And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.

2 CHRONICLES 7:6KJV
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2 Chronicles 7:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 7:6 mean?

2 Chronicles 7:6 describes how, during the dedication of Solomon’s temple, the priests performed their assigned duties, while the Levites played musical instruments made by King David to praise the LORD, and the priests blew trumpets as all Israel stood. This verse highlights the organized worship and celebration, showing everyone’s role in honoring God’s enduring mercy.

The scene takes place as Solomon completes and dedicates the temple in Jerusalem. The priests (descendants of Aaron) are carrying out their specific religious tasks, while the Levites (another group from the tribe of Levi) use special instruments for music, which David had designed for worship. The verse emphasizes that worship was both structured and joyful, involving music, trumpets, and the participation of the entire nation standing in reverence.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 7:6

  • "Priests" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): Refers to the descendants of Aaron who were responsible for sacrifices and temple rituals; their presence shows the importance of proper order in worship.
  • "Levites" (לֵוִי, levi): The Levites assisted the priests and were in charge of music and other temple duties, highlighting the division of sacred responsibilities.
  • "Instruments" (כְּלִי, keli) and "musick" (שִׁיר, shir): These words point to the use of specially made musical instruments for worship, not just any music, but music dedicated to the LORD.
  • "Mercy" (חֶסֶד, chesed): This word often means steadfast love or loyal kindness; the verse stresses that God’s faithful love lasts forever, which is a central theme in Israel’s worship.

Why 2 Chronicles 7:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that worship in the temple was carefully organized, with each group—priests and Levites—having distinct roles, which prevented confusion and honored tradition.
  • The mention of instruments made by David connects the temple worship back to earlier generations, showing continuity in Israel’s praise of God.
  • The focus on God’s "mercy endureth for ever" ties the act of worship to a key belief about God’s character, reminding readers that gratitude and praise are rooted in God’s lasting kindness.

Where else these words appear

“trumpets” Hebrew H2690 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:24 And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.
  • 2 Chronicles 5:12 Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)
  • 2 Chronicles 13:14 And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets.

“offices” Hebrew H4931 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
  • Numbers 8:26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:8 And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

“musick” Hebrew H7892 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
  • Psalms 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

“praise” Hebrew H3034 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 29:35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.
  • Psalms 9:1 To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
  • Psalms 107:15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!