6:1 deep gloom Refers to God’s appearance at Mount Sinai (compare Exod 19:9).

6:2 a place for you to dwell in forever While Solomon viewed the temple as God’s dwelling, he recognized that God does not dwell in a house (2 Chron 6:18).

6:4 spoke with his mouth A reference to God’s covenant with David (1 Chr 17:1–15).

6:5 I did not choose a city Echoes God’s words to David (1 Chr 17:6).

6:6 I have chosen my name to be there in Jerusalem Second Chronicles 6:5–6 expand on the statement in 1 Kgs 8:16. He emphasizes God’s choice of Jerusalem as the site of His temple along with His choice of David to be king over His people.

6:7 in the heart of David my father See 2 Sam 7:2–3.

6:10 Yahweh has fulfilled See 1 Chr 22:10 and note.

6:11 And I have there the ark See 2 Chron 5:2–14.

in which is the covenant of Yahweh Specifically the tablets bearing the Ten Commandments (see 5:10 and note).

6:13 a platform of bronze This verse does not appear in 1 Kings, which describes Solomon standing before the altar of Yahweh (1 Kgs 8:22). Nothing is known of this platform, which might have been used only for this occasion (compare Neh 8:4). It probably is a coincidence that the platform’s dimensions match those of the bronze altar (Exod 27:1).

then knelt down on his knees A position of humility. Solomon, king of Israel, publicly shows proper respect for God.

6:14 like you, a God Echoes David’s prayer of thanksgiving after God promised to establish his throne forever (1 Chr 17:20).

covenant See 1 Kgs 8:23 and note.

loyal love The Hebrew word used here, chesed, indicates God’s faithful love (compare Exod 34:6). See note on 2 Chr 1:8.

Chesed Word Study

6:15 what you spoke to him See 1 Kgs 8:24 and note.

6:16 your sons The Hebrew terminology can refer to David’s 17 sons or to all of his descendants. In this context, the broader meaning is probably intended. For a list of David’s descendants, see 1 Chr 3:1–24.

walk in my law The parallel phrase in 1 Kgs 8:25 refers to walking before God, with no explicit mention of the law.

6:18 cannot contain you Even though the temple was considered God’s dwelling, it only represented His presence. Solomon recognizes that no building can contain God’s greatness (2 Chron 2:6).

6:19 to hearken to the pleading The Hebrew word used here, rinnah, can refer to a lament or a cry of praise. Solomon may have both in mind as he petitions God to hear all prayers offered toward the temple.

6:20 to this house See 1 Kgs 8:29 and note.

6:21 that you yourself might hear from the place of your dwelling, from the heavens As Solomon indicates in 2 Chron 6:18, the temple was only a symbol of God’s dwelling place—an earthly representation of God’s heavenly temple (compare Psa 11:4 and note). By praying toward the temple, the people were directing their prayers toward the symbol of God’s presence. However, Solomon acknowledges that God would answer from heaven.

6:23 and judge your servants Solomon portrays God as a sovereign king who judges His people (compare Psa 9: 8 and note).

6:24 they have sinned against you See 1 Kgs 8:33 and note.

6:26 there is no rain One of the consequences of breaking the law (Deut 11:16–17).

confess your name Refers to recognizing God’s sovereignty (compare note on 1 Chr 28:9).

6:27 may you yourself hear from the heavens See note on 2 Chron 6:21.

6:28 locust, and caterpillar Insects commonly associated with the destruction of agriculture (see note on 1 Kgs 8:37).

6:30 according to all his ways See note on 2 Chron 6:23.

6:32 foreigner Solomon extends his prayer to include foreigners. The Hebrew word used here, nokhri, indicates someone who lives outside Israel and visits. The inclusion of foreigners into God’s blessing would be so that God would be known throughout the earth (see v. 33).

6:34 that you have chosen See note on v. 6.

6:36 there is no person who does not sin See note on 1 Kgs 8:46.

6:37 in the land of their captivity This section of Solomon’s prayer undoubtedly held special significance for the Chronicler’s audience of returned exiles.