dwelling among humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as the Temple became the physical locus of God's presence on earth, Christ is the ultimate embodiment of God's immanence, the true "Tabernacle" where God pitched His tent among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). The Ark, with its mercy seat, symbolized the place of atonement and communion with God; this finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ, who is our propitiation and through whom we gain direct access to the Father ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Christ Our Propitiation"); [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Access to the Father Through Christ")). The permanent nature of the Temple, replacing the temporary Tabernacle, points to the eternal and unshakeable reality of God's presence in Christ, who is "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Immanuel")) forever, and whose kingdom is everlasting. Furthermore, as the priests and Levites brought the holy vessels into the earthly Temple, so Christ, our Great High Priest, has entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption for us ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Christ Our High Priest")). Through His sacrifice and resurrection, believers themselves become the spiritual temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), a living dwelling place for God, fulfilling the ancient longing for God to truly reside among His people ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets")).

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 8:4

And they brought up the ark of the LORD, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that [were] in the tabernacle, even those did the priests and the Levites bring up.

2 Chronicles 1:3

So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that [was] at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.

1 Kings 8:6

And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy [place, even] under the wings of the cherubims.