2 chronicles 8:14 - He appointed, according to the ordinance of David his father, the divisions of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their offices, to praise and to minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required; the doorkeepers also by their divisions at every gate, for David the man of God had so commanded.

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 8:14

What does "2 chronicles 8:14" mean?


This verse, 2 Chronicles 8:14, is describing King Solomon's efforts to organize the Temple service in Jerusalem, ensuring it ran smoothly and according to the established protocols. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:

"He appointed, according to the ordinance of David his father...": Solomon is not inventing new procedures. Instead, he's faithfully following the instructions and organizational structure that his father, King David, had previously put in place for the Temple service. David, even though he didn't build the Temple himself, had extensively planned and prepared for it.

"...the divisions of the priests to their service...": David had organized the priests into different "divisions" or groups, each with specific responsibilities and rotating shifts for serving in the Temple. Solomon is ensuring these divisions are functioning as David had intended. Each division had specific duties and served on a rotating basis. This ensured the Temple was consistently staffed and that each priestly family had an opportunity to serve.

"...and the Levites to their offices...": Similarly, the Levites were divided into different groups with specific roles: singers, musicians, gatekeepers, assistants to the priests, etc. Solomon is maintaining their assigned duties and ensuring they are performing them.

"...to praise and to minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required...": This highlights the Levites' role in worship, specifically singing, playing instruments, and assisting the priests in their daily tasks. The phrase "as the duty of every day required" emphasizes the regularity and importance of these duties. It was a continuous service, not just occasional events.

"...the doorkeepers also by their divisions at every gate...": The gatekeepers, also Levites, were responsible for security and access control at the Temple gates. They were also organized into divisions, ensuring that each gate was properly guarded at all times.

"...for David the man of God had so commanded.": This is the key point. The whole organizational structure is based on the commands and instructions that David, described as "the man of God," had laid out. It underscores the legitimacy and authority behind the system Solomon is maintaining. David was considered a prophet and divinely inspired, so his instructions held great weight.

In essence, the verse highlights the following key points:

Continuity: Solomon is not starting from scratch but building upon David's established framework.
Order: The Temple service is well-organized and structured, ensuring efficiency and consistency.
Authority: David's commands are the basis for this organization, giving it divine sanction.
Importance of worship: The verse highlights the importance of praise, music, and the regular performance of duties in the Temple.

This verse demonstrates Solomon's respect for his father's legacy and his commitment to upholding the proper worship of God in the Temple. It emphasizes the value of order, tradition, and adherence to divinely-inspired instructions in religious practice.