2 Chronicles 7:9

And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.

And in the eighth {H8066} day {H3117} they made {H6213} a solemn assembly {H6116}: for they kept {H6213} the dedication {H2598} of the altar {H4196} seven {H7651} days {H3117}, and the feast {H2282} seven {H7651} days {H3117}.

On the eighth day they held a solemn assembly, having observed the dedication of the altar for seven days and the festival for seven days.

On the eighth day they held a solemn assembly, for the dedication of the altar had lasted seven days, and the feast seven days more.

And on the eighth day they held a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.

Commentary

Context

This verse marks the grand conclusion of an unprecedented two-week national celebration in ancient Israel, following the dedication of King Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 7:1-8) describe the dramatic moment when fire descended from heaven and the glory of the Lord filled the Temple, signifying God's acceptance of the sanctuary and the sacrifices (2 Chronicles 7:1). The celebration was divided into two distinct, consecutive seven-day periods: first, the dedication of the altar and the Temple itself, and second, the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of Israel's three major annual pilgrimage festivals. Verse 9 then describes the "eighth day," which was a special, concluding assembly after these two weeks of intense worship and festivity.

Key Themes

  • Culmination and Completion: The "eighth day" served as a significant spiritual climax, bringing the extended period of worship and dedication to a formal close. In biblical tradition, the eighth day often symbolizes a new beginning or the culmination of a cycle, moving beyond the temporal week.
  • Joyful Worship and Thanksgiving: The sheer duration of the celebrations—fourteen days of dedication and feasting, followed by this final assembly—underscores the profound joy, gratitude, and devotion of the people and King Solomon for God's manifest presence among them. It was a time of immense national rejoicing.
  • God's Dwelling Among His People: The entire event revolved around the consecration of the Temple, symbolizing God's desire and willingness to dwell among His chosen people. This extensive celebration affirmed the covenant relationship and the centrality of God's presence in Israel's life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "solemn assembly" translates the Hebrew word ‘atseret (עֲצֶרֶת), which literally means "a day of restraint" or "closing assembly." It signifies a special day of cessation from ordinary work, wholly dedicated to worship and spiritual focus. This term is often used for the concluding day of major festivals, such as the Feast of Unleavened Bread or the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing its unique sanctity and the importance of a final, unified gathering before the people dispersed to their homes (Deuteronomy 16:8).

Practical Application

  • Intentional Conclusion: Just as the Israelites had a specific "eighth day" to conclude their grand celebrations, we can learn the value of intentionally concluding significant spiritual milestones or personal achievements with reflection, worship, and gratitude. It provides a sense of closure and reinforces the lessons learned.
  • Sustained Devotion: The two weeks of continuous dedication and feasting remind us that true worship is not merely a fleeting moment but can be a sustained, joyous commitment of our lives to God. It encourages a lifestyle of ongoing devotion rather than sporadic religious acts.
  • Celebrating God's Presence: The core of their celebration was God's willingness to dwell among them in the Temple. For believers today, this points to the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, who "tabernacled" among us, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer (1 Corinthians 6:19). This profound truth calls for continuous celebration and heartfelt gratitude in our lives.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 23:36 (4 votes)

    Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it [is] a solemn assembly; [and] ye shall do no servile work [therein].

  • Joel 1:14 (2 votes)

    ¶ Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders [and] all the inhabitants of the land [into] the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,

  • Deuteronomy 16:8 (2 votes)

    Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day [shall be] a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work [therein].

  • Nehemiah 8:18 (2 votes)

    Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day [was] a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.

  • 1 Kings 8:65 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:23 (2 votes)

    And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept [other] seven days with gladness.