2 Chronicles 13:11
And they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also set they in order upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him.
2 Chronicles 13:11 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse highlights the religious practices of the Israelites in the Old Testament. It describes how the people would offer burnt sacrifices and sweet incense to the Lord every morning and evening as a way of worship and obedience. The act of burning sacrifices was a common practice in the ancient Near East to show devotion and seek forgiveness. The shewbread, also known as the bread of the Presence, was placed on a special table in the Tabernacle as a symbol of God's presence among his people. The golden candlestick with its lamps was lit every evening to provide light in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's guidance and presence. These rituals were seen as a way to fulfill the duty and responsibility of keeping the charge of the Lord. The verse contrasts the faithful observance of these practices by the Israelites with the forsaking of the Lord by others, emphasizing the importance of upholding religious traditions and honoring God.
Theological Overview
One of the key theological interpretations of this verse is the significance of the daily burnt sacrifices, sweet incense, shewbread, and the burning of the lamps to the Israelites. These offerings and rituals were a crucial part of their worship and devotion to the Lord. The burnt sacrifices were a way for the people to show their dedication and obedience to God, while the sweet incense symbolized prayers and petitions rising up to heaven. The shewbread placed on the pure table represented the provision of God for His people, and the burning lamps on the golden candlestick signified the light of God's presence illuminating their lives. Through these rituals, the Israelites were fulfilling their duty to keep the charge of the Lord and remain faithful to Him. However, the verse also highlights the contrast between the Israelites, who remained steadfast in their devotion, and those who had forsaken the Lord, serving as a warning against turning away from God.
2 Chronicles 13:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
and they burn unto Jehovah every morning and every evening burnt-offerings and sweet incense: the showbread also [set they] in order upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of Jehovah our God; but ye have forsaken him.
World English Bible
and they burn to Yahweh every morning and every evening burnt offerings and sweet incense. They also set the show bread in order on the pure table; and the lamp stand of gold with its lamps, to burn every evening: for we keep the instruction of Yahweh our God; but you have forsaken him.
Douay-Rheims
And they offer holocausts to the Lord, every day, morning and evening, and incense made according to the ordinance of the law, and the loaves are set forth on a most clean table, and there is with us the golden candlestick, and the lamps thereof, to be lighted always in the evening: for we keep the precepts of the Lord our God, whom you have forsaken.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they burne vnto the Lord euery morning and euery euening burnt offerings and sweete incense, and the breade is set in order vpon the pure table, and the candlesticke of golde with the lampes thereof, to burne euery euening: for we keepe the watch of the Lord our God: but ye haue forsaken him.