2 chronicles 7:8 - So Solomon held the feast at that time for seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt.

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 7:8

What does "2 chronicles 7:8" mean?


This verse, 2 Chronicles 7:8, describes the scale and location of a celebratory feast held by King Solomon after the completion and dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:

"So Solomon held the feast at that time for seven days, and all Israel with him...": This indicates that Solomon organized a large, week-long celebration immediately following the temple's dedication. The phrase "all Israel with him" emphasizes the participation of the entire nation.

"...a very great assembly...": This underscores the sheer number of people who attended. It wasn't just a local affair; it was a national event.

"...from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt.": This is the key to understanding the scope of the event. It's a geographical marker defining the borders of the Israelite kingdom at its peak under Solomon.

"The entrance of Hamath" refers to the northernmost extent of Israel's territory. Hamath was a city-state in what is now Syria. The "entrance" likely refers to a strategic point marking the border in that region.
"The brook of Egypt" (or Wadi el-Arish) is a seasonal stream that marked the southwestern border of Israel, separating it from Egypt.

In summary, the verse is saying that Solomon's dedication feast was a massive, week-long celebration involving the entire nation of Israel, with people coming from the far northern reaches of the kingdom (near Hamath) all the way to the southern border (near the brook of Egypt). It emphasizes the unity and prosperity of Israel under Solomon's reign and the significance of the newly built Temple.

The use of these border markers is a common way in the Old Testament to indicate the full extent of the land possessed by Israel. The verse highlights the significance of the temple dedication and Solomon's reign by showing how the entire nation, across its entire territory, came together to celebrate.

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