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.

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}.

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].

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.

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.

Historical and Cultural Context

2 Chronicles 7:8 immediately follows the magnificent dedication of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. After the divine fire consumed the burnt offering and the glory of the Lord filled the house (2 Chronicles 7:1), Solomon and the vast congregation of Israel celebrated a great feast. This period marked a high point of Israel's national and spiritual prosperity under King Solomon, fulfilling many of God's promises to David. The feast mentioned here is widely understood to be the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals, which typically lasted seven days and commemorated God's provision during Israel's wilderness wanderings.

Key Themes and Messages

  • National Unity and Worship: The verse emphasizes the immense scale of the gathering – "all Israel with him, a very great congregation." This highlights a moment of profound national unity centered around corporate worship and thanksgiving for God's presence in the newly dedicated Temple. It signifies a collective spiritual experience.
  • Geographical Scope of God's Blessing: The phrase "from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt" vividly describes the full extent of Solomon's kingdom. Hamath was a northern border city, and the River of Egypt (likely Wadi El-Arish) marked the southern boundary. This demonstrates the vastness of the territory under Solomon's peaceful and prosperous rule, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise regarding the boundaries of the promised land.
  • Joyful Celebration and Dedication: The keeping of the feast for seven days signifies a sustained period of joyous celebration and dedication. It was a time to reflect on God's faithfulness, the establishment of His dwelling place among His people, and the blessings bestowed upon the nation.

Linguistic Insights

The term "feast" (Hebrew: חַג, chag) specifically refers to one of the major pilgrim festivals, in this context, almost certainly the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot. This festival involved dwelling in temporary booths or shelters, symbolizing God's protection and provision during the Israelites' wilderness journey. The geographical markers "Hamath" and "the river of Egypt" are crucial for understanding the historical reach of Solomon's kingdom. They are not merely place names but represent the divinely promised and achieved borders of Israel at its zenith under Solomon, a period of unparalleled peace and prosperity.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the importance of corporate worship and communal celebration in faith. Just as ancient Israel gathered to acknowledge God's presence and blessings, believers today are called to gather in unity to worship, give thanks, and remember God's faithfulness. The vastness of the congregation also speaks to the idea of God's family extending far and wide, transcending geographical boundaries. It encourages us to appreciate the blessings of peace and prosperity when they are present, recognizing them as gifts from God, and to celebrate His presence in our midst, whether individually or as a community of faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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