2 Chronicles 7:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also at the same time {H6256} Solomon {H8010} kept {H6213} the feast {H2282} seven {H7651} days {H3117}, and all Israel {H3478} with him, a very {H3966} great {H1419} congregation {H6951}, from the entering in {H935} of Hamath {H2574} unto the river {H5158} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Shlomo celebrated the festival at that time for seven days, together with all Isra'el, an enormous gathering; [they had come all the way] from the entrance of Hamat to the Vadi [of Egypt].

Berean Standard Bible

So at that time Solomon and all Israel with him—a very great assembly of people from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt—kept the feast for seven days.

American Standard Version

So Solomon held the feast at that time seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath unto the brook of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the awe-inspiring dedication of the Temple, where divine fire descended and the glory of the Lord filled the sanctuary, King Solomon orchestrated a profound national celebration. This verse describes a vast assembly of all Israel, united in a seven-day feast, likely the Feast of Tabernacles, spanning the entire breadth of the kingdom from its northernmost reach at Hamath to its southern border at the River of Egypt. It represents a pinnacle of national unity, spiritual fervor, and the tangible manifestation of God's covenant blessings upon His people during Solomon's reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic climax of the Temple dedication in [2 Chronicles 7:1-7](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1-7 - God's Fire and Glory Fill the Temple"). After Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"), God responds by sending fire from heaven to consume the burnt offering and sacrifices, and His glory fills the newly constructed Temple, preventing the priests from entering. This divine affirmation signals God's acceptance of the Temple as His dwelling place among His people. Verse 8, therefore, marks the beginning of the celebratory period, a joyous national response to God's manifest presence and covenant faithfulness, serving as the culmination of the dedication ceremonies and a transition into the subsequent daily administration of the Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event described in [2 Chronicles 7:8](/2_chronicles/7-8 "2 Chronicles 7:8 - Solomon's Feast of Dedication") occurs during the golden age of Israel under King Solomon, a period characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and the fulfillment of many of God's promises to David concerning his dynasty and the extent of the kingdom. The "feast" mentioned is widely identified as the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals mandated by the Mosaic Law (cf. [Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33 "Leviticus 23:33-43 - The Feast of Tabernacles")). This seven-day festival, observed in the seventh month, commemorated God's faithful provision and protection during Israel's forty years in the wilderness, when they dwelt in temporary shelters. It was also a harvest festival, a time of great rejoicing and thanksgiving for the year's bounty. The geographical markers, "from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt," define the ideal boundaries of the Promised Land as promised to Abraham (cf. [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham and Land Boundaries")) and later reiterated (cf. [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - Borders of the Promised Land")). Hamath, in northern Syria, and the River of Egypt (likely Wadi El-Arish, not the Nile) represented the northern and southern extremities of the territory over which Solomon held sway, signifying the kingdom's zenith.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **National Unity and Corporate Worship**. The phrase "all Israel with him, a very great congregation" emphasizes a rare moment of profound cohesion and shared spiritual experience, where the entire nation gathers to worship and celebrate God's presence. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Blessing and Covenant Fulfillment**. The vast geographical reach of the participants, "from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt," vividly illustrates the extent of Solomon's kingdom, showcasing the fulfillment of God's ancient promises regarding the land's boundaries and the prosperity of His people under a righteous king (cf. [1 Kings 4:21](/1_kings/4-21 "1 Kings 4:21 - Solomon's Reign and Dominion")). Finally, the verse conveys a theme of **Joyful Celebration and Thanksgiving**. The keeping of the feast for seven days, following the miraculous display of God's glory, signifies a sustained period of national rejoicing, reflecting the deep gratitude and spiritual elation of a people who have witnessed God's faithfulness and the establishment of His dwelling place among them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feast (Hebrew, חַג, _chag'_):** This term specifically denotes one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals in ancient Israel (Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles), during which all Israelite males were commanded to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem. In this context, given the timing of the Temple dedication in the seventh month and the duration of seven days, it almost certainly refers to Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. This festival involved dwelling in temporary booths or shelters, symbolizing God's protective presence and provision during the wilderness wanderings, and was characterized by immense joy and thanksgiving for the harvest.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, קָהָל, _qahal'_):** This word refers to an assembly or gathering, often with a religious or national significance. In this verse, "a very great congregation" (_qahal gadol me'od_) emphasizes the unprecedented scale and breadth of the gathering, signifying not just a crowd, but the entire assembled people of God, united in purpose and worship. It highlights the collective identity and spiritual solidarity of Israel at this climactic moment.
* **Hamath (חֲמָת, _Hamath'_) / River of Egypt (נַהַר מִצְרַיִם, _nahar Mitzrayim'_):** These are crucial geographical markers that delineate the ideal, divinely promised boundaries of the land of Israel. "The entering in of Hamath" refers to the pass leading into the territory of Hamath, a city-state in northern Syria, representing the northernmost extent. "The River of Egypt" is generally identified as Wadi El-Arish, a seasonal riverbed marking the southwestern border of Canaan, distinct from the Nile. Together, these terms encapsulate the full territorial promise made to Abraham, indicating that Solomon's kingdom, at this time, had reached its divinely ordained and most expansive state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days":** This clause firmly places the celebration immediately after the Temple dedication, emphasizing its connection to that momentous event. "Kept the feast" (literally "made a feast") indicates Solomon's active role in orchestrating this national observance. The "seven days" specifies the duration, consistent with the length of the Feast of Tabernacles, a period of sustained rejoicing and thanksgiving.
* **"and all Israel with him, a very great congregation":** This highlights the unprecedented unity and scale of the gathering. "All Israel" signifies the entire nation, transcending tribal or regional divisions, coming together under Solomon's leadership. "A very great congregation" underscores the immense number of people present, emphasizing the widespread participation and the profound impact of the Temple dedication on the national consciousness.
* **"from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt":** This phrase geographically defines the vast extent from which the participants hailed. It is a merism, representing the entire breadth of the Israelite kingdom, from its northernmost reaches to its southernmost border. This not only illustrates the logistical feat of gathering such a multitude but also symbolically affirms the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the boundaries of the land, signifying a time of unparalleled peace and dominion for Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Merism** is prominently featured in the phrase "from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt," where two extreme geographical points are named to represent the entire intervening territory. This device effectively communicates the comprehensive scope of the kingdom and the national unity achieved under Solomon. The description of the gathering as "a very great congregation" utilizes **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration for emphasis, to impress upon the reader the immense scale and widespread participation in this unprecedented celebration. Furthermore, the "feast" itself functions as **Symbolism**, particularly if understood as the Feast of Tabernacles. It symbolizes God's enduring provision and protection for His people, their dwelling with Him, and the joy of harvest, all of which are amplified by the recent manifestation of God's glory in the Temple.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The celebration described in [2 Chronicles 7:8](/2_chronicles/7-8 "2 Chronicles 7:8 - Solomon's Feast of Dedication") stands as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of corporate worship. It portrays a nation united in thanksgiving and joy, responding to God's manifest presence and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. This grand assembly, spanning the entire breadth of the kingdom, underscores the theological truth that God desires a people who gather in unity to acknowledge His sovereignty, celebrate His blessings, and dedicate themselves to Him. It is a moment where the spiritual and political realities of Israel converge, demonstrating the divine ideal of a nation living in harmony with God's will, experiencing the peace and prosperity that flow from His favor. The sheer scale of the gathering foreshadows the ultimate, global ingathering of God's people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.

* [Deuteronomy 16:13-15](/deuteronomy/16-13 "Deuteronomy 16:13-15 - Instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles")
* [1 Kings 8:65](/1_kings/8-65 "1 Kings 8:65 - Solomon's Feast of Dedication")
* [Psalm 122:1-4](/psalms/122-1 "Psalm 122:1-4 - A Song of Ascent for Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in [2 Chronicles 7:8](/2_chronicles/7-8 "2 Chronicles 7:8 - Solomon's Feast of Dedication") offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us of the profound joy and spiritual power found in corporate worship and communal celebration. Just as ancient Israel gathered from across their vast land to acknowledge God's presence and blessings, so too are believers called to assemble, transcending individual preferences and geographical distances, to worship, give thanks, and remember God's faithfulness. This verse challenges us to consider the depth of our own participation in the life of the believing community. It's a call to unity, recognizing that our individual faith is strengthened and our collective witness amplified when we come together as "a very great congregation" to celebrate God's work among us. The peace and prosperity enjoyed by Israel under Solomon, symbolized by the kingdom's vastness, also serve as a reminder to appreciate God's blessings in our lives, recognizing them as gifts from His hand, and to celebrate His presence in our midst, whether in times of abundance or scarcity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does communal worship deepen our individual faith and sense of belonging within the body of Christ?**
* **What "feasts" or celebrations of God's faithfulness do we observe today, and how can we make them more meaningful?**
* **In what ways can we foster greater unity and a sense of "all Israel" within our local and global Christian communities?**
* **How does the vastness of Israel's gathering point to God's ultimate global redemptive plan for all peoples?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "Feast" mentioned in this verse, and why was it celebrated for seven days?**

Answer: The "feast" mentioned in [2 Chronicles 7:8](/2_chronicles/7-8 "2 Chronicles 7:8 - Solomon's Feast of Dedication") is widely understood to be the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot (cf. [Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33 "Leviticus 23:33-43 - The Feast of Tabernacles")). This was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals when all Israelite males were commanded to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem. Its significance was multifaceted:
1. **Commemoration of Wilderness Wanderings:** It reminded the Israelites of God's faithful provision and protection during their forty years in the wilderness, when they lived in temporary shelters or "booths" (sukkot). This historical remembrance fostered humility and dependence on God.
2. **Harvest Festival:** It was also a joyous thanksgiving for the ingathering of the year's harvest, particularly the grape and olive harvest. This aspect emphasized God's blessing and provision for their sustenance.
3. **Divine Presence and Joy:** Following the dramatic dedication of the Temple and the descent of God's glory (cf. [2 Chronicles 7:1](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1 - God's Glory Fills the Temple")), celebrating Sukkot for seven days was a natural and prescribed response of immense national rejoicing and spiritual fervor. The seven-day duration was a specific command for this feast, allowing for a sustained period of worship, sacrifice, and communal celebration, reinforcing the nation's covenant relationship with God and His dwelling among them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The magnificent celebration in [2 Chronicles 7:8](/2_chronicles/7-8 "2 Chronicles 7:8 - Solomon's Feast of Dedication"), with "all Israel" gathered in unity to celebrate God's presence in the newly dedicated Temple, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate reality found in Christ. The Temple, as God's dwelling place among His people, finds its truest fulfillment in Jesus, for He is the [Word made flesh, who tabernacled among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Just as the Feast of Tabernacles commemorated God's provision and presence in the wilderness, Christ is our ultimate provision, the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [living water](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus, the Living Water"). The vast "congregation" of Israel, spanning the geographical breadth of the promised land, points forward to the global, unified body of Christ, the Church, which is now the [spiritual temple](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone") built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. The joyful unity and celebration of God's dwelling among His people in Solomon's day anticipate the eternal feast of the Lamb (cf. [Revelation 19:6-9](/revelation/19-6 "Revelation 19:6-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where a "great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages" (cf. [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation")) will gather in perfect unity, celebrating the presence of God and the Lamb forever. Thus, this Old Testament high point of national unity and divine blessing finds its ultimate and expansive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who gathers all peoples into His eternal kingdom.

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

Genesis 15:18

In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

1 Kings 8:65

And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, [even] fourteen days.

Numbers 34:5

And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea.

Numbers 34:8

From mount Hor ye shall point out [your border] unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings forth of the border shall be to Zedad:

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 23:43

That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God.

Amos 6:14

But, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, O house of Israel, saith the LORD the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness.