Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.
2 CHRONICLES 8:13KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 8:13 mean?
2 Chronicles 8:13 describes how Solomon made sure that offerings were made every day as Moses commanded, especially on the sabbaths, new moons, and the three main yearly festivals: the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. The verse highlights Solomon’s careful attention to keeping the traditional worship schedule given in the Law of Moses.
This verse is part of a passage describing Solomon’s organization of temple worship after building the temple in Jerusalem. The writer is explaining to readers how Solomon followed the instructions given by Moses for Israel’s worship, making sure that the required sacrifices and offerings happened at the right times throughout the year.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 8:13
- חֹק (ḥoq, “rate”): This word means a set regulation or prescribed portion. Here, it emphasizes that Solomon was following a fixed, established pattern for the offerings, not doing things randomly.
- שַׁבָּת (shabbat, “sabbaths”): This term refers to the weekly day of rest and worship. Its mention shows that the regular weekly rhythm of worship was being maintained.
- חֹדֶשׁ (ḥodesh, “moons”): This word means “new moon,” marking the start of a new month in the Hebrew calendar. Special offerings were made at these times.
- מוֹעֵד (mo‘ed, “feasts”): This word refers to appointed times or festivals. It points to the special, set times in the year when the whole community gathered for worship.
- חַג (ḥag, “feast”): Used for the three major pilgrimage festivals, this word underlines the importance of these events in Israel’s religious life.
Why 2 Chronicles 8:13 matters
- This verse shows that Solomon was not inventing new religious practices but was faithfully continuing what Moses had commanded, connecting the temple worship to Israel’s long-standing traditions.
- The detailed mention of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly offerings highlights the structured and ongoing nature of Israel’s worship, not just occasional or spontaneous acts.
- By listing the three major feasts, the verse connects Solomon’s reign to the foundational moments in Israel’s story—Passover (Unleavened Bread), the giving of the Law (Weeks), and the wilderness journey (Tabernacles)—showing continuity with the nation’s past.