2 Chronicles 8:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 8:13 meticulously details King Solomon's unwavering commitment to establishing and maintaining the divinely ordained worship practices at the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. This verse highlights his strict adherence to the Mosaic Law regarding the daily, weekly (Sabbaths), monthly (New Moons), and annual (pilgrimage feasts) sacrificial offerings, underscoring the systematic and comprehensive nature of Israelite worship under his reign and his dedication to God's covenantal instructions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader narrative describing Solomon's extensive building projects, which include not only the magnificent Temple but also his own royal palace, various fortified cities, and store cities, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 8:1-11](/2_chronicles/8-1 "2 Chronicles 8:1-11 - Solomon's Building Projects"). Having completed these monumental architectural endeavors, Solomon's focus shifts from the physical structures to the spiritual operations within them. The preceding verses emphasize the completion of the physical work, and this verse marks the transition to the establishment of the spiritual routine and the proper functioning of the Temple as the center of Israel's worship. It demonstrates that the Temple was not merely an impressive building but a functional place of worship, meticulously managed according to divine precepts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) represents a golden age of prosperity and stability for Israel, following the foundational period of David's kingdom. The construction of the Temple was the fulfillment of David's desire and God's promise, centralizing Israelite worship in Jerusalem. Prior to this, sacrifices were offered at various high places, though the Tabernacle served as the primary sanctuary. With the Temple's completion, Jerusalem became the undisputed religious capital, and the detailed regulations of the Mosaic Law, previously observed in a more itinerant fashion, could now be consistently applied in a permanent, grand sanctuary. The "commandment of Moses" refers to the comprehensive legal and ritual instructions found primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, which governed every aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with God, including their sacrificial system and festival calendar.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several core themes prevalent throughout Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes **Obedience to Divine Commandment**, showcasing Solomon's dedication to God's revealed will as the foundation for legitimate worship, echoing the importance of the Law throughout the Pentateuch, such as in [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - The Chosen Place of Worship"). Secondly, the detailed enumeration of daily, weekly, monthly, and annual offerings highlights **Systematic and Ordered Worship**, demonstrating the importance of regularity and consistency in communal devotion. Thirdly, the specific mention of the three pilgrimage feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles—underscores their profound **Significance in Israel's Covenant Life**, as commanded in texts like [Exodus 23:14-17](/exodus/23-14 "Exodus 23:14-17 - The Three Annual Feasts") and [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - All Males to Appear Before the Lord"). These feasts served as vital commemorations of God's redemptive acts and ongoing provision, fostering national unity and remembrance. Finally, Solomon's actions reinforce the **Continuity of God's Covenant**, demonstrating that the worship established at the Temple was a direct continuation and fulfillment of the divine instructions given at Sinai.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commandment (Hebrew, _mitzvah'_):** This term (מִצְוַת) refers to a divine injunction, a precept, or a command given by God. Its use here, "according to the commandment of Moses," emphasizes that Solomon's actions were not arbitrary or innovative, but were rooted in the authoritative, divinely-revealed instructions given to Israel through Moses. It highlights the foundational principle that Israel's worship and national life were to be governed by God's revealed will, not human discretion. This term underscores the covenantal obligation and the legal framework guiding Israel's relationship with Yahweh.
* **Feasts (Hebrew, _mo'adim'_):** The word (מוֹעֲדִים) literally means "appointed times" or "appointed seasons." It refers to the divinely ordained festivals and sacred assemblies that punctuated the Israelite calendar. These were not merely celebrations but specific times when God commanded His people to gather for worship, remembrance, and fellowship. The mention of the three major annual pilgrimage feasts—Unleavened Bread, Weeks, and Tabernacles—shows the comprehensive nature of Solomon's adherence to the full cycle of Israel's sacred year, ensuring that all covenantal obligations were met.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses,"**: This opening phrase establishes the foundational principle of Solomon's actions: regularity and adherence to divine law. "Every day" points to the daily burnt offerings (the _tamid_ offering) that were a constant feature of Temple worship, symbolizing Israel's perpetual devotion and atonement. The crucial qualifier "according to the commandment of Moses" asserts that these offerings were not Solomon's invention but a direct fulfillment of God's detailed instructions given through Moses, as found in passages like [Numbers 28:3-8](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3-8 - Daily Burnt Offerings").
* **"on the sabbaths, and on the new moons,"**: This expands the scope of regular offerings beyond the daily. The "sabbaths" refer to the weekly day of rest and worship, which required additional offerings beyond the daily ones (cf. [Numbers 28:9-10](/numbers/28-9 "Numbers 28:9-10 - Sabbath Offerings")). "New moons" (the beginning of each month) were also designated times for special communal offerings and celebrations (cf. [Numbers 28:11-15](/numbers/28-11 "Numbers 28:11-15 - New Moon Offerings")). This demonstrates Solomon's commitment to the entire rhythm of the sacred calendar.
* **"and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year,"**: This clause introduces the major annual festivals, emphasizing their significance by stating they occurred "three times in the year." These were the pilgrimage festivals when all Israelite males were commanded to appear before the Lord at the central sanctuary in Jerusalem. This highlights the national and communal aspect of Israelite worship, fostering unity and a shared experience of God's faithfulness.
* **"[even] in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles."**: This specifies the three pilgrimage feasts:
* **Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover):** Commemorated the Exodus from Egypt and God's deliverance (cf. [Leviticus 23:6-8](/leviticus/23-6 "Leviticus 23:6-8 - Feast of Unleavened Bread")).
* **Feast of Weeks (Pentecost):** Celebrated the wheat harvest and, traditionally, the giving of the Law at Sinai (cf. [Leviticus 23:15-21](/leviticus/23-15 "Leviticus 23:15-21 - Feast of Weeks")).
* **Feast of Tabernacles (Booths):** Commemorated Israel's wilderness wanderings and God's provision, also marking the autumn harvest (cf. [Leviticus 23:34-43](/leviticus/23-34 "Leviticus 23:34-43 - Feast of Tabernacles")).
Solomon's meticulous observance of these feasts underscores the comprehensive nature of his obedience and the centrality of these historical-redemptive events in Israel's worship life.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 8:13 is **Enumeration**, where the text systematically lists the various categories of offerings and feasts. This detailed listing ("every day," "sabbaths," "new moons," "solemn feasts," "three times in the year," followed by the specific names of the feasts) serves to emphasize the **Completeness** and **Precision** of Solomon's adherence to the Mosaic Law. It conveys a sense of thoroughness and meticulousness, highlighting that no aspect of the divinely ordained sacrificial calendar was overlooked. This enumeration also creates a rhythmic structure that underscores the cyclical and perpetual nature of the Temple worship. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "according to the commandment of Moses" functions as a form of **Anaphora** (though not strictly at the beginning of clauses, it's a recurring thematic anchor), reinforcing the ultimate authority behind these practices and Solomon's faithful submission to it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Chronicles 8:13 serves as a powerful testament to the principle of ordered worship and obedience to divine revelation. The detailed description of Solomon's adherence to the Mosaic Law's sacrificial calendar underscores the Old Testament emphasis on prescribed worship as a means of maintaining covenant relationship with God. It reflects the understanding that true devotion is not arbitrary but must align with God's revealed will, providing a framework for communal identity and spiritual discipline. This commitment to the Law ensured the continuity of Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, reminding them of His past faithfulness (through the feasts) and their ongoing obligations. The regularity of the offerings—daily, weekly, monthly, and annually—symbolized a perpetual acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, provision, and the need for atonement.

* [Exodus 23:14-17](/exodus/23-14 "Exodus 23:14-17 - The Three Annual Pilgrimage Feasts")
* [Numbers 28:1-31](/numbers/28-1 "Numbers 28:1-31 - Laws for Daily, Sabbath, New Moon, and Festival Offerings")
* [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Command to Appear at the Feasts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's diligent adherence to the Mosaic Law in 2 Chronicles 8:13 provides a profound model for believers today, even as the specific sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ. It calls us to consider the intentionality, regularity, and obedience that should characterize our worship and spiritual lives. Just as Solomon ensured that the Temple functioned according to God's precise instructions, we are called to live and worship in alignment with God's revealed Word in the New Covenant. This means cultivating a disciplined spiritual life, marked by consistent engagement with Scripture, prayer, and corporate worship, not out of mere ritualism but from a heart of love and devotion. The feasts of Israel were designed to help them remember God's mighty acts of salvation; similarly, our worship should be a continuous act of remembering God's faithfulness, His provision, and especially the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Our spiritual disciplines, whether daily devotion, weekly corporate gathering, or annual seasons of reflection (like Advent or Lent), should be intentional practices that draw us closer to God and deepen our understanding of His character and purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's meticulous obedience to God's commands challenge or affirm your own approach to spiritual disciplines and worship?**
* **In what ways can we, as New Covenant believers, cultivate a sense of "daily," "weekly," and "seasonal" intentionality in our walk with God?**
* **What "feasts" or commemorative practices in your life or church help you remember God's faithfulness and mighty acts?**
* **How does the concept of "according to the commandment of Moses" translate into "according to the Word of God" for your personal and corporate worship today?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "three times in the year" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "three times in the year" refers to the three major annual pilgrimage festivals when all Israelite males were commanded to travel to the central sanctuary (first the Tabernacle, then the Temple in Jerusalem) to appear before the Lord. These were: the Feast of Unleavened Bread (which immediately followed Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths). This command is found in [Exodus 23:14-17](/exodus/23-14 "Exodus 23:14-17 - The Three Annual Feasts") and [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Command to Appear Before the Lord"). Their significance was multifaceted: they commemorated pivotal moments in Israel's history (Exodus, harvest, wilderness wandering), fostered national unity and identity, and provided opportunities for communal worship, thanksgiving, and instruction in God's Law. Solomon's adherence to this command demonstrated his commitment to the full scope of Israel's covenant obligations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 8:13 details the meticulous adherence to the Mosaic sacrificial system, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. The daily, weekly, monthly, and annual offerings, along with the solemn feasts, all served as types and shadows pointing forward to the perfect and final sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus is the true and ultimate Passover Lamb, whose blood delivers us from the bondage of sin, fulfilling the [Feast of Unleavened Bread](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as recorded in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"), marks the fulfillment of the [Feast of Weeks](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1 - Feast of Weeks Fulfilled"). Furthermore, Jesus is the true "tabernacle" or dwelling place of God among humanity, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") states, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us," echoing the themes of the Feast of Tabernacles. He is our ultimate rest and dwelling, providing a permanent spiritual home that the temporary booths could only foreshadow. Therefore, Solomon's faithful adherence to the "commandment of Moses" ultimately highlights the necessity of a perfect obedience and a perfect sacrifice, both of which are fully realized in Christ, who, by His one offering, has perfected forever those who are being sanctified ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). The systematic worship of the Old Covenant finds its ultimate purpose and completion in the finished work of Jesus, who is both our High Priest and our sacrifice, making continuous access to God possible not through ritual, but through faith in Him.

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

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;