Thus all the work that Solomon did for Yahweh’s house was finished. Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, even the silver, the gold, and all the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of God’s house.
Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers’ households of the children of Israel, to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of Yahweh’s covenant out of David’s city, which is Zion. So all the men of Israel assembled themselves to the king at the feast, which was in the seventh month. All the elders of Israel came. The Levites took up the ark; and they brought up the ark, the Tent of Meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the Tent; these the Levitical priests brought up. King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who were assembled to him, were before the ark, sacrificing sheep and cattle that could not be counted or numbered for multitude. The priests brought in the ark of Yahweh’s covenant to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim. For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and its poles above. The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the ark in front of the inner sanctuary; but they were not seen outside; and it is there to this day. There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets which Moses put at Horeb, when Yahweh made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.
When the priests had come out of the holy place (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves, and didn’t keep their divisions; also the Levites who were the singers, all of them, even Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and their brothers, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them one hundred twenty priests sounding with trumpets);
when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking Yahweh; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised Yahweh, saying, “For he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever!” then the house was filled with a cloud, even Yahweh’s house,
so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for Yahweh’s glory filled God’s house.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 13 Read 2 Sam. 6:12.
Read 2 Sam. 6:12.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 2Ch 5:1 Thus all the work that Solomon made…
2Ch 5:1 Thus all the work that Solomon made for the house of the LORD was finished: and Solomon brought in [all] the things that David his father had dedicated; and the silver, and the gold, and all the instruments, put he among the treasures of the house of God.
Ver. 1. Thus all the work.] See 1Ki 7:51.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 9, 11 Or, even (as that particle is oft understood) the…
Or, even (as that particle is oft understood) the silver and the gold, the remainder of those vast sums mentioned 1Ch 22:14.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On vv1, 11 This agrees with what we had Kg1 8:2, etc.,…
This agrees with what we had Kg1 8:2, etc., where an account was given of the solemn introduction of the ark into the new-erected temple. 1. There needed no great solemnity for the bringing in of the dedicated things, Ch2 5:1. They added to the wealth, and perhaps were so disposed as to add to the beauty of it; but they could not add to the holiness, for it was the temple that sanctified the gold, Mat 23:17. See how just Solomon was both to God and to his father. Whatever David had dedicated to God, however much he might have liked it himself, he would by no means alienate it, but put it among the treasures of the temple. Those children that would inherit their godly parents' blessing must religiously pursue their pious intentions and not defeat them. When Solomon had made all the vessels of the temple in abundance (Ch2 4:18), many of the materials were left, which he would not convert to any other use, but laid up in the treasury for a time of need. Dedicated things must not be alienated. It is sacrilege to do it. 2. But it was fit that the ark should be brought in with great solemnity; and so it was. All the other vessels were made new, and larger, in proportion to the house, than they had been in the tabernacle. But the ark, with the mercy-seat and the cherubim, was the same; for the presence and the grace of God are the same in little assemblies that they are in large ones, in the poor condition of the church that they are in its prosperous estate. Wherever two or three are gathered together in Christ's name there is he as truly present with them as if there were 2000 or 3000. The ark was brought in attended by a very great assembly of the elders of Israel, who came to grace and solemnity; and a very sumptuous appearance no doubt they made, Ch2 5:2-4. It was carried by the priests (Ch2 5:7), brought into the most holy place, and put under the wings of the great cherubim which Solomon had set up there, Ch2 5:7, Ch2 5:8. There they are unto this day (Ch2 5:9), not the day when this book was written after the captivity, but when that was written out of which this story was transcribed. Or they were there (so it might be read) unto this day, the day of Jerusalem's desolations, that fatal day, Psa 137:7. The ark was a type of Christ, and, as such, a token of the presence of God. That gracious promise, Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world, does in effect bring the ark into our religious assemblies if we by faith and prayer put that promise in suit; and this we should be most solicitous and earnest for. Lord, if thy presence go not up with us, wherefore should we go up? The temple itself, if Christ leave it, is a desolate place, Mat 23:38. 3. With the ark they brought up the tabernacle and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, Ch2 5:5. Those were not alienated, because they had been dedicated to God, were not altered or melted down for the new work, though there was no need of them; but they were carefully laid up as monuments of antiquity, and probably as many of the vessels as were fit for use were still used. 4. This was done with great joy. They kept a holy feast upon the occasion (Ch2 5:3), and sacrificed sheep and oxen without number, Ch2 5:6. Note, (1.) The establishment of the public worship of God according to his institution, and with the tokens of his presence, is, and ought to be, matter of great joy to any people. (2.) When Christ is formed in a soul, the law written in the heart, the ark of the covenant settled there, so that it becomes the temple of the Holy Ghost, there is true satisfaction in that soul. (3.) Whatever we have the comfort of we must, by the sacrifice of praise, give God the glory of, and not be straitened therein; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. If God favour us with his presence, we must honour him with our services, the best we have.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On v1 See Chapter Introduction
See Chapter Introduction
Next: 2 Chronicles Chapter 6
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv1, 5, 9, 11, 14 Solomon brings the dedicated treasures into the house, and…
Solomon brings the dedicated treasures into the house, and the ark into the sanctuary, ver. 1-10. While the priests and Levites sing praise, the glory of God fills the house, ver. 11-14.
The gold - The remainder of those vast sums mentioned, 1 Chron. xxii, 14.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv1, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Solomon having finished the temple, brings in the things…
CHAPTER V
Solomon having finished the temple, brings in the things which
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his father had consecrated, 1.
He assembles the elders and chiefs of Israel and the Levites,
in order to bring up the ark from the city of David, 2, 3.
They bring it and its vessels; and having offered innumerable
sacrifices, place it in the temple, under the wings of the
cherubim, 4-10.
The Levites, singers, and trumpeters praise God; and his glory
descends and fills the house, so that the priests cannot stand
to minister, 11-14.
NOTES ON CHAP. V
Verse 1. Brought in all the things] 1Kg 7:51.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v1 Solomon brings the dedicated treasures into the house, and…
A.M. 2999. — B.C. 1005.
Solomon brings the dedicated treasures into the house, and the ark into the sanctuary, 2Ch 5:1-10. While the priests and Levites sing praise, the glory of God fills the house, 2Ch 5:11-14.
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NOTES ON CHAPTER 5.
2Ch 5:1-2. Solomon brought in all the things that David his father had dedicated — What remained of the things that David had provided, Solomon would not employ to his own use, but laid them up in the treasures of the temple. And the silver and the gold — The remainder of those vast sums, mentioned 1Ch 22:14. Solomon assembled the elders of Israel — Of this and the following verses, see notes on 1Ki 8:1, &c.
2Ch 5:5. They brought up the ark — The ark was a type of Christ, and a token of the presence of God. That gracious promise, Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world, does in effect bring the ark into our religious assemblies, if we claim it by faith and prayer. And this we should be earnest for: the temple itself, if Christ leave it, is a desolate place. These did the priests bring in, &c. — As many of them as were fit for use, it is probable, were still used. The rest were carefully laid up, as monuments of antiquity.
2Ch 5:9. There it is unto this day — When these records were first written, not when they were reviewed and copied by Ezra: for neither the ark nor the staves were seen or remained after the captivity.
2Ch 5:11. The priests did not then wait by course — According to David’s appointment, (1Ch 24:25.,) which was only for the ordinary service: but in extraordinary solemnities, such as this, they all came together.
2Ch 5:13. To make one sound — They sung and sounded their trumpets all so exactly in time, and in the same note, that it seemed but as one sound. For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever — Probably they sung the whole of Psalms 136., which begins thus, O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, &c., &c.; every verse of which ends with, For his mercy endureth for ever. The house was filled with a cloud — That is, with such a cloud as had formerly been in the most holy place of the tabernacle, and was the token of the gracious presence and blessing of the Divine Majesty among them.
2Ch 5:14. The priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud — This wonderful cloud of the divine glory was a grand distinguishing particular between the Jews and other nations, and an indubitable testimony that God did indeed reveal himself to them, and took them under his protection and care. Other nations had temples dedicated to their gods; but the records of none of them signify, or give any the least intimation, that there was ever any such appearance among them publicly, or in the sight of all the people, as this which is here spoken of, and represented as a convincing token that God was among them, accepted their offerings, and took possession of the house which they had erected for his service. The glory of the Lord had filled the house — And this beautified it more than all the gold with which it was overlaid, or the precious stones with which it was garnished. Yet even that was no glory, in comparison of the glory of the gospel dispensation.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv1, 4, 9, 13 This chapter contains one important addition only to the…
This chapter contains one important addition only to the narrative of Kings (see the marginal references); namely, the account of the circumstances under which the manifestation of the Divine Presence took place 2Ch 5:11-13.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 God, under the care of Selemith. See 1 Paralipomenon…
God, under the care of Selemith. See 1 Paralipomenon xxvi. 26. (Calmet)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv2, 9, 11, 12, 13 BRINGING UP OF THE ARK OF THE COVENANT. (Ch2…
BRINGING UP OF THE ARK OF THE COVENANT. (Ch2 5:2-13)
Then Solomon assembled . . . in the feast which was in the seventh month--The feast of the dedication of the temple was on the eighth day of that month. This is related, word for word, the same as in Kg1 8:1-10.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Ch. 2Ch_5:1. David his father had dedicated] Cp. 1Ch_18:11.…
Ch. 2Ch_5:1. David his father had dedicated] Cp. 1Ch_18:11. all the instruments] R.V. all the vessels.
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 (1) Thus.—And. This verse is identical with 1Ki_7:51. (The…
V.
(1) Thus.—And. This verse is identical with 1Ki_7:51. (The chronicler has made three slight corrections of the older text.)
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Brought in all the things . . . dedicated.—Brought in the holy (or hallowed) things of David his father. (Comp. 1Ch_18:11; 1Ch_26:26-28.)
The implements.—Or, vessels. The word all is omitted by some MSS., and by the LXX., Syriac, and Arabic. “The holy things of David” are identical with “the silver and the gold and the vessels.”
THE DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE (2Ch_5:2 to 2Ch_7:22).
1. 2Ch_5:2-14.
NATIONAL CEREMONY OF THE TRANSFER OF THE ARK INTO THE TEMPLE.
(Comp. 1Ki_8:1-11.)
The chapter is an almost literal duplicate of the parallel text. The desire to explain and abridge accounts for such variations as are not due to the transcribers.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 The first verse of this chapter would have stood…
The first verse of this chapter would have stood more fitly as the last verse of the previous chapter. The narrative, that began with the preparations for building the temple, and proceeded to the account of the building itself, and the making of the various needed vessels, (2Ch 3:1-5:1) now goes on to recall and recount the dedication, (2Ch 5:2-7:10) enriching the parallel ( (1Ki_7:51 1Ki_8:1-12) by our vers. 11 (partly), 12, and 13 an enriching addition not by any means of insignificant interest. Its colouring is rich, indeed, and its sound the sound of true music.
The things that David had dedicated; literally, Hebrew, the holy things; i.e. the dedicate or set apart things of David. The temple-building, which had been commenced in Solomon"s fourth year, had occupied seven years in construction, (1Ki_6:1) but another thirteen years in furnishing. (1Ki_9:1, 1Ki_9:2) The record of Chronicles is, of course, in some respects somewhat more sketchy than that of Kings; and the correct view of the chronology has in both writers to be sought and read between the lines. It was when the house and "all the work designed for the house of the Lord was finished," that (ver. 2) "Solomon assembled the elders," etc., and arranged for the solemn dedication; that is, when four years of his reign, and seven years of building and thirteen years of furnishing, etc., had elapsed.
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Vers. 1-14.
The first worship in the finished temple.
The homiletic matter of this chapter may be said to be one. For we are, in fact, brought face to face with the central interest the mystic presence, and veiled glory of the tabernacle or temple, in connection with the outer worship the whole form of the outer worship of the Church visible of God"s ancient people. This central interest means the ark the ark of the covenant; the ark, with its two Divine autograph tables of stone; the ark, with the mercy-seat upon it, and its overshadowing guardian cherubim. This ark is now to be installed in the place of long "rest long, though indeed it ought to have been so much longer. We may notice
I In the first place, THE SOLEMN, SEDULOUS CARE with which "the king, and all the heads of the tribes, and the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel," drawing upon their chastened memories of former error, neglect, irreverence, and consequent disastrous punishment, brought up from the city of David, even Zion, that ark by the hands and under the strict escort of its proper conservers, viz. "the priests, the Levites.
II That the occasion was one observed and celebrated with UNTOLD, UNNUMBERED SACRIFICES.
III Looking into the real significance of the ark, so far as we can determine it, we are called to notice the TREMENDOUS SANCTION implied in THE COVENANT. The heads of a complete moral law for all the world, world without end, are surely what is to be understood to be written, in the handwriting of God, graven on those tables. The covenant of mercy rests, and is based upon, these "observed and done." From the moment that the dawning impossibility of observing these takes any shape (however dim to the merely self-trustful and self-confident), the prefigured form of the cross, however dim it also be, begins to take shape. There are countless sacrifices "before the king, before the ark they are all speaking the "of necessity" (Heb_8:3) that arises out of the significance of that ark, or rather of that which is embodied in it. No wonder, then, that its ordained symbolizing of the Divine presence should be so mysterious, so deep, yet ever, as a fact, so reverently asserted and fenced. It is within the veil; it is in the most holy place; it is unseen, unvisited except "once a year;" the cloud of awe and of glory, of darkness and of radiancy, is its visitant; it is the consecrate site of the Shechinah, before which a marvelling and adoring people wait, gaze, bow down, "as seeing the invisible" One!
IV Lastly, THE DEEP SATISFACTION that results to the Church of God from a genuinely deep impression of his presence abiding in and with it. It was when the full chorus of adoring praise and joyful devotion, because of "the Lord and the ark of his strength having arisen into their, (Psa_132:8) resounded with leaping tumult of holy gladness, that "the cloud filled the house," and that "the glory of the Lord filled the house." All this was but the sensible projecting, for the earlier Church, of the greater spiritual facts and realities with which the Church of modem day is well acquainted, although it ought to be so much better acquainted with them than it is.
HOMILIES BY W. CLARKSON Ver. 1.
Conclusion.
all the work that Solomon made was finished." Better is the end of some things than the beginning, though there are other things in which the beginning is better than the end. It is matters of achievement in which the end is so honourable and so desirable.
I IT IS GROUND FOR CONGRATULATION. We may congratulate ourselves and receive the felicitation of our friends that we have been spared long enough in health and strength; that we have had patience to endure all the vexations, skill and determination to surmount all the difficulties, resolution to proceed in spite of all the disappointments that we have been called to confront; that we have had the steadfastness of soul that enabled us to pursue our aim until the goal was reached and the work was done. The path of human life is strewn with failures, with abortive attempts to do what was unattainable, with half-built towers which those who began but were unable to finish; (Luk_14:28-30) well will it be for us if those who shall speak or write of us are able to record that we finished what we took in hand. Persistency is a characteristic to be carefully cultivated, and to be exemplified all through our life.
II IT IS AN OCCASION FOR THANKFULNESS.
1. That we have been able to conclude any work on which we have set ourheart, if it be a right and worthy ambition we have cherished, is reason enough for gratitude to God. For all bodily health, all mental faculty, all moral vigour and capacity, have come ultimately from him.
2. And if we have been able to do something that will last, we have especial reason for thankfulness. What better thing can we hope for or deserve than that we should be the means of effecting that which will be speaking and working when our tongue is silent and our hand is still in death? We should bless our God with peculiar fervour that he has thus employed us; that, through his grace and power resting upon us and our endeavour, we have so wrought that, when we are dead, we shall still be speaking; (Heb_11:4) that, perhaps, long years and even generations after we have been forgotten, the work we did will be imparting a blessing to the children of men, to heal, to comfort, to enlighten, to renew.
III IT MAY BE A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION. When Solomon finished the building of the temple he had many years to reign; there was abundance of strength and energy remaining in him to begin and finish other works. And if we are rightly affected by what we have wrought, we shall not say, "I have accomplished something; I will now take my ease and spend my time in enjoyment." On the contrary, we shall say, "I have proved that it is in my power to do one good thing for my Master and my fellow-men; I will commence another. I will still further trust the kindness of my heavenly Father, and draw upon his resources with which to labour and to persevere, until the end again crowns the work." So the conclusion of one solid achievement will be an inspiration to begin another, as it has been in very many instances in the lives of the good and true. C.
Ver. 1 (latter part).
Dedication, permitted and desired.
We have here
I THE DEDICATION WHICH GOD PERMITTED. God did not allow David to build the temple, because he had been "a man of war, and had shed blood"; (1Ch_28:3) it was fitting that the house of the Lord, the "God of peace," should be built by a sovereign whose very name spoke of peace, and whose reign was pacific. But God permitted David to dedicate to the service of the temple the spoils he had taken in war. It was, apparently, those spoils which he had taken from Syria, Moab, Ammon, etc., after his successful battles, that he "dedicated unto the Lord," which Solomon now "brought in". (see 2Sa_8:9-12) But they do not seem to have had the higher honour of being used in the services of the temple; they were stored "among the treasures of the house," only to be occasionally brought out and admired. Some things there were which might not, on any conditions whatever, be accepted as offerings to the Lord. But these spoils were taken in wars which were honourably conducted, and which at that time, in that twilight of history, were fought out with a perfectly clear conscience; they might, therefore, be dedicated to the Lord, and "put among the treasures" of the temple. We may be right in carrying our trophies and depositing them in our churches and cathedrals, but it is only by a gracious Divine permission that we can dedicate to him that which has been wrested from our brother"s hands by violence. This is the lowest, the least precious and acceptable form which our dedication of substance can take. We must look about for that which is worthier of ourselves, more consonant with the peaceable and spiritual economy under which we live, more pleasing in the sight of the Lord of love.
II THE DEDICATION WHICH GOD DESIRES. There are three things which our God not only allows us to dedicate to himself, but desires that we should do so.
1. Of the products of our peaceful industry. These may be in kind, as they were, very largely, under Judaism the creatures taken from flocks and herds, or the produce of the field and garden; as they still are in semicivilized communities, in islands recently reclaimed from idolatry and barbarism. Or they may be in current coin, in money. There is no precept requiring Christian men to devote a particular proportion of their earnings to the cause of Christ and man. But they are at liberty to do so; and if they do this, freely, conscientiously, and in the spirit of gratitude and attachment to the Person and the kingdom of their Lord, they do that which will be acceptable to him a source of continual sacred satisfaction to themselves, and a material contribution to the welfare of others.
1. Of the culture of our faculties. We may dedicate to the cause of Jesus Christ generally, and to the service of the house of the Lord particularly,
2. the trained power and skill we have acquired in music and sacred song, in oratory and persuasiveness, in architecture and ornamentation. But it may be said, speaking more broadly, that our God is desiring and demanding of us the dedication:
3. Of ourselves and our whole life. Our will, that it may be subjected to his will; our heart, that its affection may be yielded to our Divine Friend; our understanding, that our mental powers may be exercised for the glory of his Name and the furtherance of his kingdom; our days and hours, that they may all be spent consciously in his presence, and continuously in his service and honour. This is the true dedication; and the little child that thus dedicates its powers and days to the service of its Saviour may be doing more for God than the royal king setting apart golden vessels to be "put among the treasures" of the sanctuary. C.
HOMILIES BY T. WHITELAW Vers. 1-14.
The dedication of the temple: 1. The bringing-in of the ark.
I THE PREPARATION FOR THE CEREMONY. (Vers. 1-4.)
1. The completion of the temple furniture. The manufacture of the various articles having been described in the preceding chapter, it is here briefly recorded that the whole work which Solomon made for the house of the Lord was finished a happy illustration of the proverb, "Better is the end of a thing," etc.. (Ecc_7:8) The work, difficult and varied as well as laborious and costly, had been carried to a successful termination, Of how few human undertakings can this be affirmed!
2. The placing in the temple of the dedicated treasures. These were the gold, silver, and brass David had taken from the nations he conquered; the spolia opima he had piously consecrated to Jehovah, to be used for sacred purposes (2Sa_8:7-12; 1Ch_18:7-11) So immense had been the quantity of precious metal prepared beforehand by David for the house of the Lord, (1Ch_22:14 1Ch_22:16) that it had not been all used. What remained after the temple and its utensils had been constructed was brought into the sacred edifice and lodged among the treasures of the house of God, probably in one or more of the side chambers of the building. An act of filial piety on the part of Solomon thus to respect the will and purpose of his deceased father, who had designated, not a part merely, but the whole of the just-mentioned wealth to the service of Jehovah, it was also an example of strict conscientiousness on the monarch"s part to abstain from either appropriating the surplus wealth to himself or employing it for civil purposes. The money, given by David to Jehovah, was Jehovah"s and not Solomon"s. Having been meant for the service of Jehovah, it was not free to be diverted to other ends and uses. Hence it was solemnly laid up among the treasures of the house of God.
3. The selection of a date for the ceremony. The time fixed was the Feast of Tabernacles, which commenced on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, called Ethanim in Hebrew, but in Aramaic Tisri. This was one of the three principal religious festivals of the Jews. (Exo_23:14, Exo_23:17) Intended to commemorate the birth-night of Israel as a nation, (Lev_23:33-43) and the goodness of Jehovah to his people year by year in giving them rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, (Deu_16:13-15) it was a period of special and intense rejoicing. Commonly esteemed the greatest feast of the three, it was sometimes spoken of as "the feast", (2Ch_7:8, 2Ch_7:9) was usually attended by large numbers of the people, and "was kept by the Hebrews as a most holy and most eminent feast" (Josephus, "Ant.," 8:4. 1). It was thus peculiarly appropriate for the dedication of the temple, in the successful erection of which God"s goodness to the nation had culminated. In this light, doubtless, it was regarded by Solomon, who observed it "splendidly and magnificently" (Josephus, "Ant.," 8:4. 5), protracting it for twice seven days, instead of eight as the Law enjoined, and himself feasting together with his people before the temple. From a statement in 1Ki_9:1, 1Ki_9:2, that Jehovah appeared to Solomon in answer to his prayer of dedication only after the erection of his palace, it has been inferred (Thenins, Keil) that the dedication did not take place till thirteen years after the temple was finished; but this, to say the least, is far from probable. Another unlikely suggestion is that the Feast of Tabernacles referred to was that of the eleventh year, i.e. of the year in which the temple was finished (Ewald, Bertheau); but as the building was not ended till the eighth month of that, (1Ki_6:38) the dedication must in this case have taken place before the structure was completed. The best conjecture is that the date was the Feast of Tabernacles in the following year (Bahr), which would allow sufficient time for all necessary arrangements, in particular for the step to be next mentioned.
4. The assembling of the peoples representatives in Jerusalem. As the transportation of the ark from the city of David to Mount Moriah and its permanent settlement in the temple was designed to be a national act, it was requisite that the people"s official heads should be convened for that purpose. Accordingly, the king issued orders that on the day fixed for the momentous ceremonial, the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the following year, "the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel," should meet with him in the capital. In answer to the royal summons, "all the elders of Israel came," "from the entering in of Hamath," the northern boundary of Palestine, "unto the river of Egypt," its southern frontier. Few spectacles are more impressive or becoming than that of a monarch and his people co-operating in works that aim at the good of the commonwealth, and especially at the advancement of true religion in the land.
II THE STEPS IN THE CEREMONY. (Vers. 5-13.)
1. The fetching of the ark from the city of David to the temple. This was done by such of the Levites as were also priests, (vers. 5, 7; cf. 1Ki_8:3) to whom on high occasions the duty belonged; (Jos_3:6 Jos_6:6) though, while the Church was in the wilderness, the task of bearing about the sanctuary from station to station devolved upon the sons of Kohath, who at the same time were charged not to touch any holy thing lest they should die. (Num_4:15) In David"s day also, when the ark was brought from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David, the work of carrying the sacred symbol was performed by the priests and Levites. (1Ch_16:1-15) Now, when it required to be removed to its permanent resting-place on Mount Moriah, the same religious officers were deputed to the honourable service of uplifting and bearing it along. The city of David, the original Jebusite fortress, (2Sa_5:7) lay upon Mount Zion, on the opposite side of the Tyropcean valley from that on which the temple stood, the distance being probably about three quarters of a mile. While one detachment of priests and Levites proceeded to Mount Zion in search of the ark, it is probable that another went to Gibeon for the old Mosaic tabernacle which still stood in that ancient city, upon which Solomon had offered sacrifice in the beginning of his reign, (1Ch_1:3) and which it was now desirable to fetch into one place with the ark. The two companies, it may be imagined, arranged to meet at the temple gate the one with the ark of the covenant, to be established in the holy of holies between the cherubim; the other with the sanctuary or tabernacle of the congregation, with its sacred vessels, to be laid up in one or other of the already mentioned side chambers of the house.
2. The offering of sacrifice before the ark in the temple court. Before the sacred chest passed out of sight and into its sunless retreat within the veil, this ceremony presided over by the sovereign, was carried through by another company of priests, and in presence of "all the congregation of Israel." The sheep and oxen laid upon the altar could not be told for multitude. The First Book of Kings and Josephus mention that the king sacrificed twenty-two thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. In any case, the offering was munificent, and corresponded to the magnificence of the occasion. The monarch probably felt that Jehovah"s grace to himself and his people demanded generous acknowledgment. Cf. David"s offerings on bringing the ark to Mount Zion (2Sa_6:6, 2Sa_6:18) and Josiah"s on a similar occasion. (2Ch_35:7)
3. The placing of the ark in the holy of holies. While the blood of the sacrificial victims was flowing in the outer court, the priests at a given signal once more uplifted the symbol of Jehovah"s presence, and, advancing with it towards the dwelling, passed in through the holy place, entering the inner shrine and reverently setting it between the wings of the colossal cherubim there erected. So immense were these figures that their wings overshadowed both the ark and its staves. It is probable that the staves were in the long side of the ark (Josephus, "Ant.," 3:6.5), and that this ran from north to south of the holy of holies. As, moreover, the staves were designed to be inseparable from the ark, (Exo_25:15) they were not removed, but merely drawn out, perhaps two in each direction; or they were so long (Revised Version), i.e. extended so far in each direction, that their ends might be seen by one standing in the doorway or immediately in front of the oracle, but not by one who stood without or at a distance in the holy place. Thus located, the ark remained in its shrine until the temple was destroyed. The phrase, "unto this day" (cf. (2Ch_9:21 2Ch 12:19; 2Ki_8:22) need only signify that the Chronicler used a manuscript composed before the destruction of Jerusalem, and deemed it unnecessary to alter words which were accurate enough from the standpoint of the original writer. Whether the ark was at any time borne before the Israelitish armies to battle, as in the days of Samuel, (1Sa_4:4) cannot be determined; but it seems to have been removed from its place in the days of Manasseh, as it underwent a kind of second consecration at the hands of Josiah, who, in the eighteenth year of his reign, replaced it in the temple with imposing ceremonies. (see 2Ch_35:3) In Solomon"s time the ark contained nothing but the two tables of stone, which Moses put therein at Horeb. There is no reason to suppose it ever contained aught else, the golden pot and Aaron"s (Heb_9:4) having been originally appointed to be laid up before the Lord, (Exo_16:33) and before the testimony, (Num_16:10) not necessarily inside the ark.
4. The giving of thanks before the altar. On emerging from the holy place into the court, the priests united with the rest of their brethren, and the Levites who were singers, in raising an anthem of praise to Jehovah, who had enabled them to carry forward their work to a successful termination. The whole body of the priesthood were present, the divisional arrangements made by David, (1Ch_24:3) by which they waited in turns, having been suspended, and the entire force consecrated for the occasion. The Levites, marshalled according to their families, the Asaphites on the right, the Hemanites in the centre, the Jeduthites on the left, each with their sons and brethren, were arrayed in byssus, or white linen a dress not prescribed by the Law for the singers, but not forbidden (Bertheau) and furnished with cymbals, trumpets, and other instruments of music. (cf. 1Ch_25:1) The priests, a hundred and twenty in number, and the Levitical singers, probably two hundred and eighty-eight, (1Ch_25:7) standing on the east of the great altar of burnt offering, while the trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments discoursed what was meant to be melodious music with one voice, praised and thanked the Lord, saying, "For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." Cf. the jubilation of David on fetching the ark from the house of Obed-edom. (1Ch_15:28)
III THE CONCLUSION OF THE CEREMONY. (Vers. 13, 14.) "The house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord;" and again, "the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God;" concerning which may be noted:
1. What this was. The notion that this was the smoke-cloud from the offerings on the brazen altar, which swept into the holy place as the priests emerged (Bertheau), is untenable. The phenomenon which now occurred was manifestly the same which had taken place on the completion of the tabernacle. (Exo_40:34) The cloud was not the "bright and streaming cloud" called by the rabbins the Shechinah (Thenius), nor was the "glory of the Lord" the same thing as the "cloud" (Bahr); but the "glory of the Lord" was the beaming radiance of fire, (Exo_24:16) the resplendent appearance of light with which, as a heavenly Being, Jehovah is surrounded; (Exo_3:2 Exo_13:21) the "cloud" was the robe of darkness in which that "glory" was wrapped, and by which it was veiled from mortal (Exo_19:9, Exo_19:16; Lev_16:2)
2. What it signified.
(1) That Jehovah graciously accepted the finished structure which had been laboriously prepared for his dwelling, as formerly he had accepted the tabernacle at the hands of Moses and his contemporaries, (Exo_40:34) and as he still accepts at the hands of his believing people their works of faith and labours of love. (Heb_6:10)
(2) That God would condescend to establish in it his presence, as of old he had done in the tabernacle, and as afterwards he would do in the temple of Christ"s humanity, (Joh_1:14) yea, as he still does in hearts that open to receive him. (2Co_6:16)
(3) That God would considerately accommodate the manifestations of himself to the feebleness and imperfection of his worshippers, then as in the days of Moses, coming to them in a cloud as he did to the Church in the wilderness, as in the fulness of the times he came to men in the Person of his Son, with glory veiled and majesty concealed, and as he still reveals himself to his worshippers, according to the measure of their capacities, (Eph_4:7) and in every instance "through a glass, darkly". (1Co_13:12)
3. When it happened.
(1) When the priests had come out of the holy place. "This is the way of giving possession. All must come out, that the rightful Owner may come in. Would we have God dwell in our hearts? We must leave room for him, let everything else give way" (Henry).
(2) When the priests and Levites had arranged themselves at the east end of the altar. The choice of this as their situation, probably dictated by local convenience, was nevertheless significant. It symbolized that only on the basis of sacrifice, or through the mediation of atoning blood, could either men come to God or God approach to men. (Heb_9:7, 22 10:19)
(3) When the whole company were of one mind. This also an indispensable preliminary to either Church or individual receiving a Divine visitation. The Church of Pentecost was of one accord when it obtained the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Act_1:14 Act_2:1) Being pre-eminently the God of peace (Rom_15:33; 2Co_13:11; 1Th_5:23; Heb_13:20) and having called his people to peace, (1Co_7:15) God cannot dwell either in the midst of communities (sacred or civil) that are torn by strife and marred by faction, or in the hearts of individuals that are distracted by care or divided by worldliness.
(4) Whilst the anthem was ascending. At the moment the trumpeters and singers were engaged in thanking and praising God for his goodness and mercy. That showed the proper attitude of soul for all true worshippers, and in particular for such as are expectant of favours. Faith in the Divine existence and Divine goodness there must be, (Heb_11:6) but gratitude for past mercies is no less indispensable. (Php_4:6)
4. How it operated. "The priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud" (cf. (2Ch_7:2) It inspired them with awe, filled them with such fear as became sinful creatures in the presence of a holy and a jealous God (Exo_40:35; Lev_16:2; Deu_4:24) Thus it symbolized the reverence that ought to characterize all who venture before him, whether in the public or private exercises of religion (Psa_33:8 Psa_89:7; Heb_12:28; 1Pe_1:17) Christ"s disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration feared when they entered into the cloud. (Luk_9:34) Then it hindered their ministrations in the holy place. In this respect it served as an emblem of the dark dispensation under which they lived, (2Co_3:13, 2Co_3:14) in comparison with which that of the New Testament is a dispensation of light, as well as of those obstructions arising from imperfect knowledge (1Co_13:12) which still hamper the worship of believers in the heavenly places of the Christian Church.
Learn:
1. The importance of order in all things connected with religion. (1Co_14:40)
2. The settlement of religious ordinances in a country a true occasion ofjoy.
3. The high place assigned to music, vocal and instrumental, in Divineworship. (Eph_5:19)
4. The highest theme of praise for either Church or saint the goodnessand grace of God.
5. The true glory of land and people, of state and Church the indwellingin both of the Divine glory. W. (Psa_85:9)
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv1, 2, 12 Thus all the work that Solomon made for the…
2Ch_5:1
Thus all the work that Solomon made for the house of the Lord was finished.
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Dedicated things
I. David before his death dedicated certain treasures to God.
II. Solomon most scrupulous in carrying out his fathers wish.
III. Solomons example worthy of our imitation. (J. Wolfendale.)
The joy of the finished work
I. The accomplishment of finished work is the cause of joy.
II. The power to accomplish this work should be ascribed to God.
III. Hence in every undertaking we should ask for gods direction. (J. Wolfendale)
Things that are never finished
There are some buildings that are never finished. We never finish our life-building; the life-temple goes up evermore--let every man take heed how he buildeth. Do not suppose that you can finish your education. In the higher education you only finish that you may begin; you close one book as a pledge of your qualification to open another. How, as boys at school, we used to be discouraged by this process of advancement! Having closed the arithmetic, who was willing with his whole heart to open his algebra? Many persons could have comfortably left school without beginning it at all. But there is always a higher aspect of things to apprehend and apply. The table ends at twelve times twelve, but not multiplication. So we can never finish reading the Word of God. Solomon could finish his temple, but he could not finish the written record; it never ends, or it ends as the days end. How do the days close? To begin again. Each day the sun says as he westers in the golden clouds, not Farewell, but only Goodbye: we meet again presently; meanwhile, sleep well! So with the Bible; when we have read it we want to read it. You can never finish love. If you can finish it, you never began it. Love grows. There are some persons who have run out of that passion and sunk into earthliness and coldness. Then they never knew the inspiration of love. (J. Parker, D.D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v1 CRITICAL NOTES.] Removal of the ark (2Ch_5:1-10) is followed…
CRITICAL NOTES.] Removal of the ark (2Ch_5:1-10) is followed by visible token of God’s favour (2Ch_5:11-14) (cf. 1Ki_8:1-11), an addition to narrative in Kings, is the account of the circumstances under which the manifestation took place.
2Ch_5:1-10.—The ark removed. Dedicated (1Ch_22:14; 1Ch_26:26). 2Ch_5:2. Assembled, the elders in the feast of tabernacles, which began on 15th of Ethanim, the seventh month (1Ki_8:2). The closing festival of the sacred year. 2Ch_5:4. Levites, such as were priests, whose office in particular to bear ark (1Ki_8:3). 2Ch_5:5. Tabernacle brought from Gibeon (2Ch_1:3). 2Ch_5:6. Sacrificed through the priests. Told, counted (1Ki_8:5). 2Ch_5:7. Wings, those which met in the middle of the room. 2Ch_5:8. Covered, shaded. 2Ch_5:9. Drew out, intimating that the ark was not to be moved again. They rested in the outer wings, so made a barrier. This day, i.e., the time this history was written. After Babylonish captivity, no trace of ark or staves. 2Ch_5:10. Nothing. Hence tables of the law put into the ark by Moses (Deu_10:5) existed in time of Solomon.
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2Ch_5:11-14.—God’s glory manifested. Priests without regard to courses; all priests at hand took part in ceremony. 2Ch_5:12. Singers, full choir required on solemn occasions like this; all twenty-four choirs combined in while linen (cf. 1Ch_15:27), with instruments proper for the Levites, and trumpets for priests (cf. Num_10:8; 1Ch_15:24; 1Ch_16:6; 2Ch_7:6; 2Ch_13:12-14). 2Ch_5:13. One. The performance arranged as one whole. The song of praise usual refrain (1Ch_16:34; Psalms 136). Cloud as in erection of tabernacle (Exo_40:34), the symbol of Divine presence, too dazzling for them to officiate.
HOMILETICS
DEDICATED THINGS.—2Ch_5:1
This incident worthy of note, something to be commended, thought the writer. The treasures of David carefully stored into the chambers of the temple.
I. David before his death dedicated certain treasures to God. With toil, self-sacrifice, and entire devotedness, David collected materials. “In my trouble I have prepared, &c.” (1Ch_22:14). His spoils and property consecrated to the highest uses. The gold of the heathen may enrich the coffers of the Son of God.
II. Solomon most scrupulous in carrying out his father’s wish. He might have taken them for the expenses of his house and government. As executor he willingly appropriated all to its lawful use. Nothing was alienated. The will was felt to bind and fulfilled. Frequently the wishes of pious parents are evaded by worldly-minded relatives. The manner important and specific. Thus (2Ch_5:1; cf. 1Ki_8:51, so ended, &c.)—
1. Resolving to secure the blessing by fulfilling the conditions.
2. Anxious to bestow upon the people the best blessings.
3. Continuing the work until completely finished.
III. Solomon’s example worthy of our imitation. Treasures we can give—hearts, personal efforts, contributions and attendance, obedience to the Divine will, and prayer for the Divine presence.
THE REMOVAL OF THE ARK.—2Ch_5:2-10
Along with holy vessels, needful to bring in the ark, the most precious furniture. The occasion one of great interest and solemnity.
I. The time of its removal.
1. Remarkable in itself. The building finished in the month Bul (November), eighth of the year, eleventh of Solomon’s reign (B.C. 1005–4), having occupied workmen seven years and a half (1Ki_6:1; 1Ki_6:37-38). Dedication began in seventh month of the year Ethanim (October), not the same year in which completed. Intervening eleven months spent in getting ready; delay to choose fit time when Jerusalem would be filled with people. Feast of Tabernacles most suitable season to dedicate temple.
2. Remarkable in its influence. “The magnitude of the event is marked by the fact that now, for the first time since the exodus, we have the years and months recorded” [Stanley]. Events often fix dates in life. “I have shewed thee new things from this time.”
II. The method of its removal. Similar to the ceremony of removing from house of Obededom to Zion (2Sa_6:12; 1Ch_15:25).
1. Representatives of the nation summoned to take part. Heads of tribes, chiefs of the fathers, senators, judges, and rulers.
2. Vast spectators met together. “All the men of Israel assembled themselves” (2Ch_5:3). Not only chief men, those invited, but vast numbers of common people to watch the ceremony.
3. An orderly procession was formed. The king, preceded by his royal guard (1Ki_14:27-28), took the lead; elders of the people followed; then came the Levites bearing the ark. This procession was joined by another on Mount Zion from lofty height of Gibeon, “bearing with it the relics of the old pastoral worship, now to be disused for ever” (2Ch_5:5). Levite choirs sang joyous psalms (the Psalms of Degrees 120–124), in solemn steps, accompanied with cymbals, psalteries, harps, and trumpets. Up the hill the procession went, and in nearing Moriah they would sing, “Arise, O Lord, into Thy resting-place, Thou and the ark of Thy strength.”
III. The ceremonies which accompanied its removal. Everything fit for a great and solemn event like this.
1. Innumerable sacrifices offered. Stationed in different places, priests offered “sheep and oxen which could not be numbered for multitude” (2Ch_5:6). “The ground was moist with drink-offerings and sacrifices,” says Josephus.
2. Priests attended in a body. This an extraordinary occasion, more than wonted solemnity. All priests came up from all parts of Judæa to take part. “All the priests that were present (found) were sanctified and did not then wait by course” (2Ch_5:11).
3. Musicians orderly arranged. The station of priests with instruments at marble table on the south-west of the altar apart from others. Levite singers occupied an orchestra east of the altar. Both stood with their faces to the altar. The new and gentler notes of David’s music blended with the loud trumpet blast of earlier days in praising God, “for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.”
IV. The solemn deposit in its resting-place. Brought into its place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims (1Ki_8:6). “There it is unto this day” (2Ch_5:9).
1. Its public inspection. “Before the ark disappeared for the last time from the eyes of the people, the awful reverence which had kept any inquisitive eyes from prying into the secrets of that sacred chest gave way before the united feelings of necessity and of irresistible curiosity. The ancient lid formed by the cherubs was to be removed; and a new one without them was to be substituted, to fit it for its new abode. It was taken off, and in so doing the interior of t ark was seen by Israelite eyes for the first time for more than four centuries, perhaps the last time for ever” [Stanley].
2. Its careful seclusion. Put into “the place of its rest” (Psa_132:8-14), in token that its wanderings were over—that God had given rest to the Levites and privilege to minister in fixed service; a final pledge of God’s presence with his people in their new capital. God present in religious assemblies. “Lo, I am with you always.”
THE JOY OF FINISHED WORK
I. The accomplishment of a good work is the cause of joy. The building of the first and second temple, the establishment of national government and the acquisition of national liberty, the rearing of great monuments and the opening of places of worship, &c.
1. Joy to the builder. Solomon rejoiced that no accident delayed, that no providence prevented the erection of the temple.
2. Joy to the nation. The people rejoiced; all classes represented, and shared in the consecration. Sacrifice and cymbal; king, princes, and people united in praise to God, “who keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him.”
II. The power to accomplish this work should be ascribed to God. Not to the skill of the architect, the labour of the builders, the wealth of the contributors, but to God. Genius to invent, material, gold, and silver, to give all from him. We return simply what we receive. “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”
III. Hence, in every great undertaking we should ask for God’s direction. In building ask for a site, materials, and workmen, for time to finish, and privilege to consecrate. “All the works of this pattern,” only from the Divine Architect. If enterprises, social and national, succeed, wisdom from above must guide. In building a family and a business, if the foundations be laid in oppression (Hab_2:11-12), and the materials be gathered and put together in pride and forgetfulness of God, the erection may fall, and great may be the fall. The best-laid project fails unless God crown it with success. “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
THE TEMPLE CHOIR.—2Ch_5:12-13
A full choir on this occasion. Levites, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, their proper instruments; and priests with trumpets.
I. Music a revelation from God. Music of a certain kind in nature—“the notes of birds,” “the music of the spheres,” &c. But sounds not music until reduced to scale; not a hymn of praise until formed by the mind of man, taught by the help of God, to awaken emotions. “There is no fuller revelation of God in nature than is found in these laws of sound, by which he comes into the very heart of man, even to its inmost recesses of love and adoration; and it requires only a sensitive, child-like heart to interpret this speechless music locked within nature as the voice of God pleading to be let out into music, and praise through the heart of man, for so only can his works praise him” [Munger].
II. Music as a science to cultivate. Materials and laws of music in nature must be reduced to harmony, and made the vehicle of thought and feeling. Musicians described as workmen, a guild of sacred minstrels who labour and study to perfect their art (1Ch_25:1).
1. Some may lead. Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthem “set over service of song.” Leaders required to train and conduct.
2. All may learn. Voice given to cultivate. Members of the choir and the congregation may practise singing. All should feel that sacred music pleads for better use and nobler exercise.
III. Music consecrated to its highest use in the worship of God. The temple the great school of music, which was consecrated to worship of Jehovah, hence “songs of the temple” (Amo_8:3). Nothing calls for music like religion. It may be left out of other departments of life, but religious worship would suffer without music. Where praise is repressed for the sake of the sermon the service will become dull and unprofitable. Cease to sing, and men will forget to assemble. Music takes to itself the noblest instruments, attunes and inspires the greatest composers, and becomes the expression of the greatest reverence, adoration, and praise in the house of God. The heart has lost its sadness, atheists have wept, and men been brought to God under the influence of song. “Both young men and maidens, old men and children, let them praise the name of the Lord.”
THE CLOUD FILLING THE TEMPLE.—2Ch_5:11-14
I. As a confirmation of acceptance. By this God approved of Solomon’s work, honoured the ark and accepted the temple. Priests drew back in holy dread. Sinful man cannot approach the glory of God, who is like a consuming fire. But God condescends to meet him, to hear prayer and restore to friendship.
II. As a distinguishing feature of the Jewish from other nations. Heathen nations had temples, but gods without glory. No manifestation like that of Jehovah ever seen by them. This cloud a striking testimony that God took the nation under His care and protection. The glory, stability, and attractive force of any people is to have God with them. “For what nation is there so great who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?”
III. As a symbol of permanent habitation. After the dedication the visible sign withdrawn, but God constantly dwelt in the temple. Only driven out when polluted by manifold idolatry (Eze_10:4-18). His return in the Messiah greater than in the magnificence of temple.
IV. A consecrating element in all sacred buildings. Not until the glory fills the Christian church, the human heart, and the plans of life, will they become fit for God. “Let this be a lesson to all church builders. Your painted windows, and gilded columns, and majestic roofs are nothing until the living Spirit comes into the sanctuary, fills it with an illuminating presence. The house is built for God, and until God comes it is but a structure of calculated matter; when he comes every stone glows and every corner of the house becomes a sacred refuge, and the whole temple becomes as it were a part of heaven” [Dr. Parker].
HOMILETIC HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS
2Ch_5:2. Bring up the ark. Why this display and ceremony?
1. The ark the chief thing in the temple. The temple without the ark like the Church without a Bible, the universe without a sun.
2. The ark in the temple significant of God’s desire to be reconciled to man, to dwell with his people and not be separated from them.
3. The temple, therefore, nothing until consecrated by the ark. The same with aspects and departments of human life. Men, places, and abilities nothing until utilised for good. How many empty places and unfulfilled plans and prophecies of life!
2Ch_5:9. There it is. Things that remain.
1. Sin and misery remain—cannot be ignored or explained away.
2. Redemption in Christ remains—may be enjoyed and offered to all.
3. Religious ordinances remain—the Bible, the Sabbath, and privileges of God’s house. There they are, lodged with us, tokens of God’s favour and presence committed unto us to enjoy and commend to others (2Ti_1:13-14).
2Ch_5:12-13. Singers.
1. In beautiful attire. “Arrayed in white linen”—the symbol of purity, beauty, and splendour. “White is everywhere,” says one, “the livery and colour of heaven.”
2. With various instruments. Stringed and unstringed, all forms and all ministries, may be employed in God’s service.
3. With marvellous unison. All the twenty-four choirs combined into one grand choir. Singing and playing arranged to form one whole, “to make one sound” in praising the Lord. Such strains fit type of heaven and of the everlasting life of glorified spirits. A life of melody, love, and order in themselves. A life in harmony with each other and with God.
4. The theme of their song. The goodness and mercy of the Lord. “He is good, for his mercy endureth for ever.” The song of the redeemed in heaven.
2Ch_5:13. The cloud.
1. A type of Old Testament dispensation. Rites and ceremonies, types and shadows. “He made darkness his secret place.”
2. The present mode of viewing God. Can only know and see God through a cloud “darkly.” The clearest conceptions dark; the greatest capacity limited. None can find out God by searching. “The symbol clearly implies a revelation of divine glory, as it is seen, not in the unveiled brightness of heaven, but in the glorious cloud of mystery, through which it must always be seen on earth, and which indeed is all that the eye of man can bear to contemplate. Out of that glory comes the only revelation which can be destined to man—the voice or word of the Lord (Deu_4:12)” [Ellicott’s O. T. Com.].
ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER 5
2Ch_5:1. Finished. There are some buildings that are never finished. We never finish our life building; the life temple goes up evermore. Let every man take heed how he buildeth. Do not suppose that you finish your education. In the higher education you only finish that you may begin; you close one book as a pledge of your qualification to open another. There is always a higher aspect of things to apprehend and apply [Dr. Parker].
2Ch_5:12-13. Singers and harps. Theology and music unite and move on, hand in hand, through time, and will continue eternally to illustrate, embellish, enforce, impress, and fix in the attentive mind the grand and important truths of Christianity [Andrew Law, “Essay on Music”]. Man did not make the laws of music; he has only found them out, and if he be self-willed and break them, there is an end of music instantly; all he brings out is discord and ugly sounds [Chas. Kingsley].
“God is its author and not man; he laid
The key-note of all harmonies; he plann’d
All perfect combinations; and he made
Us so that we could hear and understand.”
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
J. R. Dummelow 1909 · Public Domain On v1 The removal of the Ark to the Temple
The removal of the Ark to the Temple
This chapter is a repetition of 1Ki_8:1-9, with additional particulars respecting the descent of the glory of the Lord.
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4. The Levites.. the ark] The mention of 'the Levites' in this connexion is more in accordance with the requirements of the Law than the statement of 1Ki_8:3 that the 'priests' took up the ark.
9. From the ark] better (as in the LXX) 'from the Holy Place': cp. 1Ki_8:8. Unto this day] The Chronicler, like the compiler of Kings, retains the expression of the original writer, who lived before the destruction of the Temple.
11. Did not.. course] On this occasion all the priests (and not a single course only) had sanctified themselves to officiate.
12. At the east end] i.e. facing westward, towards the Temple building.
J. R. Dummelow, A Commentary on the Holy Bible (Macmillan, 1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 13 Then Solomon
Then Solomon
(See Scofield "1Ki 8:1").
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Arno C. Gaebelein 1922 · Public Domain On v1 3. The Dedication of the Temple
3. The Dedication of the Temple
CHAPTER 5 The Ark Brought in the Temple
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1. The completion of the temple (2Ch 5:1)
2. The assembly called by Solomon (2Ch 5:2-3)
3. The ark carried to its place (2Ch 5:4-9)
4. The contents of the ark (2Ch 5:10)
5. The praise and the glory (2Ch 5:11-14)
The reader will find the comments on the dedication of the temple in the book of Kings (1 Kings 8). Verses 11-13 are not given in the record of the first book of Kings. The Levites exercised their holy office. What a sight it must have been when Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun in the lead with their sons and brethren, all clothed in white linen, with cymbals, psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding the trumpets! And they were as one, to make one sound. It expresses the unity of God’s people. The one supreme thought and aim was to praise and thank the Lord. This was the one mind in which they all were as one. Then the mighty volume of many voices, the sound of the trumpets, cymbals and instruments of music broke forth. The one note in praise was “He is good; for His mercy endureth forever.” When the foundation of the second house was laid this praise was again uttered (Ezr 3:11). It must be remembered that David in his great prophetic psalm of praise ended with this note of praise “O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever.... Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD” (1Ch 16:34-36). In Psalm 136 we find twenty-six times “His mercy endureth.” How rich was that mercy towards Israel! He had graciously guided and kept them. He brought them into the land and all their enemies had been subdued. The house had been built and all had been accomplished. And greater mercy is for Israel in the future. He will regather them. All their enemies will be silenced. Another house will once more stand in Jerusalem and the covenant-promise made to David will be completely realized in the enthronement of the coming King upon the hill of Zion (Psalm 2). What praises His redeemed and restored people will then utter, when the Lord has been gracious to His people and to His land! (Psa 65:1; Psa 147:12) The scene here at the dedication of the temple foreshadows the future praise of Israel in the Kingdom which our Lord will bring and establish when He comes again.
And when this mighty praise ascended to Jehovah, when they made but one sound, heaven answered. The house was filled with the cloud. The visible symbol presence of Jehovah had come, as it came at the consecration of the tabernacle (Exo 40:34-35). “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me” (Psa 50:23). “As an holy priesthood we are to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1Pe 2:5). “By him therefore let us offer praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name” (Heb 13:15). And if Israel had but one thought and made but one sound, how much more should we, His heavenly people, enjoying greater riches and a greater nearness than Israel ever had, be of one mind in praising His name!
Arno C. Gaebelein, The Annotated Bible (1913–1922) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On vv1, 11 The Ark Brought to the most Holy Place
The Ark Brought to the most Holy Place
v. 1. Thus all the work that Solomon made for the house of the Lord was finished, 1Ki 7:51. And Solomon brought in all the things that David, his father, had dedicated, all the free-will offerings which David had consecrated to Jehovah, 1Ch 22:14-16; 1Ch 29:3-4; and the silver and the gold and all the instruments, the vessels used in the worship of the Temple, put he among the treasures of the house of God.
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v. 2. Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the hereditary princes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, as representatives of the entire nation, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord out of the City of David, which is Zion. David’s Tabernacle, where the ark had temporarily been placed, was near his palace, and from this place it was now transported to the heights of Mount Moriah, to its resting-place in the Most Holy Place of the Temple.
v. 3. Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast, which was in the seventh month, just before the Feast of Tabernacles.
v. 4. And all the elders of Israel came; and the Levites, priests of the tribe of Levi, took up the ark.
v. 5. And they brought up the ark and the Tabernacle of the Congregation, the latter being borne by the Levites proper, as usual, to be preserved in one of the chambers of the Temple as a sacred relic, and all the holy vessels that were in the Tabernacle; these did the priests and the Levites bring up.
v. 6. Also King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, as it was being transported to its place in the Temple on that great eighth of Ethanim, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude, no attempt being made to keep an exact account.
v. 7. And the priests brought in the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord unto his place, to the Oracle of the house, into the Most Holy Place, even under the wings of the cherubim, which had been placed there for that purpose, 2Ch 3:10-13;
v. 8. for the cherubim spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and the staves thereof above, their height of ten cubits causing them to tower above the ark with its mercy-seat.
v. 9. And they drew out the staves of the ark, those inserted in rings at its corners to carry it with, that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the Oracle; but they were not seen without, 1Ki 8:8. And there it is unto this day, namely, at the time this account was written, as used by the chronicler.
v. 10. There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt, Deu 10:2-5. All this solemnity was not a mere outward ceremony, but an expression of the deepest conviction of the heart, as it should actuate all believers at all times.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 13 When all the work that Solomon did for the…
When all the work that Solomon did for the house of Yahweh was completed, Solomon brought
The readers should understand that Solomon probably commanded other people to do the actual work. This can be stated in active form. AT: "When Solomon's workers completed all of the work for the house of Yahweh, they brought" (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)
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treasuries
storerooms, rooms where things are kept or stored
translationWords
works
Solomon
house of God
David
ancestor
set apart
silver
gold
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11 5:1 This verse concludes the section on Temple furnishings,…
5:1 This verse concludes the section on Temple furnishings, following 1 Kgs 7:51 almost verbatim. • the gifts his father, David, had dedicated: Just as the spoils taken from Egypt went into building the Tabernacle, the spoils of Israel’s enemies built the Temple. The prophets often portrayed the spoils of other nations as being at Israel’s disposal (see Isa 60:10-14; Zech 14:14).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.