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2 Chronicles 5:9

2 Chronicles 5:9 in Multiple Translations

The poles of the ark extended far enough that their ends were visible from in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day.

And they drew out the staves of the ark, that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is unto this day.

And the staves were so long that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without: and there it is unto this day.

The rods were so long that their ends were seen from the holy place before the inmost room; but they were not seen from outside; and there they are to this day.

The poles were so long that their ends could be seen from the Holy Place in front of the Most Holy Place, but not from outside. They are there to this day.

And they drewe out the barres, that the endes of the barres might bee seene out of the Arke before the Oracle, but they were not seene without: and there they are vnto this day.

and they lengthen the staves, and the heads of the staves are seen out of the ark on the front of the oracle, and they are not seen without; and it is there unto this day.

The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the ark in front of the inner sanctuary, but they were not seen outside; and it is there to this day.

And they drew out the staffs of the ark , that the ends of the staffs were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is to this day.

Now the ends of the staves wherewith the ark was carried, because they were some thing longer, were seen before the oracle: but if a man were a little outward, he could not see them. So the ark has been there unto this day.

The poles were very long, with the result that they could be seen by those who were standing at the entrance to the Most Holy Place, but they could not be seen by anyone standing outside the temple. Those poles are still there.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 5:9

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Chronicles 5:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/יַּאֲרִיכוּ֮ הַ/בַּדִּים֒ וַ/יֵּרָאוּ֩ רָאשֵׁ֨י הַ/בַּדִּ֤ים מִן הָ/אָרוֹן֙ עַל פְּנֵ֣י הַ/דְּבִ֔יר וְ/לֹ֥א יֵרָא֖וּ הַ/ח֑וּצָ/ה וַֽ/יְהִי שָׁ֔ם עַ֖ד הַ/יּ֥וֹם הַ/זֶּֽה
וַֽ/יַּאֲרִיכוּ֮ ʼârak H748 to prolong Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/בַּדִּים֒ bad H905 alone Art | N-mp
וַ/יֵּרָאוּ֩ râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
רָאשֵׁ֨י rôʼsh H7218 head N-mp
הַ/בַּדִּ֤ים bad H905 alone Art | N-mp
מִן min H4480 from Prep
הָ/אָרוֹן֙ ʼârôwn H727 ark Art | N-cs
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face N-cp
הַ/דְּבִ֔יר dᵉbîyr H1687 sanctuary Art | N-ms
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יֵרָא֖וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
הַ/ח֑וּצָ/ה chûwts H2351 outside Art | N-ms | Suff
וַֽ/יְהִי hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֔ם shâm H8033 there Adv
עַ֖ד ʻad H5704 till Prep
הַ/יּ֥וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 5:9

וַֽ/יַּאֲרִיכוּ֮ ʼârak H748 "to prolong" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to prolong or make something long, whether it's a physical object, a period of time, or a person's life, as seen in the book of Genesis where God prolongs the lives of the patriarchs. In Exodus, it describes the lengthening of the Israelites' stay in Egypt.
Definition: 1) to be long, prolong 1a) (Qal) to be long 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to prolong (days) 1b2) to make long (tent cords) 1b3) to grow long, continue long Aramaic equivalent: a.rakh (אֲרִיךְ "be proper" H0749)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: defer, draw out, lengthen, (be, become, make, pro-) long, [phrase] (out-, over-) live, tarry (long). See also: Genesis 26:8; 1 Kings 3:14; Psalms 129:3.
הַ/בַּדִּים֒ bad H905 "alone" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
וַ/יֵּרָאוּ֩ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
רָאשֵׁ֨י rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הַ/בַּדִּ֤ים bad H905 "alone" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
מִן min H4480 "from" Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/אָרוֹן֙ ʼârôwn H727 "ark" Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/דְּבִ֔יר dᵉbîyr H1687 "sanctuary" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for the innermost part of the temple or tabernacle, the most holy place where God's presence dwelled. It is also translated as oracle, emphasizing its role in divine communication.
Definition: 1) the holy of holies, the innermost room of the temple or tabernacle 1a) hindmost chamber, innermost room of the temple of Solomon, most holy place, holy of holies 2) (TWOT) oracle
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: oracle. See also: 1 Kings 6:5; 1 Kings 7:49; Psalms 28:2.
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵרָא֖וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הַ/ח֑וּצָ/ה chûwts H2351 "outside" Art | N-ms | Suff
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
וַֽ/יְהִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
שָׁ֔ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
עַ֖ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/יּ֥וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/זֶּֽה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 5:9

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 8:8–9 The poles extended far enough that their ends were visible from the Holy Place in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day. There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites after they had come out of the land of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 5:9 Summary

This verse tells us that the poles used to carry the ark of the covenant were visible to the priests in the temple, but not to the general public, to show respect and care for the sacred ark. The ark represented God's presence and covenant with His people, much like the promises in Genesis 17:1-14 and Exodus 19:5-6. Just as the poles were important for carrying the ark, we need to find the 'poles' or supports that help us carry our faith and responsibilities, and prioritize reverence and care for the things that are sacred to God. By doing so, we can honor God's presence in our lives and remember His covenant with us, as seen in Psalm 103:17-18.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the poles on the ark of the covenant?

The poles on the ark of the covenant were used to carry the ark, as instructed by God in Exodus 25:13-15, and they were not to be removed, as seen in 1 Kings 8:8 and 2 Chronicles 5:9, to emphasize the reverence and care with which the ark was to be handled.

Why were the poles visible from in front of the inner sanctuary but not from outside the Holy Place?

This design allowed the priests to see and care for the ark without the general public having access to it, emphasizing the sacred nature of the ark and the importance of the priestly role, as seen in Hebrews 9:1-10 and Leviticus 16:2.

What is the significance of the phrase 'and they are there to this day' in 2 Chronicles 5:9?

This phrase emphasizes the historicity and reliability of the biblical account, as well as the enduring presence of God's covenant with His people, much like the promise in Deuteronomy 31:26 and the fulfillment in 2 Kings 21:7.

How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of the Bible?

This verse highlights the careful attention to detail and obedience to God's instructions in the construction and dedication of the temple, reflecting the larger biblical theme of God's desire for His people to worship Him in spirit and truth, as seen in John 4:24 and Psalm 95:6-7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the presence of the ark in the temple represent in my own life, and how can I reverence and prioritize God's presence?
  2. How can I, like the priests, consecrate myself to serve God and care for the sacred things He has entrusted to me?
  3. What are the 'poles' or supports that help me carry the weight of my faith and responsibilities, and how can I ensure they are secure and visible to those around me?
  4. In what ways can I, like the Israelites, remember and honor God's covenant with me, and what are the consequences of neglecting or forgetting it?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 5:9

[See comments on 2 Chronicles 5:1].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 5:9

And they drew out the staves of the ark, that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is unto this day.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 5:9

When this history was first written: not when it was reviewed by Ezra, who made some additions to it; for after the return from Babylon neither staves nor ark were any more seen or heard of.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 5:9

2 Chronicles 5:9 And they drew out the staves [of the ark], that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is unto this day.Ver. 9. And there it is unto this day,] i.e., Until the time that the larger Chronicles of the Kings of Judah out of which Ezra compiled this abstract - were written.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 5:9

(9) And they drew out . . . were seen.—Rather, And the staves were so long that the tips of the staves were seen. &c. From the ark.—1 Kings 8:8, “from the Holy Place.” So the LXX. and four Hebrew MSS. The priests in the great hall could see the tips of the staves projecting within the Holy of Holies; but persons outside (“without”) of the great hall could not see them. And there it is unto this day.—And it (the ark) remained there unto this day. So Vulg., “fuit itaque arca ibi.” LXX., Syr., Targ., Arab., They—i.e., the poles were there; and so some Heb. MSS., and 1 Kings 8:8. This is no doubt right. A letter has fallen out of the Hebrew text. That the chronicler has preserved this remark without modification to suit altered circumstances, and indeed that the compiler of Kings did the same long before him, is a striking instance of the way in which Oriental historiographers are content to borrow with literal exactitude from the works of predecessors, even in cases where such borrowing appears to the modern mind infelicitous.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 5:9

Verse 9. They drew out the staves] As the ark was no longer to be carried about, these were unnecessary.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 5:9

9. And they drew out the staves of the ark] R.V. And the staves were so long. from the ark] Read (with LXX. and 1 Kings 8:8) from the holy place. One standing in the holy place and looking towards the Holy of Holies could see the heads of the staves. And there it is unto this day] These words are taken over with the loss of one letter (which here makes the difference between singular and plural) from 1 Kings 8:8, but they are out of place in Chron., for when the Chronicler wrote the ark had long ago disappeared. The vessels which were brought back from the Babylonian captivity are specified in Ezra 1:9-10, but the ark of the covenant is not reckoned among them.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 5:9

From the ark - Or, according to a different reading here and according to 1 Kings 8:8, some read, “the ends of the staves were seen from the Holy place.” There it is unto this day - This should be corrected as in the margin.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 5:9

SermonDescription
C.H. Spurgeon Now We Have Received by C.H. Spurgeon The preacher delves into the Greek word 'huperecho,' which means to excel, be superior, and hold others in higher regard. Paul emphasizes the importance of esteeming others as more

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