2 Chronicles 7:6

And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy [endureth] for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.

And the priests {H3548} waited {H5975} on their offices {H4931}: the Levites {H3881} also with instruments {H3627} of musick {H7892} of the LORD {H3068}, which David {H1732} the king {H4428} had made {H6213} to praise {H3034} the LORD {H3068}, because his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}, when David {H1732} praised {H1984} by their ministry {H3027}; and the priests {H3548} sounded trumpets {H2690}{H2690} before them, and all Israel {H3478} stood {H5975}.

The cohanim stood at their appointed stations, while the L'vi'im used the instruments that David the king had provided for making music to ADONAI in order to "give thanks to ADONAI, for his grace continues forever,"by means of the praises David had composed. Opposite them the cohanim sounded trumpets; and all Isra'el stood up.

The priests stood at their posts, as did the Levites with the musical instruments of the LORD, which King David had made for giving thanks to the LORD and with which David had offered praise, saying, โ€œFor His loving devotion endures forever.โ€ Across from the Levites, the priests sounded trumpets, and all the Israelites were standing.

And the priests stood, according to their offices; the Levites also with instruments of music of Jehovah, which David the king had made to give thanks unto Jehovah (for his lovingkindness endureth for ever), when David praised by their ministry: and the priests sounded trumpets before them; and all Israel stood.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 7:6

This verse is set during the magnificent dedication of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. It follows immediately after the divine fire consumed the sacrifices and the glory of the LORD filled the Temple, causing the people to fall on their faces and worship (2 Chronicles 7:1-3). This passage describes the highly organized and reverent worship led by the priests and Levites, reflecting the culmination of generations of preparation for this sacred event.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Organized and Intentional Worship: The verse highlights the specific roles of the priests ("waited on their offices") and the Levites ("with instruments of musick"), underscoring the meticulous planning and execution of worship in ancient Israel. This structure facilitated a focused and communal expression of devotion.
  • The Power of Music in Worship: Music, particularly that established by King David, played a central role. The instruments were specifically "of the LORD," indicating their sacred purpose and divine approval. This tradition continued under Solomon, emphasizing music as a vital means of praise.
  • Praise for God's Enduring Mercy: The core reason for their praise was that "his mercy endureth for ever." This refrain, common throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 136) and Chronicles (see also 2 Chronicles 5:13), points to the unchanging, steadfast love and faithfulness of God (Hebrew: chesed) as the foundation of their worship and hope.
  • Reverence and Awe: The priests sounding trumpets and "all Israel stood" signifies a moment of profound reverence and unity before the divine presence. Standing often indicated respect, attention, and readiness to receive a divine word or acknowledge God's majesty.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "his mercy endureth for ever" is a direct translation of the Hebrew ki l'olam chasdo (ื›ึผึดื™ ืœึฐืขื•ึนืœึธื ื—ึทืกึฐื“ึผื•ึน). Chasdo refers to God's steadfast love, kindness, and covenant faithfulness, often translated as "mercy." L'olam means "forever" or "to eternity." This powerful declaration emphasizes the eternal and unwavering nature of God's character, providing a constant source of comfort and reason for praise.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for contemporary worship and faith:

  • Intentionality in Worship: Just as the priests and Levites were organized, our worship, whether corporate or individual, benefits from intentionality and preparation.
  • The Role of Music: Music remains a powerful medium for expressing praise and connecting with God. We can learn from the Levites to use our talents to glorify Him.
  • Focus on God's Character: Anchoring our praise in God's unchanging attributes, particularly His mercy and steadfast love, provides a deep and enduring foundation for our faith, even amidst life's challenges.
  • Reverence in God's Presence: The posture of "all Israel stood" reminds us of the awe and respect due to God. Approaching Him with reverence enhances our worship experience and acknowledges His holiness.
  • Legacy of Faith: David's foresight in organizing temple music highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and passing on a legacy of worship to future generations.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 5:12 (5 votes)

    Also the Levites [which were] the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, [being] arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)

  • 2 Chronicles 7:3 (3 votes)

    And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:16 (3 votes)

    And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren [to be] the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 (3 votes)

    And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.

  • Psalms 106:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:24 (2 votes)

    And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah [were] doorkeepers for the ark.

  • Psalms 118:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: because his mercy [endureth] for ever.