2 Chronicles 8:13

Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, [even] in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.

Even after a certain rate {H1697} every day {H3117}, offering {H5927} according to the commandment {H4687} of Moses {H4872}, on the sabbaths {H7676}, and on the new moons {H2320}, and on the solemn feasts {H4150}, three {H7969} times {H6471} in the year {H8141}, even in the feast {H2282} of unleavened bread {H4682}, and in the feast {H2282} of weeks {H7620}, and in the feast {H2282} of tabernacles {H5521}.

as each day required, offering according to the mitzvah of Moshe on Shabbats, at Rosh-Hodesh and at the designated times three times a year - the festivals of Matzah, Shavu'ot and Sukkot.

He observed the daily requirement for offerings according to the commandment of Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons, and the three annual appointed feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.

even as the duty of every day required, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the set feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 8:13 details King Solomon's meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law concerning the regular offerings and sacred feasts at the newly consecrated Temple in Jerusalem. This verse underscores the systematic and divinely ordained nature of worship in ancient Israel, emphasizing Solomon's commitment to establishing proper religious practices.

Context

This verse comes after Solomon has successfully completed the construction of the Temple and his own royal palace, a monumental undertaking that spanned many years (2 Chronicles 8:1). Having built the physical structure, Solomon now focuses on establishing the spiritual routines within it. He ensures that the worship conducted at the Temple is in strict accordance with the Law given by God through Moses, demonstrating a deep respect for the divine commandments that governed Israel's covenant relationship with the Lord. This period represents a golden age of stability and established worship in Israel.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to Divine Commandment: The phrase "according to the commandment of Moses" is central, highlighting Solomon's dedication to God's revealed will. It emphasizes that true worship is not arbitrary but must align with divine instruction.
  • Systematic Worship: The verse details a structured schedule for offerings: daily, weekly (Sabbaths), monthly (new moons), and annually (solemn feasts). This demonstrates the importance of order, regularity, and consistency in communal worship.
  • The Feasts of the Lord: The mention of the three major annual pilgrimage feasts — the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) — underscores their profound significance in Israelite life. These feasts commemorated pivotal moments in Israel's history and God's ongoing provision, requiring all Israelite males to appear before the Lord at the central sanctuary (Exodus 23:14-17).
  • Continuity of Faith: Solomon's actions reinforce the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, from the Law given at Sinai to the Temple worship established in his time.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "commandment of Moses" (Hebrew: mitzvath Mosheh) directly refers to the comprehensive body of laws and statutes found in the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible). This signifies that Solomon's actions were not based on personal preference or innovation, but on the authoritative, divinely-inspired instructions given to Israel through their great lawgiver. It underscores the concept of divine authority underpinning the sacrificial system and Israel's religious calendar.

Practical Application

While the sacrificial system and specific feasts of the Old Testament have been fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 10:10), 2 Chronicles 8:13 still offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Obedience to God's Word: Just as Solomon diligently followed the Law, believers are called to obey God's commands revealed in Scripture. This includes living by His moral principles and engaging in worship according to His New Covenant instructions.
  • Intentional Worship: The systematic nature of Israelite worship encourages us to be intentional and regular in our own worship and devotion to God, both individually and corporately.
  • Remembering God's Faithfulness: The feasts were a way for Israel to remember God's mighty acts. Similarly, our worship should include remembering God's faithfulness, His provision, and especially the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
  • The Centrality of Christ: All the Old Testament offerings and feasts pointed forward to Jesus. He is our ultimate sacrifice, our Passover Lamb, our Pentecostal Spirit-giver, and the one in whom we find our true dwelling and rest.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 16:16

    Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

  • Exodus 29:38

    ¶ Now this [is that] which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.

  • Exodus 29:42

    [This shall be] a continual burnt offering throughout your generations [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

  • Ezekiel 46:3

    Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before the LORD in the sabbaths and in the new moons.

  • Ezekiel 46:15

    Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meat offering, and the oil, every morning [for] a continual burnt offering.

  • Numbers 28:1

    ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

  • Numbers 28:29

    A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs;
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