Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 6

Verses 1-42

CHAPTER 6 Solomon’s Address and Dedicatory Prayer

1. Solomon’s address to the congregation (2 Chronicles 6:1-11 )

2. Solomon’s dedicatory prayer (2 Chronicles 6:12-42 )

The report of Solomon’s address is the same as recorded in 1 Kings 8:12-21 . The opening statement of this chapter has been well characterized as a pregnant expression of the king’s realization of the mystery of the Being of Jehovah, the all-creative God, as well as the condescension displayed in His self-limitation to dwell amongst men. (See Exodus 19:9 ; Exodus 20:21 ; Leviticus 16:2 ; Deuteronomy 4:10 ; Deuteronomy 5:22 .) The prayer is nearly the same as in Kings (1 Kings 8:22-50 ). However, 1 Kings 8:51-61 is omitted and a few additional verses are added. The opening words of his great prayer are in acknowledgment of the greatness of Jehovah and the fulfillment of what God had promised to David, that is, the promise as it relates to him as David’s son and the building of the house. He asks next that his prayers and the prayers of God’s people may be heard as they ascend from the place where His Name is honored. Sin is acknowledged in connection with this request. “And when Thou hearest, forgive.” In what follows, the different troubles are mentioned and Jehovah is implored to hear and to forgive. It is the model prayer for Israel. Confession of sin and prayer for forgiveness is linked with all petitions. Sin is acknowledged as the one cause of all troubles and disaster. Israel was thus taught in the prayer of Solomon to cast itself with supplication and repentance for sin upon Jehovah, and to find that the Lord heareth and delivereth His people. The subsequent history of Judah gives numerous instances of answered prayer. Note the omissions from the prayer report in 1 Kings 8:0 and the different closing of the prayer in the account in Chronicles. It is explained by the prophetic character of Kings and the priestly character of Chronicles. Psalms 132:8-10 is touched upon in 2 Chronicles 6:41-42 .