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2 Chronicles 6

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‹ Chapter 5 2 Chronicles — All Chapters Chapter 7 ›

1 Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud; 2 and I have built You an exalted house, a place for You to dwell forever." 3 And as the whole assembly of Israel stood there, the king turned around and blessed them all 4 and said: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who has fulfilled with His own hand what He spoke with His mouth to my father David, saying, 5 ‘Since the day I brought My people out of the land of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from any tribe of Israel in which to build a house so that My Name would be there, nor have I chosen anyone to be ruler over My people Israel. 6 But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’ 7 Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 8 But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart. 9 Nevertheless, you are not the one to build it; but your son, your own offspring, will build the house for My Name.’ 10 Now the LORD has fulfilled the word that He spoke. I have succeeded my father David, and I sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised. I have built the house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 11 And there I have provided a place for the ark, which contains the covenant of the LORD that He made with the children of Israel." 12 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands. 13 Now Solomon had made a bronze platform five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had placed it in the middle of the courtyard. He stood on it, knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven, 14 and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven or on earth, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts. 15 You have kept Your promise to Your servant, my father David. What You spoke with Your mouth You have fulfilled with Your hand this day. 16 Therefore now, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for Your servant, my father David, what You promised when You said: ‘You will never fail to have a man to sit before Me on the throne of Israel, if only your descendants guard their way to walk in My law as you have walked before Me.’ 17 And now, O LORD, God of Israel, please confirm what You promised to Your servant David. 18 But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. 19 Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You. 20 May Your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your Name, so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. 21 Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive. 22 When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple, 23 then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness. 24 When Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and they return to You and confess Your name, praying and pleading before You in this temple, 25 then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel. May You restore them to the land You gave to them and their fathers. 26 When the skies are shut and there is no rain because Your people have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and they turn from their sins because You have afflicted them, 27 then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk. May You send rain on the land that You gave Your people as an inheritance. 28 When famine or plague comes upon the land, or blight or mildew or locusts or grasshoppers, or when their enemies besiege them in their cities, whatever plague or sickness may come, 29 then may whatever prayer or petition Your people Israel make—each knowing his own afflictions and spreading out his hands toward this temple— 30 be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of men— 31 so that they may fear You and walk in Your ways all the days they live in the land that You gave to our fathers. 32 And as for the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of Your great name and Your mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, 33 then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name. 34 When Your people go to war against their enemies, wherever You send them, and when they pray to You in the direction of the city You have chosen and the house I have built for Your Name, 35 then may You hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and may You uphold their cause. 36 When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to a land far or near, 37 and when they come to their senses in the land to which they were taken, and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’ 38 and when they return to You with all their heart and soul in the land of the enemies who took them captive, and when they pray in the direction of the land that You gave to their fathers, the city You have chosen, and the house I have built for Your Name, 39 then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, their prayer and petition, and may You uphold their cause. May You forgive Your people who sinned against You. 40 Now, my God, may Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. 41 Now therefore, arise, O LORD God, and enter Your resting place, You and the ark of Your might. May Your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and may Your godly ones rejoice in goodness. 42 O LORD God, do not reject Your anointed one. Remember Your loving devotion to Your servant David."

‹ Chapter 5 2 Chronicles — All Chapters Chapter 7 ›

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with Solomon's speech to the people, where he declares that God has fulfilled His promise to David by establishing him as king and building the Temple. Then, Solomon offers a prayer of dedication, asking God to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins. He also asks God to maintain the Davidic covenant and to bless the people. After the prayer, fire comes down from heaven, consuming the burnt offerings and filling the Temple with God's glory. The people worship and offer sacrifices, and Solomon holds a feast to celebrate the dedication of the Temple. The chapter ends with God's response to Solomon's prayer, promising to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins if they turn to Him with humility and repentance, as seen in 2 Chronicles 6:40-42.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 and 2 Chronicles, which tells the story of the history of Israel from the death of Saul to the Babylonian exile. The dedication of the Temple is a significant event in this narrative, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to David and the establishment of the Davidic covenant. The chapter also looks forward to the future, anticipating the redemption that would come through Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages us to seek God's presence and forgiveness in our lives, just as Solomon did in his prayer. It reminds us of the importance of worship and prayer, and the need to approach God with humility and repentance. As we reflect on this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and lives, seeking to align ourselves with God's will and to trust in His promises.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about the dedication of the Temple built by Solomon. Solomon prays to God, asking Him to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins. God responds with fire from heaven, filling the Temple with His glory. The chapter teaches us about the importance of worship, prayer, and obedience to God, and reminds us that God is too great to be contained in a physical structure, but chooses to dwell among His people. For example, in 2 Chronicles 6:12-13, Solomon kneels before the altar, spreading out his hands towards heaven, and prays to God.

Voices from the Church

“The Temple was a type of the church, which is the house of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The prayer of Solomon is a pattern for our own prayers, teaching us to seek God's presence and forgiveness with humility and repentance.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Dedication of the Temple (2 Chronicles 6:1-11) — Solomon speaks to the people, declaring that God has fulfilled His promise to David by establishing him as king and building the Temple.
  2. Solomon's Prayer of Dedication (2 Chronicles 6:12-42) — Solomon offers a prayer of dedication, asking God to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins.
  3. God's Response to Solomon's Prayer (2 Chronicles 6:12-42) — God responds to Solomon's prayer, promising to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins if they turn to Him with humility and repentance.
  4. The Celebration of the Dedication (2 Chronicles 6:12-42) — The people worship and offer sacrifices, and Solomon holds a feast to celebrate the dedication of the Temple.
  5. Conclusion (2 Chronicles 6:12-42) — The chapter concludes with God's promise to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins, emphasizing the significance of the Temple as a symbol of God's presence among His people.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of God's Transcendence
This chapter teaches us about the transcendence of God, who is too great to be contained in a physical structure. This doctrine is seen in Solomon's statement that "heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You" (2 Chronicles 6:18).
The Doctrine of God's Immanence
Despite God's transcendence, the chapter also emphasizes His immanence, or presence among His people. The Temple is a symbol of God's presence, and Solomon's prayer asks God to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins.
The Doctrine of Prayer
This chapter teaches us about the importance of prayer, as Solomon offers a prayer of dedication and asks God to hear the prayers of His people. This doctrine is seen in 2 Chronicles 6:12-42, where Solomon prays to God, asking Him to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins.
The Doctrine of Forgiveness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, as Solomon asks God to forgive the sins of His people and God promises to do so if they turn to Him with humility and repentance. This doctrine is seen in 2 Chronicles 6:21-22, where Solomon asks God to forgive the sins of His people.

Lessons from 2 Chronicles 6

  1. The Importance of Seeking God's Presence — This chapter teaches us the importance of seeking God's presence in our lives, just as Solomon did in his prayer. We are called to approach God with humility and repentance, seeking His forgiveness and guidance.
  2. The Power of Prayer — The chapter emphasizes the power of prayer, as Solomon's prayer of dedication is answered by God with fire from heaven. We are called to pray with faith and persistence, trusting in God's promises and character.
  3. The Significance of the Temple — The Temple represents God's presence among His people, and its dedication is a significant event in the narrative of 1 and 2 Chronicles. We are called to understand the significance of the Temple and its relationship to our own lives and worship.
  4. The Importance of Forgiveness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, as Solomon asks God to forgive the sins of His people and God promises to do so if they turn to Him with humility and repentance. We are called to seek forgiveness and to forgive others, just as God forgives us.
  5. The Relationship Between God's Promises and Our Obedience — The chapter teaches us about the relationship between God's promises and our obedience, as Solomon asks God to maintain the Davidic covenant and to bless the people if they obey His commands. We are called to trust in God's promises and to obey His commands, seeking to align ourselves with His will and character.

Themes from 2 Chronicles 6

  1. Worship and Prayer — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and prayer, as Solomon offers a prayer of dedication and asks God to hear the prayers of His people.
  2. God's Transcendence and Immanence — The chapter teaches us about the transcendence and immanence of God, who is too great to be contained in a physical structure but chooses to dwell among His people.
  3. Forgiveness and Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and repentance, as Solomon asks God to forgive the sins of His people and God promises to do so if they turn to Him with humility and repentance.
  4. The Davidic Covenant — The chapter references the Davidic covenant, emphasizing God's promise to establish David's throne forever and to bless his descendants.
  5. The Significance of the Temple — The Temple represents God's presence among His people, and its dedication is a significant event in the narrative of 1 and 2 Chronicles.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does the Temple represent in this chapter, and how does it relate to our lives today?
  2. How does Solomon's prayer of dedication model our own prayers, and what can we learn from his example?
  3. What does the chapter teach us about the nature of God, and how does this impact our understanding of His character and promises?
  4. How does the chapter emphasize the importance of worship and prayer, and what role should these practices play in our lives?
  5. What does the chapter say about the relationship between God's forgiveness and our repentance, and how does this relate to our own experiences of sin and redemption?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Dedication of the Temple (2 Chronicles 6:1-11)

6:1 Solomon speaks to the people, declaring that God has fulfilled His promise to David by establishing him as king and building the Temple.
6:2 Solomon declares that he has built the Temple as a dwelling place for God, where He can reside among His people.

2. Solomon's Prayer of Dedication (2 Chronicles 6:12-42)

6:12 Solomon kneels before the altar, spreading out his hands towards heaven, and prays to God.
6:13 Solomon asks God to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins, and to maintain the Davidic covenant and bless the people if they obey His commands.

3. God's Response to Solomon's Prayer (2 Chronicles 6:12-42)

6:12 God responds to Solomon's prayer, promising to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins if they turn to Him with humility and repentance.
6:40-42 God promises to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins, emphasizing the significance of the Temple as a symbol of God's presence among His people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Temple in this chapter?

The Temple represents God's presence among His people, and its dedication is a significant event in the narrative of 1 and 2 Chronicles. As seen in 2 Chronicles 6:1-11, the Temple is a dwelling place for God, where He can reside among His people.

What does Solomon's prayer of dedication model for our own prayers?

Solomon's prayer of dedication models our own prayers, teaching us to seek God's presence and forgiveness with humility and repentance. As seen in 2 Chronicles 6:12-42, Solomon asks God to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins, and to maintain the Davidic covenant and bless the people if they obey His commands.

What does the chapter teach us about the nature of God?

The chapter teaches us about the transcendence and immanence of God, who is too great to be contained in a physical structure but chooses to dwell among His people. As seen in 2 Chronicles 6:18, Solomon declares that "heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You", emphasizing God's transcendence.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Chronicles 6:1 → 1 Kings 8:1 The dedication of the Temple is also recorded in 1 Kings 8:1, which provides additional details about the event.
2 2 Chronicles 6:12 → Matthew 21:13 The Temple is also referenced in Matthew 21:13, where Jesus cleanses the Temple and teaches about its significance as a house of prayer.
3 2 Chronicles 6:18 → Isaiah 66:1 The idea that God cannot be contained in a physical structure is also found in Isaiah 66:1, which declares that heaven is God's throne and the earth is His footstool.
4 2 Chronicles 6:21 → Psalm 51:1 The idea of God forgiving sins is also found in Psalm 51:1, which asks God to have mercy and to blot out transgressions.
5 2 Chronicles 6:26 → Deuteronomy 28:12 The idea of God sending rain to bless the people is also found in Deuteronomy 28:12, which promises that God will send rain to bless the people if they obey His commands.
6 2 Chronicles 6:30 → 1 Samuel 16:7 The idea that God knows the hearts of all men is also found in 1 Samuel 16:7, which declares that God sees not as man sees, but looks at the heart.
7 2 Chronicles 6:33 → John 4:24 The idea that God is a Spirit and must be worshiped in spirit and truth is also found in John 4:24, which declares that God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
8 2 Chronicles 6:40 → Hebrews 4:16 The idea of approaching God's throne with confidence is also found in Hebrews 4:16, which encourages believers to approach God's throne with confidence and to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 6

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Sermon Proof Christians by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker begins by directing the congregation to raise their hands and guiding them to a place of prayer. He quotes a verse from the Bible about prayer and suppl
Alan Cairns The Burden and Blessing of Revival by Alan Cairns In this sermon, Dr. Paisley recounts the story of John Douglas, his first convert as the minister of a church in Ravenhill Road. Despite being a slow speaker, John felt compelled t
Stephen Kaung Dedication of the House of God by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the presence of the Lord in our gatherings. He explains that if God's presence is with us, His glory will be manifes
Alan Cairns From Ruin to Revival by Alan Cairns In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for repentance and prayer in order to receive God's blessings and restoration. He describes a dire situation, comparing it to a dro
David Shirley Progress of Redemption #04 by David Shirley In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the word of God and how it can change people's lives. The sermon takes place in Judea, a Persian province, around 430 BC. T
Ed Miller (The Path of the Ark #6) the Glory of God by Ed Miller In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of praising and glorifying the Lord. He references a biblical story where the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud after
Carter Conlon It’s Time to Pray by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Paul in Acts 27 and the importance of standing firm in the midst of storms. He emphasizes that true character is revealed when f
G.W. North Fire on the Altar by G.W. North In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Solomon and the dedication of the temple. He describes how the people witnessed the fire of God coming down and the glory
Chuck Smith David's Location for the House of the Lord by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not judging a situation or God's plan until we see the end results. He warns against making hasty judgments in the midst of
George Verwer The Doctrine of Praise by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker criticizes activistic and ritualistic thinking, calling it a waste of time. He shares his observations of people in the OMers movement collapsing under

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6

This chapter is a beautiful representation of the dedication of the Temple, which was a type of the church, the house of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. Solomon's prayer is a pattern for our own prayers, teaching us to seek God's presence and forgiveness with humility and repentance. The chapter also teaches us about the nature of God, who is too great to be contained in a physical structure but chooses to dwell among His people. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The temple was a symbol of the church, which is the house of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.' The chapter encourages us to seek God's presence and forgiveness in our lives, just as Solomon did in his prayer, and to trust in God's promises and character. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Importance of Worship

The chapter highlights the significance of worship and prayer in the life of God's people. The dedication of the Temple is a time of great celebration and worship, and Solomon's prayer emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and forgiveness.

The Transcendence of God

The chapter emphasizes the transcendence of God, who is too great to be contained in a physical structure. This theme is seen in Solomon's statement that "heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You" (2 Chronicles 6:18).

The Immanence of God

Despite God's transcendence, the chapter also emphasizes His immanence, or presence among His people. The Temple is a symbol of God's presence, and Solomon's prayer asks God to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins.

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