2 Chronicles 5:13
The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: "For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever." And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud
The trumpeters and singers
This phrase highlights the unity and harmony in worship. In the Hebrew context, the role of trumpeters and singers was crucial in temple worship, symbolizing the collective voice of the people. Trumpets, often made of silver, were used in significant religious ceremonies, as seen in Numbers 10:2. The singers, likely from the Levitical choir, were trained to lead the congregation in worship, emphasizing the importance of music in expressing devotion to God.

joined together
The Hebrew root for "joined together" suggests a coming together in agreement and purpose. This unity is a powerful image of the body of believers acting as one, reflecting the New Testament call for the church to be united in Christ (Ephesians 4:3). It underscores the idea that worship is not just an individual act but a communal experience that strengthens the faith community.

to praise and thank the LORD
Praise and thanksgiving are central themes in the Hebrew Scriptures. The act of praising God is a recognition of His sovereignty and majesty, while thanksgiving acknowledges His provision and faithfulness. This dual focus is a reminder of the holistic nature of worship, which involves both adoration and gratitude.

with one voice
This phrase emphasizes the concept of unity in worship. The Hebrew idea of "one voice" suggests a harmonious and singular focus on God, reflecting the unity of purpose and spirit among the worshipers. It is a powerful image of the church as one body, united in its mission to glorify God.

They lifted up their voices
The act of lifting voices in worship is a physical expression of spiritual devotion. In the Hebrew tradition, lifting one's voice was often associated with earnest prayer and heartfelt worship, as seen in the Psalms. It signifies an elevation of the heart and spirit towards God.

accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments
The use of musical instruments in worship is deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition. Trumpets and cymbals were used in temple worship to signify celebration and divine presence. The variety of instruments reflects the richness and diversity of worship, inviting all creation to join in the praise of God.

in praise to the LORD
This phrase reiterates the focus of the worship—God Himself. The Hebrew word for "praise" (halal) is the root of "hallelujah," meaning to boast or celebrate God. It is a call to recognize God's greatness and to respond with exuberant worship.

'For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.'
This declaration is a recurring theme in the Psalms and other Old Testament writings. The goodness of God is a foundational attribute, and His "loving devotion" (hesed) speaks of His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. This phrase is a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His eternal commitment to His people.

Then the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud
The cloud represents the Shekinah glory of God, a visible manifestation of His presence. This event echoes the filling of the tabernacle in Exodus 40:34-35, signifying God's approval and presence among His people. It serves as a powerful reminder that true worship invites the presence of God, transforming the place and the people involved.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Trumpeters and Singers
These were the Levitical musicians appointed to lead worship in the temple. Their unity in purpose and sound was crucial in the worship service.

2. The House of the LORD
Refers to Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites and the dwelling place of God's presence.

3. The Cloud
Symbolizes the glory of the LORD filling the temple, indicating His presence and approval of the worship offered.

4. Solomon
The king of Israel who built the temple, fulfilling the vision given to his father, David.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the focus of the worship and praise.
Teaching Points
Unity in Worship
The unity of the trumpeters and singers highlights the importance of harmony and collective purpose in worship. Believers today should strive for unity in their worship communities.

God's Presence
The filling of the temple with a cloud signifies God's tangible presence. We should seek and expect God's presence in our worship gatherings.

Praise and Thanksgiving
The focus on praising and thanking the LORD underscores the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God. Regularly incorporate praise and thanksgiving into personal and corporate worship.

God's Goodness and Loving Devotion
The declaration of God's goodness and enduring love is central to worship. Reflect on and proclaim these attributes of God in daily life.

Symbolism of the Cloud
The cloud as a symbol of God's glory invites us to recognize and revere the holiness and majesty of God in our worship.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the unity of the trumpeters and singers in 2 Chronicles 5:13 inspire us to pursue unity in our own worship communities?

2. In what ways can we cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our personal and corporate worship today?

3. How does the repeated theme of God's goodness and loving devotion in Scripture encourage us in times of difficulty?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that praise and thanksgiving are central in our daily walk with God?

5. How can the symbolism of the cloud in the temple inform our understanding of God's holiness and presence in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 40:34-35
The cloud filling the tabernacle during Moses' time parallels the cloud filling Solomon's Temple, signifying God's presence.

Psalm 136
Repeatedly emphasizes God's goodness and enduring loving devotion, echoing the words of praise in 2 Chronicles 5:13.

Acts 2:1-4
The unity of the believers and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost mirrors the unity and divine presence experienced in the temple.
The Dedication of the Temple: 1. the Bringing-In of the ArkT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 5:1-14
Bringing in the ArkW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 5:2-13
Advantages of Music in Public WorshipCanon Arthur R. Pennington.2 Chronicles 5:12-13
Music in the ChurchesT. De Witt Talmage.2 Chronicles 5:12-13
On PsalmodyBp. Dehon.2 Chronicles 5:12-13
Temple Glories2 Chronicles 5:12-13
The Temple ChoirJ. Wolfendale.2 Chronicles 5:12-13
United Praise as a Means of GraceR. Walker.2 Chronicles 5:12-13
God's Glory in the Sanctuary: Church-Opening SermonW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 5:13, 14
People
Asaph, David, Heman, Israelites, Jeduthun, Levites, Solomon
Places
Egypt, Holy Place, Horeb, Jerusalem, Most Holy Place, Zion
Topics
Accompanied, Age, Brass, Cloud, Corded, Cymbals, Duty, Endures, Endureth, Everlasting, Filled, Forever, Full, Giving, Glorify, Glory, Horns, Indeed, Instruments, Joined, Kindness, Lifted, Lifting, Loud, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Melody, Mercy, Music, Musical, Pass, Players, Praise, Praised, Praising, Raised, Sang, Saying, Singers, Song, Sounding, Steadfast, Temple, Thanking, Thanks, Thanksgiving, Themselves, Trumpeters, Trumpets, Unchanging, Unison, Voice, Voices, Wind, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 5:13

     1050   God, goodness of
     1140   God, the eternal
     5196   voice
     7963   song
     8666   praise, manner and methods

2 Chronicles 5:12-13

     5421   musical instruments

2 Chronicles 5:12-14

     5420   music

2 Chronicles 5:13-6:1

     4805   clouds

2 Chronicles 5:13-14

     1045   God, glory of
     1193   glory, revelation of
     6606   access to God
     7467   temple, Solomon's
     8630   worship, results

Library
Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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