2 Chronicles 8:14
In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.
In keeping with the ordinance of his father David
This phrase underscores the continuity and respect for tradition that Solomon maintained in his reign. The Hebrew word for "ordinance" is "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which often refers to a legal decision or decree. David, as a man after God's own heart, established these ordinances under divine guidance. Solomon's adherence to these ordinances reflects a commitment to uphold the spiritual and organizational structures that his father, David, had instituted, ensuring that the worship and service to God remained pure and orderly.

he appointed the divisions of the priests for their duties
The appointment of priests in divisions was a system initiated by David, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 24. The Hebrew root for "divisions" is "מַחְלָקָה" (machlaka), meaning a portion or section. This division allowed for an organized and efficient rotation of priestly duties, ensuring that the temple service was conducted with reverence and regularity. It highlights the importance of order and structure in worship, reflecting God's nature as a God of order.

and the Levites for their duties of praise and ministry before the priests
The Levites were set apart for specific roles in the temple, particularly in music and assisting the priests. The Hebrew word for "praise" is "תְּהִלָּה" (tehillah), which signifies a song of praise or hymn. This emphasizes the role of worship through music as an integral part of temple service, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere and leading the congregation in adoration of God. The Levites' ministry "before the priests" indicates their supportive role, ensuring that the priests could focus on their sacrificial duties.

according to the daily requirements
This phrase indicates the regularity and consistency required in temple worship. The Hebrew word "יוֹם" (yom) for "daily" underscores the continual nature of these duties, reflecting the perpetual worship and service that God desires from His people. It serves as a reminder of the daily commitment required in our spiritual lives, encouraging believers to maintain a consistent and faithful walk with God.

and the gatekeepers by their divisions for each gate
Gatekeepers played a crucial role in maintaining the sanctity and security of the temple. The Hebrew term "שֹׁעֵר" (sho'er) for "gatekeeper" denotes a guardian or doorkeeper. Their division by gates ensured that each entrance was monitored, symbolizing the need for vigilance in protecting the holiness of God's dwelling place. This can be seen as a metaphor for guarding one's heart and life from influences that may disrupt one's relationship with God.

for this is what David the man of God had ordered
David is referred to as "the man of God," a title that signifies his close relationship with the Lord and his role as a leader who sought to implement God's will. The Hebrew word "אִישׁ" (ish) for "man" coupled with "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim) for "God" highlights David's identity as one who was divinely chosen and inspired. His orders were not merely human decisions but were seen as divinely guided, setting a precedent for future generations to follow. This serves as an inspiration for believers to seek God's guidance in their leadership and decisions.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem.

2. David
The second king of Israel, known as a man after God's own heart. He established many of the religious practices and ordinances that Solomon continued.

3. Priests and Levites
The priests were responsible for performing sacrifices and rituals in the temple, while the Levites assisted them and were involved in music and other temple services.

4. Gatekeepers
These were Levites assigned to guard the gates of the temple, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter.

5. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where Solomon built the temple, serving as the center of Jewish worship.
Teaching Points
Continuity of Worship
Solomon's adherence to David's ordinances underscores the importance of maintaining continuity in worship practices. This teaches us the value of tradition and consistency in our spiritual lives.

Role of Leadership
Solomon's organization of the temple services demonstrates the critical role of leadership in facilitating worship. Leaders today are called to organize and support the spiritual growth of their communities.

Service and Praise
The duties of the Levites highlight the importance of service and praise in worship. We are reminded to incorporate both elements into our personal and communal worship experiences.

Guarding Holiness
The role of the gatekeepers emphasizes the need to guard the sanctity of our worship spaces and our hearts, ensuring that we approach God with purity and reverence.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's organization of the temple services reflect the influence of his father David, and what can we learn from this about the importance of spiritual heritage?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of service and praise from the Levites' duties to our own worship practices today?

3. How does the role of the gatekeepers in the temple inform our understanding of maintaining holiness in our personal and communal worship?

4. What leadership qualities can we observe in Solomon's actions, and how can these be applied to leadership roles within the church today?

5. How do the practices established by David and continued by Solomon connect to the broader account of God's covenant with Israel, and what implications does this have for our understanding of God's faithfulness?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 24-26
These chapters detail the divisions of the priests and Levites established by David, which Solomon continued. This connection highlights the continuity of worship practices from David to Solomon.

Exodus 28-29
These chapters describe the original establishment of the priesthood and their duties, providing a foundation for the roles that David and Solomon later organized.

Psalm 84
This psalm, attributed to the sons of Korah, reflects the joy and reverence associated with serving in the temple, which the Levites and gatekeepers would have experienced.
DutyW. R. Hutton, M. A.2 Chronicles 8:14
Perfecting the SanctuaryW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 8:12-16
The House of the Lord PerfectedT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 8:12-16
Solomon's Burnt OfferingsJ. Parker, D. D.2 Chronicles 8:12-18
People
Amorites, David, Geber, Hiram, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Huram, Israelites, Jebusites, Levites, Ophir, Perizzites, Pharaoh, Solomon
Places
Baalath, Beth-horon, Edom, Eloth, Ezion-geber, Hamath, Hamath-zobah, Jerusalem, Lebanon, Ophir, Tadmor, Upper Beth-horon
Topics
Appointed, Assist, Charges, Command, Commanded, Commandment, Courses, Daily, David, Day's, Divisions, Door, Doorkeepers, Door-keepers, Duties, Duty, Establisheth, Gate, Gatekeepers, Gates, Lead, Levites, Matter, Minister, Ministering, Ministry, Needed, Offices, Order, Ordered, Orders, Ordinance, Over-against, Places, Porters, Praise, Priests, Required, Requirement, Rule, Serve, Service, Several, Turn, Various, Waiting
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 8:14

     5324   gatekeepers
     7404   ordinances

Library
The Duty of Every Day
'Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the Lord ... Even after a certain rate every day.'--(A.V.) 'Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the Lord, even as the duty of every day required it.'--2 Chron. viii. 12-13 (R. V.). This is a description of the elaborate provision, in accordance with the commandment of Moses, which Solomon made for the worship in his new Temple. The writer is enlarging on the precise accordance of the ritual with the regulations laid down in the law. He expresses,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Seven Seas According to the Talmudists, and the Four Rivers Compassing the Land.
"Seven seas (say they) and four rivers compass the land of Israel. I. The Great Sea, or the Mediterranean. II. The sea of Tiberias. III. The sea of Sodom. IV. The lake of Samocho... The three first named among the seven are sufficiently known, and there is no doubt of the fourth:--only the three names of it are not to be passed by. IV. 1. The Sibbichaean. The word seems to be derived from a bush. 2. ... 3. ... V. Perhaps the sandy sea. Which fits very well to the lake of Sirbon, joining the commentary
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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