2 Chronicles 7:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 7:5 mean?

2 Chronicles 7:5 describes how King Solomon offered an enormous sacrifice—22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep—when dedicating the newly built temple to God. This verse shows the scale of the celebration and the seriousness with which Solomon and the people honored the house of God.

The verse is set during the dedication of Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem, after its completion. King Solomon leads the people in a public act of worship, offering sacrifices as a sign of devotion and gratitude. The numbers highlight the importance of the event and the unity of the king and the people in dedicating the temple.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 7:5

• "Offered" (זָבַח, zāvaḥ) means to slaughter or sacrifice, especially in a ritual context. The word emphasizes that these animals were given up as part of a sacred ceremony, not just as a feast.
• "Sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zevaḥ) refers specifically to an offering made to God, often involving the ritual killing of animals. This term underlines that the act was meant to honor God, not just to celebrate.
• "Dedicated" (חָנַךְ, ḥānakh) means to consecrate or set apart for a special purpose. Here, it signals that the temple was officially set apart as a place for worshiping God.

Why 2 Chronicles 7:5 matters

• The verse clears up any idea that the dedication of the temple was a small or private affair; the scale of the sacrifices shows it was a national event involving the whole community.
• The focus on both Solomon and "all the people" highlights that the temple was meant for everyone, not just the king or priests.
• This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the fulfillment of Solomon’s preparations and prayers, marking a turning point in Israel’s worship life.