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2 Chronicles 6

42 verses

TL;DR

Solomon declares that the Temple in Jerusalem is the dwelling of God, dedicates it with a prayer for divine presence, guidance, justice, and blessings for Israel and foreigners.

Summary

King Solomon opens the dedication of the Temple by recalling the promise that God would dwell among Israel. He recounts David’s desire to build a house for God and God’s instruction that David’s son, Solomon, would complete the work. Solomon then offers a heartfelt prayer, asking God to keep His covenant with David, to hear the people's prayers, to judge righteously, to grant rain, heal, and protect Israel, and to accept the prayers of foreigners. He pleads for mercy for those who sin and for redemption of the exiles. The chapter ends with a call for God's presence in the Temple and remembrance of David’s faithfulness.

Outline
  1. Solomon proclaims God’s promised dwelling and recounts David’s intent.
  2. The Temple dedication and Solomon’s solemn prayer for God’s presence, justice, and blessings.
  3. Appeals for mercy toward Israel, foreigners, and the exiled, concluding with a plea for God’s active presence.
Themes
Divine dwelling and covenantPrayers for justice, mercy, and restorationUniversal outreach to foreigners
Keywords
SolomonDavidJerusalemTemplearkprayerjusticeforgivenessrainexiles
People
SolomonDavidLord God of Israelpriestssaints
Places
JerusalemIsraelthe Templethe land of their fathersexile lands
Things
Templeark of the covenantbrazen scaffoldprayerjusticerain
Key Verses
  • 2 Chronicles 6:6: Solomon declares that Jerusalem was chosen for God’s name, establishing the Temple’s sacred purpose.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:10: Affirms that the LORD fulfilled His word by setting His name in Jerusalem.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:14: Shows Solomon’s heartfelt plea for God’s presence, mercy, and justice.
Questions
  • What does Solomon’s prayer reveal about his understanding of God’s nature?
  • How does the Temple’s dedication connect to the covenant with David?
  • Why does Solomon emphasize prayers for foreigners and the exiled?
  • In what ways does the chapter speak to contemporary concepts of justice and mercy?
Sentiment

positive
The tone is hopeful, prayerful, and confident in divine promise.