2 Chronicles 7:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And on the three {H7969} and twentieth {H6242} day {H3117} of the seventh {H7637} month {H2320} he sent {H7971} the people {H5971} away {H7971} into their tents {H168}, glad {H8056} and merry {H2896} in heart {H3820} for the goodness {H2896} that the LORD {H3068} had shewed {H6213} unto David {H1732}, and to Solomon {H8010}, and to Israel {H3478} his people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, on the twenty-third day of the seventh month, he sent the people away to their tents full of joy and glad of heart for all the goodness ADONAI had shown to David, to Shlomo and to Isra'el his people.

Berean Standard Bible

On the twenty-third day of the seventh month, Solomon sent the people away to their homes, joyful and glad of heart for the good things that the LORD had done for David, for Solomon, and for His people Israel.

American Standard Version

And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away unto their tents, joyful and glad of heart for the goodness that Jehovah had showed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 7:10 marks the joyful conclusion of a momentous national assembly in Israel, following the dedication of Solomon's magnificent Temple and the subsequent Feast of Tabernacles. The verse depicts the people's peaceful dispersion from Jerusalem, their hearts overflowing with gladness and contentment, a direct result of experiencing the profound goodness and manifest favor that the LORD had graciously extended to King David, King Solomon, and the entire nation of Israel. This moment encapsulates a deep sense of covenant faithfulness and divine blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the grand finale to a prolonged and spiritually significant period in Israel's history. It immediately follows the culmination of two major observances: the seven-day dedication of the newly constructed Temple and the subsequent seven-day Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which was then followed by an additional eighth day of solemn assembly. The preceding verses detail the awe-inspiring descent of fire from heaven and the filling of the Temple with the glory of the LORD, validating Solomon's prayer and God's acceptance of the sanctuary ([2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - God's Fire and Glory Fill the Temple")). The people's immense sacrifices and heartfelt worship during these two weeks underscore the profound spiritual renewal and national unity experienced. Verse 10, therefore, marks the official conclusion of this extraordinary convocation, sending the people home with hearts full of joy and gratitude.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Temple was arguably the most significant event in Israelite history since the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai. It marked the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, fulfilling a long-held desire and a promise made to David ([2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Promise to David Regarding the Temple")). The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals, a joyous harvest celebration that also commemorated God's faithful provision and protection during Israel's forty years of wilderness wandering, living in temporary shelters ([Leviticus 23:34-43](/leviticus/23-34 "Leviticus 23:34-43 - The Feast of Tabernacles")). The convergence of these two events, culminating in the people's joyful departure, highlights a period of profound national identity, spiritual revival, and the tangible experience of God's covenant faithfulness in a unified kingdom under Solomon.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in this verse is **Divine Goodness and Favor**, explicitly stated as "the goodness that the LORD had shewed." This encompasses God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, empowering Solomon to complete the monumental task of building the Temple, and His manifest presence among His people. This goodness elicits a theme of **Heartfelt Joy and Contentment**, as the people are described as "glad and merry in heart." This is not superficial happiness but a deep, internal satisfaction stemming from their encounter with God's glory and the realization of His promises. Furthermore, the verse underscores **Covenant Fulfillment** and **Corporate Worship and Blessing**, as the entire nation participates in this sacred event, experiencing God's blessing collectively and individually. The successful completion of the Temple and the joyous departure signify the Lord's approval and the flourishing of His people under His benevolent hand, echoing themes found throughout [2 Chronicles 6-7](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6-7 - Solomon's Prayer and God's Response").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **glad (Hebrew, _śāmēaḥ'_):** This verb signifies a state of joy, cheerfulness, or delight. It often denotes an outward expression of happiness, but in this context, paired with "in heart," it emphasizes a deep, internal emotional state. It reflects a profound sense of satisfaction and elation derived from the experience of God's presence and blessing.
* **merry (Hebrew, _ṭôḇ_):** While _ṭôḇ_ primarily means "good," "pleasant," or "favorable," when used in conjunction with _śāmēaḥ_ ("glad"), as it is here, it reinforces the completeness and depth of the joy. It suggests a state of well-being, prosperity, and contentment that contributes to and is inseparable from their gladness.
* **goodness (Hebrew, _ṭôḇ_):** This noun, derived from the same root as "merry," is crucial. It refers to God's benevolent actions, His favor, kindness, and the prosperity or well-being He bestows. It encapsulates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, His provision, and His manifest presence, all of which were the direct cause of the people's profound joy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month":** This precise chronological marker indicates the exact timing of the people's departure. It falls immediately after the conclusion of the 7-day Temple dedication, followed by the 7-day Feast of Tabernacles, and then an additional 8th day of solemn assembly. Thus, the 23rd day of the seventh month marks the end of a remarkable 15-day period of continuous national worship and celebration.
* **"he sent the people away into their tents":** This phrase signifies the formal dispersal of the vast assembly. "Their tents" is a poetic or traditional expression for their homes or dwelling places, indicating a return to their normal lives and localities throughout Israel after this extended pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It marks the successful and peaceful conclusion of the national convocation.
* **"glad and merry in heart":** This describes the profound internal state of the departing multitude. Their joy was not superficial or fleeting, but deeply rooted ("in heart"). It was a genuine and pervasive sense of happiness, contentment, and spiritual satisfaction, reflecting the immense impact of their encounter with God's glory and blessing during the preceding weeks.
* **"for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people":** This final clause provides the explicit reason for their joy. Their gladness stemmed directly from recognizing and experiencing God's benevolent actions and faithfulness. The "goodness" refers to God's covenant keeping with David (establishing his dynasty), His empowering and blessing of Solomon (enabling the Temple's construction and his reign), and His manifest presence and favor extended to the entire nation of Israel. This comprehensive goodness was the wellspring of their collective and individual joy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Culmination** and **Emphasis**. It serves as the climactic conclusion to the entire narrative of the Temple's dedication and the associated feasts, signaling a successful and divinely approved undertaking. The repeated emphasis on the people's emotional state—"glad and merry in heart"—underscores the profound impact of God's presence and actions on them, highlighting a universal and deeply felt joy. The explicit mention of "the goodness that the LORD had shewed" acts as a **Causal Explanation**, directly linking the people's internal state to God's benevolent character and actions, thereby attributing all praise and glory to Him. This causal link reinforces the theological message that true and lasting joy is found in the experience and recognition of God's faithfulness and favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound joy experienced by the people in 2 Chronicles 7:10 is a powerful testament to the truth that genuine gladness flows from an encounter with God's goodness and faithfulness. Their joy was not based on fleeting circumstances but on the tangible manifestation of God's covenant promises to David and Solomon, culminating in His visible presence among them in the newly dedicated Temple. This highlights a foundational biblical principle: when God's people gather in worship, acknowledge His sovereignty, and witness His faithfulness, the natural response is a deep, abiding joy. This joy is a spiritual fruit, a divine gift that permeates the heart and empowers the individual and community to return to their daily lives with gratitude and renewed purpose. It reminds us that God's goodness is the ultimate source of our contentment and celebration, a goodness that transcends generations and extends to all who are called by His name.

* [Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")
* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Psalm 100:2](/psalm/100-2 "Psalm 100:2 - Serve the Lord with Gladness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene described in 2 Chronicles 7:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as the Israelites departed with hearts full of gladness for God's goodness to David, Solomon, and themselves, we are called to cultivate a spirit of remembrance and gratitude for God's faithfulness in our own lives and throughout redemptive history. True joy is not merely an emotion contingent on favorable circumstances but a deep, spiritual contentment rooted in the unchanging character of God and His unfailing love. This verse challenges us to consider what truly brings us joy. Is it the temporary pleasures of the world, or is it the enduring goodness of the LORD? After seasons of corporate worship, personal devotion, or significant spiritual milestones, do we carry that "glad and merry heart" into our daily routines, allowing God's goodness to shape our perspective and interactions? This passage encourages us to depart from our times of worship and spiritual refreshment not just with knowledge, but with an overflow of heartfelt joy that testifies to the world about the magnificent goodness of our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in our personal lives, contribute to our present joy and gratitude?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a "glad and merry heart" that is rooted in God's goodness, even amidst life's challenges and uncertainties?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the communal aspect of worship and its impact on individual and collective spiritual well-being?**
* **As we return to our "tents" (our daily lives) after times of spiritual encounter, how can we ensure that the joy and goodness of the Lord continue to permeate our actions and attitudes?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "three and twentieth day of the seventh month"?**

Answer: This specific date marks the conclusion of an extraordinary 15-day period of national spiritual observance. The narrative in 2 Chronicles 7 indicates that the Temple dedication ceremony lasted for seven days, immediately followed by the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which also lasted for seven days ([2 Chronicles 7:8-9](/2_chronicles/7-8 "2 Chronicles 7:8-9 - Temple Dedication and Feast of Tabernacles")). On the eighth day after the Feast of Tabernacles began (which would be the 22nd day of the seventh month), there was a solemn assembly. Therefore, the "three and twentieth day of the seventh month" was the day following this final assembly, when the people were formally sent home. It signifies the peaceful and blessed end of this monumental convocation.

**Why is it important that their joy was "in heart"?**

Answer: The phrase "glad and merry in heart" emphasizes the genuine, internal, and profound nature of the people's joy. It was not a superficial or transient happiness, but a deep-seated contentment that permeated their innermost being. This indicates that their joy was a spiritual response, stemming from a true encounter with God's manifest presence, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His abundant goodness. It suggests a joy that was not dependent on external circumstances alone, but on the spiritual reality of God's favor and blessing upon David, Solomon, and the entire nation of Israel. This "heartfelt" joy points to a transformed inner state, reflecting the spiritual impact of the Temple dedication and the Feast of Tabernacles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound joy experienced by Israel in 2 Chronicles 7:10, rooted in God's goodness and manifest presence in the Temple, finds its ultimate and enduring fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Temple, though glorious, was a shadow of the true dwelling place of God, which is Christ Himself ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection and the True Temple")). The "goodness that the LORD had shewed" to David, Solomon, and Israel is perfectly and fully embodied in the person and work of Jesus, who is the visible image of the invisible God, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The joy of the Israelites at the Temple's dedication foreshadows the far greater joy of those who encounter God's presence not in a building, but through faith in Christ, who has reconciled us to God. Furthermore, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers become living temples of God, experiencing an abiding "gladness and merriment in heart" that surpasses the Old Testament experience ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit"); [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - God of Hope Fills with Joy")). The ultimate "sending away" for believers is the Great Commission, where we are sent into the world, not just with joy for what God has done for us, but with the joyful message of salvation in Christ, anticipating the eternal joy of His presence in the new heavens and new earth ([1 Peter 1:8-9](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8-9 - Joy inexpressible and full of glory"); [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His 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 8:66

On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.

Deuteronomy 12:7

And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

Acts 16:34

And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

2 Chronicles 30:26

So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel [there was] not the like in Jerusalem.

Psalms 32:11

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart.

Psalms 33:1

¶ Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: [for] praise is comely for the upright.

Deuteronomy 12:12

And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that [is] within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.