Solomon uniquely shifts from his typical role as wise ruler to covenant mediator, explicitly connecting God's promises to David with Israel's collective identity as the chosen people.
2 Chronicles 6
Solomon's Address to the Assembly
1Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.
2But I have built you a house and home, a place for you to dwell in forever.”
3The king turned his face, and blessed all the assembly of Israel; and all the assembly of Israel stood.
4He said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who spoke with his mouth to David my father, and has with his hands fulfilled it, saying,
5‘Since the day that I brought my people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house in, that my name might be there, and I chose no man to be prince over my people Israel;
6but now I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and I have chosen David to be over my people Israel.’
7Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
8But the LORD said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart;
9nevertheless you shall not build the house, but your son who will come out of your body, he shall build the house for my name.’
10“The LORD has performed his word that he spoke; for I have risen up in the place of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built the house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
11There I have set the ark, in which is the LORD’s covenant, which he made with the children of Israel.”
Solomon's Prayer of Dedication
12He stood before the LORD’s altar in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands
13(for Solomon had made a bronze platform, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in the middle of the court; and he stood on it, and knelt down on his knees before all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven).
14Then he said, “LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth—you who keep covenant and loving kindness with your servants who walk before you with all their heart;
15who have kept with your servant David my father that which you promised him. Yes, you spoke with your mouth, and have fulfilled it with your hand, as it is today.
16“Now therefore, LORD, the God of Israel, keep with your servant David my father that which you have promised him, saying, ‘There shall not fail you a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children take heed to their way, to walk in my law as you have walked before me.’
17Now therefore, LORD, the God of Israel, let your word be verified, which you spoke to your servant David.
18“But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can’t contain you; how much less this house which I have built!
19Yet have respect for the prayer of your servant and to his supplication, LORD my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which your servant prays before you;
20that your eyes may be open toward this house day and night, even toward the place where you have said that you would put your name, to listen to the prayer which your servant will pray toward this place.
21Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Yes, hear from your dwelling place, even from heaven; and when you hear, forgive.
22“If a man sins against his neighbor, and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house,
23then hear from heaven, act, and judge your servants, bringing retribution to the wicked, to bring his way on his own head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.
24“If your people Israel are struck down before the enemy because they have sinned against you, and they turn again and confess your name, and pray and make supplication before you in this house,
25then hear from heaven, and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to them and to their fathers.
26“When the sky is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, if they pray toward this place and confess your name, and turn from their sin when you afflict them,
27then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk, and send rain on your land, which you have given to your people for an inheritance.
28“If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there is—
29whatever prayer and supplication is made by any man, or by all your people Israel, who will each know his own plague and his own sorrow, and shall spread out his hands toward this house,
30then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive, and give to every man according to all his ways, whose heart you know (for you, even you only, know the hearts of the children of men),
31that they may fear you, to walk in your ways as long as they live in the land which you gave to our fathers.
32“Moreover, concerning the foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, when he comes from a far country for your great name’s sake and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm, when they come and pray toward this house,
33then hear from heaven, even from your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you for; that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by your name.
34“If your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way you send them, and they pray to you toward this city which you have chosen, and the house which I have built for your name;
35then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.
36“If they sin against you (for there is no man who doesn’t sin), and you are angry with them and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to a land far off or near;
37yet if they come to their senses in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done perversely, and have dealt wickedly;’
38if they return to you with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have been taken captive, and pray toward their land which you gave to their fathers, and the city which you have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for your name;
39then hear from heaven, even from your dwelling place, their prayer and their petitions, and maintain their cause, and forgive your people who have sinned against you.
40“Now, my God, let, I beg you, your eyes be open, and let your ears be attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.
41“Now therefore arise, LORD God, into your resting place, you, and the ark of your strength. Let your priests, LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let your saints rejoice in goodness.
42“LORD God, don’t turn away the face of your anointed. Remember your loving kindnesses to David your servant.”
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Theme
Solomon dedicates the newly completed temple with a public address and extended prayer, marking the culmination of Israel's worship centralization in Jerusalem. He first blesses the assembly and recounts God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to David about building the temple. Solomon then offers a comprehensive prayer of dedication, acknowledging God's transcendence while requesting His presence and blessing on the temple as a place where prayers will be heard and forgiveness granted.
Context
This chapter follows the completion of temple construction and the ark's installation, leading to the sacrificial celebrations and God's response in chapter 7.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-2 Solomon's Declaration Solomon proclaims that he has built a permanent dwelling place for the LORD who dwells in darkness
- 3-11 Address to the Assembly Solomon blesses Israel and recounts God's faithfulness in choosing Jerusalem and fulfilling His promise to David about the temple
- 12-21 Opening of Dedication Prayer Solomon kneels before the altar and begins his prayer by praising God's uniqueness and covenant faithfulness
- 22-31 Prayer for Justice Solomon requests that God hear oaths and render judgment between the righteous and wicked at the temple
- 32-39 Prayer for Restoration Solomon asks God to hear prayers of repentance and restore His people when they turn back to Him
- 40-42 Concluding Petition Solomon closes with a final appeal for God's presence, blessing, and remembrance of His covenant with David
Solomon's Address to the Assembly
6:1–6:11 narrative speech celebratory
Solomon addresses the assembly of Israel, blessing God for fulfilling His promises to David and choosing Jerusalem as the place for His name to dwell. He recounts how God selected David and his lineage to build the temple and rule over Israel.
person_contrast
Solomon uniquely shifts from his typical role as wise ruler to covenant mediator, explicitly connecting God's promises to David with Israel's collective identity as the chosen people.
Solomon's Prayer of Dedication
6:12–6:42 narrative prayer solemn
Solomon offers a lengthy dedicatory prayer for the temple, asking God to hear prayers offered toward this place and to forgive His people. He acknowledges God's transcendence while requesting His presence and attention to the temple and the needs of Israel.
person_contrast
Solomon's prayer contains seven distinct "if/when" scenarios for divine forgiveness, transforming the wise king into Israel's chief intercessor who anticipates every possible national crisis requiring God's mercy.
Insights
Solomon's prayer contains seven distinct "if/when" scenarios for divine forgiveness, transforming the wise king into Israel's chief intercessor who anticipates every possible national crisis requiring God's mercy.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
2 Chronicles 6:1 1 reference
2 Chronicles 6:2 1 reference
2 Chronicles 6:3 1 reference
2 Chronicles 6:8 2 references
2 Chronicles 6:9 1 reference
2 Chronicles 6:12 2 references
2 Chronicles 6:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Exodus 27:18 Lexical
The length of the court shall be one hundred cubits, and the width fifty throughout, and the height five cubits, of fine…
1 Kings 7:27 Lexical
He made the ten bases of bronze. The length of one base was four cubits, four cubits its width, and three cubits its hei…
Exodus 38:1 Lexical
He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. It was square. Its length was five cubits, its width was five cubits…
Exodus 27:1 Lexical
“You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long, and five cubits wide. The altar shall be square. Its height…
1 Kings 8:22 Lexical
Solomon stood before the LORD’s altar in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward hea…
2 Chronicles 6:14 1 reference
2 Chronicles 6:16 1 reference
2 Chronicles 6:18 1 reference
2 Chronicles 6:19 4 references
Lexicals 4
1 Kings 8:28 Lexical
Yet have respect for the prayer of your servant and for his supplication, LORD my God, to listen to the cry and to the p…
1 Kings 8:54 Lexical
It was so, that when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the LORD, he arose from before the…
Jeremiah 7:16 Lexical
“Therefore don’t pray for this people. Don’t lift up a cry or prayer for them or make intercession to me; for I will not…
Jeremiah 11:14 Lexical
“Therefore don’t pray for this people. Don’t lift up cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that t…
2 Chronicles 6:20 5 references
Lexicals 5
Nehemiah 1:6 Lexical
let your ear now be attentive and your eyes open, that you may listen to the prayer of your servant which I pray before…
1 Kings 8:29 Lexical
that your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall…
Isaiah 60:11 Lexical
Your gates also shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night, that men may bring to you the wealth of…
2 Chronicles 7:15 Lexical
Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to prayer that is made in this place.
Deuteronomy 1:33 Lexical
who went before you on the way, to seek out a place for you to pitch your tents in: in fire by night, to show you by wha…
2 Chronicles 6:21 2 references
Lexicals 2
2 Chronicles 6:22 1 reference
2 Chronicles 6:23 5 references
Lexicals 5
1 Kings 8:32 Lexical
then hear in heaven, and act, and judge your servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way on his own head, and just…
Isaiah 5:23 Lexical
who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice for the innocent!
Deuteronomy 25:1 Lexical
If there is a controversy between men, and they come to judgment and the judges judge them, then they shall justify the…
Proverbs 17:15 Lexical
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.
Exodus 23:7 Lexical
“Keep far from a false charge, and don’t kill the innocent and righteous; for I will not justify the wicked.
2 Chronicles 6:24 3 references
Lexicals 3
1 Kings 8:33 Lexical
“When your people Israel are struck down before the enemy because they have sinned against you, if they turn again to yo…
Nehemiah 1:6 Lexical
let your ear now be attentive and your eyes open, that you may listen to the prayer of your servant which I pray before…
1 Kings 8:35 Lexical
“When the sky is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, if they pray toward this place and c…
2 Chronicles 6:25 3 references
Lexicals 3
1 Kings 8:34 Lexical
then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to their…
2 Chronicles 7:14 Lexical
if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then…
1 Kings 8:36 Lexical
then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, and of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way i…
2 Chronicles 6:26 5 references
Lexicals 5
1 Kings 8:35 Lexical
“When the sky is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, if they pray toward this place and c…
Nehemiah 1:6 Lexical
let your ear now be attentive and your eyes open, that you may listen to the prayer of your servant which I pray before…
Deuteronomy 11:17 Lexical
and the LORD’s anger be kindled against you, and he shut up the sky so that there is no rain, and the land doesn’t yield…
2 Chronicles 7:13 Lexical
“If I shut up the sky so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence a…
1 Kings 8:33 Lexical
“When your people Israel are struck down before the enemy because they have sinned against you, if they turn again to yo…
2 Chronicles 6:27 4 references
Lexicals 4
1 Kings 8:36 Lexical
then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, and of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way i…
1 Kings 8:35 Lexical
“When the sky is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, if they pray toward this place and c…
1 Kings 8:34 Lexical
then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to their…
2 Chronicles 7:14 Lexical
if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then…
2 Chronicles 6:28 5 references
Lexicals 5
1 Kings 8:37 Lexical
“If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight, mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their ene…
Jeremiah 21:9 Lexical
He who remains in this city will die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, but he who goes out and passes…
1 Chronicles 21:12 Lexical
either three years of famine; or three months to be consumed before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes…
Jeremiah 21:7 Lexical
Afterward,” says the LORD, “I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, his servants, and the people, even those who are left…
Deuteronomy 28:22 Lexical
The LORD will strike you with consumption, with fever, with inflammation, with fiery heat, with the sword, with blight,…
2 Chronicles 6:29 3 references
Lexicals 3
1 Kings 8:38 Lexical
whatever prayer and supplication is made by any man, or by all your people Israel, who shall each know the plague of his…
1 Kings 8:54 Lexical
It was so, that when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the LORD, he arose from before the…
Isaiah 1:15 Lexical
When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you. Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your han…
2 Chronicles 6:30 1 reference
2 Chronicles 6:32 5 references
Lexicals 5
1 Kings 8:42 Lexical
(for they shall hear of your great name and of your mighty hand and of your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays t…
1 Kings 8:41 Lexical
“Moreover, concerning the foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, when he comes out of a far country for your name’…
Deuteronomy 4:34 Lexical
Or has God tried to go and take a nation for himself from among another nation, by trials, by signs, by wonders, by war,…
Deuteronomy 11:2 Lexical
Know this day—for I don’t speak with your children who have not known, and who have not seen the chastisement of the LOR…
Ezekiel 20:33 Lexical
As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “surely with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out, I will b…
2 Chronicles 6:33 1 reference
2 Chronicles 6:34 2 references
2 Chronicles 6:35 3 references
Lexicals 3
1 Kings 8:45 Lexical
then hear in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.
1 Kings 8:49 Lexical
then hear their prayer and their supplication in heaven, your dwelling place, and maintain their cause;
1 Kings 8:54 Lexical
It was so, that when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the LORD, he arose from before the…
2 Chronicles 6:36 1 reference
2 Chronicles 6:37 2 references
2 Chronicles 6:38 2 references
2 Chronicles 6:39 5 references
Lexicals 5
1 Kings 8:49 Lexical
then hear their prayer and their supplication in heaven, your dwelling place, and maintain their cause;
1 Kings 8:45 Lexical
then hear in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.
1 Kings 8:39 Lexical
then hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to every man according to all his ways, whose h…
1 Kings 8:30 Lexical
Listen to the supplication of your servant, and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Yes, hear in he…
1 Kings 8:54 Lexical
It was so, that when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the LORD, he arose from before the…
2 Chronicles 6:40 4 references
Lexicals 4
2 Chronicles 7:15 Lexical
Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to prayer that is made in this place.
Nehemiah 1:6 Lexical
let your ear now be attentive and your eyes open, that you may listen to the prayer of your servant which I pray before…
Nehemiah 1:11 Lexical
Lord, I beg you, let your ear be attentive now to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who del…
1 Kings 8:29 Lexical
that your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall…
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Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
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Timeline
Exodus
c. 1446 BCIsrael's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian slavery under Moses' leadership, including the ten plagues and Red Sea crossing. This foundational event established Israel as God's chosen nation.
Solomon recalls God's promises to David about establishing Jerusalem as His dwelling place.
Solomon's Address to the Assembly