2 Chronicles 1:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 1:3 mean?

2 Chronicles 1:3 describes Solomon and the entire assembly of Israel traveling together to the high place at Gibeon because that was where the special tent of meeting—the tabernacle made by Moses for worshiping God—was located. This verse highlights the importance of Gibeon as a central place of worship for Israel at that time.

The book of 2 Chronicles is telling the story of Solomon, David’s son, as he begins his reign as king. Solomon gathers all the leaders and the people (“the congregation”) and leads them to Gibeon, which was significant because the tabernacle, built by Moses during the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness, was still there. This sets the stage for Solomon’s encounter with God, which happens at this sacred site.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 1:3

• “Congregation” (קָהָל, qāhāl): This word refers to the assembled people of Israel. It emphasizes that not just Solomon, but the whole community, was involved in this important act of worship.
• “High place” (בָּמָה, bāmāh): This term means an elevated site used for worship. In this context, it refers specifically to Gibeon, which was recognized as a legitimate place of worship because the tabernacle was there.
• “Tabernacle” (אֹהֶל, ’ohel): This is the tent of meeting, the portable sanctuary made by Moses. Its presence at Gibeon explains why Solomon and the people went there, even though the ark was already in Jerusalem.

Why 2 Chronicles 1:3 matters

• 2 Chronicles 1:3 clarifies that the main place for worship and sacrifices was still at Gibeon, not Jerusalem, because the tabernacle was there, even though the ark had been moved.
• The verse shows Solomon’s respect for Israel’s traditions by seeking God at the place established by Moses, connecting his reign to the nation’s earlier history.
• This detail helps explain why Solomon’s famous encounter with God, where he asks for wisdom, happens at Gibeon and not in Jerusalem, setting the scene for what follows.