2 Chronicles 20:8

KJV

And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And they dwelt {H3427} therein, and have built {H1129} thee a sanctuary {H4720} therein for thy name {H8034}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

They lived in it, built you a sanctuary in it for your name, and said,

Berean Standard Bible

They have lived in the land and have built in it a sanctuary for Your Name, saying,

American Standard Version

And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Chronicles 20:8, King Jehoshaphat, facing an overwhelming invasion, appeals to God by reminding Him of the Israelites' long-standing dwelling in the promised land and their subsequent construction of a sacred sanctuary. This verse serves as a crucial historical and covenantal premise within Jehoshaphat’s fervent prayer, highlighting God's faithfulness in providing a homeland for His people and establishing a dedicated place for His name, a sanctuary where they could seek Him in times of distress and acknowledge His sovereign presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of King Jehoshaphat's profound and strategic prayer, recorded in [2 Chronicles 20:5-12](/2_chronicles/20-5 "2 Chronicles 20:5-12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer"). The prayer immediately follows the alarming news of a vast coalition of armies—the Ammonites, Moabites, and inhabitants of Mount Seir—advancing against Judah ([2 Chronicles 20:1-2](/2_chronicles/20-1-2 "2 Chronicles 20:1-2 - Invasion of Judah")). In response to this existential threat, Jehoshaphat, demonstrating exemplary spiritual leadership, "set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah" ([2 Chronicles 20:3](/2_chronicles/20-3 "2 Chronicles 20:3 - Jehoshaphat Seeks the Lord")). His prayer is a masterful theological appeal, commencing with an affirmation of God's omnipotence and sovereignty over all kingdoms ([2 Chronicles 20:6](/2_chronicles/20-6 "2 Chronicles 20:6 - God's Sovereignty")). Verse 8 specifically recalls God's historical provision of the land and the people's subsequent act of building the Temple, setting the stage for the core of his plea in [2 Chronicles 20:9](/2_chronicles/20-9 "2 Chronicles 20:9 - The Purpose of the Temple in Distress"), where he articulates the Temple's purpose as a refuge in times of trouble. The verse thus acts as a foundational historical and covenantal reminder, reinforcing the basis for Judah's appeal to God's intervention based on His past faithfulness and established promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah from approximately 870 to 848 BC. His reign was largely characterized by faithfulness to the Lord, marked by religious reforms and a commitment to justice, though not without its political challenges and alliances that sometimes proved unwise. The specific threat described in [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Victory") came from traditional enemies of Israel, highlighting the constant geopolitical pressures faced by Judah. For the Israelites, the possession of the land was not merely a territorial claim but a direct fulfillment of God's unconditional covenant with Abraham, promising the land to his descendants as an "everlasting possession" ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The Temple, built by Solomon centuries earlier ([1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Solomon Begins the Temple")), was the central edifice of Israelite worship and the physical manifestation of God's unique presence among His people. The concept of God's "name" dwelling in the Temple, rather than God Himself being confined, was crucial. It signified that God's character, authority, and revealed presence were uniquely associated with that sacred space, making it the primary locus for national worship, sacrifice, and prayer, particularly in times of national crisis, as articulated in [Solomon's dedication prayer](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, reminding God (and the people) of His unwavering commitment to His promises, specifically regarding the land given to Abraham's descendants as an "everlasting possession" ([2 Chronicles 20:7](/2_chronicles/20-7 "2 Chronicles 20:7 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). This historical fidelity forms the bedrock of Jehoshaphat's plea. Secondly, it highlights the **Significance of the Temple as God's Dwelling Place and a Place of Refuge**. The Temple was not merely a building but a consecrated space where God's "name" resided, symbolizing His active presence and accessibility to His people. This concept is foundational to Israelite theology, echoing the commands for a sanctuary in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build a Sanctuary"). The Temple was understood as a place where God would hear the prayers of His people, especially in distress. Thirdly, the verse points to the **Purpose of Prayer and Seeking God in Crisis**. By recalling the Temple's construction "for thy name, saying," Jehoshaphat implicitly references the promises made during its dedication, that if the people turned to God in this house during distress, He would hear and deliver them ([2 Chronicles 6:28-30](/2_chronicles/6-28-30 "2 Chronicles 6:28-30 - Solomon's Prayer for Distress") and [2 Chronicles 7:14-15](/2_chronicles/7-14-15 "2 Chronicles 7:14-15 - God's Response to Solomon")). This theme emphasizes that God has provided a means and a place (symbolically, if not literally) for His people to approach Him with their needs, grounded in His character and covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This verb (H3427, יָשַׁב) signifies to sit down, to settle, or to inhabit. In the context of 2 Chronicles 20:8, "And they dwelt therein" refers to the Israelites' long-standing and divinely granted possession and inhabitation of the promised land. It underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants, establishing their legitimate claim to the territory and providing the stable foundation upon which the Temple could be built. This dwelling was not accidental but a direct result of God's faithfulness and provision, signifying a secure and established presence.
* **Built (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** The primitive root (H1129, בָּנָה) means to build, construct, or establish. Here, it refers to the Israelites' act of constructing the Temple in Jerusalem. This act of building was not merely a human endeavor but a response to divine instruction and a tangible expression of their devotion and obedience. The construction of the sanctuary was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, solidifying their national identity around a central place of worship dedicated to the Lord. It represents the establishment of a physical structure consecrated for sacred purposes.
* **Sanctuary (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_):** This term (H4720, מִקְדָּשׁ) refers to a consecrated thing or place, especially a holy place or a temple. Derived from the root "to be holy" (קָדַשׁ, *qadash*), the use of "sanctuary" here specifically denotes the Temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing its sacred nature as a place set apart exclusively for the worship and presence of the Lord. It signifies a space where the divine and human realms uniquely intersected, facilitating communion, atonement, and the manifestation of God's unique presence among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they dwelt therein,"**: This clause establishes the historical and covenantal basis of Jehoshaphat's appeal. It refers to the Israelites' long-established residence in the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham and his descendants as an "everlasting possession" ([2 Chronicles 20:7](/2_chronicles/20-7 "2 Chronicles 20:7 - God's Gift of the Land")). This dwelling was a direct act of God's faithfulness, providing a secure homeland for His chosen people, a prerequisite for their national and spiritual development, and the eventual construction of a central place of worship. It highlights God's initiative in fulfilling His promises before any human action.
* **"and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name,"**: This part of the verse highlights the subsequent act of devotion and obedience by the Israelites. Having received the land, they constructed the Temple in Jerusalem, not for their own glory, but specifically "for thy name." This emphasizes the Temple's primary purpose: to be a sacred space consecrated to God's honor, where His character, authority, and presence were uniquely manifested. It was the physical embodiment of God's desire to dwell among His people, providing a focal point for their worship, prayer, and the remembrance of His covenant. The phrase "for thy name" indicates that the Temple's very existence was for the purpose of revealing and honoring God's identity and nature.
* **"saying,"**: This single word acts as a crucial transition, introducing the implicit or explicit promises associated with the Temple's dedication, which Jehoshaphat is about to invoke in the following verse ([2 Chronicles 20:9](/2_chronicles/20-9 "2 Chronicles 20:9 - The Temple's Purpose in Distress")). It points to the understanding that the Temple was built with a specific purpose in mind: as a place where God's people could come to Him in times of distress, seeking His intervention and deliverance, confident that He would hear and act according to His covenant promises. This word sets up the theological argument that follows, reminding God of His own words and commitments.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that strengthen Jehoshaphat's appeal. **Recapitulation** is prominent, as Jehoshaphat succinctly reviews God's past acts of faithfulness—granting the land and accepting the Temple built "for thy name." This serves as a rhetorical foundation for his current plea, reminding God of His own established covenant and promises. The phrase "for thy name" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for God's entire being, character, and presence. It's a concise way to express the profound theological truth that the Temple was dedicated to God Himself, not merely a structure. Furthermore, the entire prayer, of which this verse is a part, is an **Appeal to Covenant**, leveraging the historical relationship and divine commitments made to Israel as the basis for divine intervention. The "saying" at the end of the verse creates **Anticipation**, setting up the direct invocation of the Temple's purpose as a place of refuge and prayer in the subsequent verses, thereby building the logical and theological argument of Jehoshaphat's desperate plea.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 20:8 profoundly connects to the enduring theological theme of God's desire to dwell among His people and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. The provision of the land and the establishment of the Temple demonstrate God's initiative in creating a relationship with Israel and providing a tangible center for their worship and national identity. This verse underscores that the Temple was not merely a human construction but a divine mandate, built "for thy name," signifying that God Himself consecrated it as a place where His presence was uniquely accessible and His character revealed. It highlights the principle that God's people can appeal to His past acts of faithfulness and His established promises as the basis for their prayers in present crises, trusting that He remains true to His word and His dwelling place among them. This reliance on God's historical actions provides a powerful model for faith in every generation.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command for a Sanctuary")
* [1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "Solomon's Prayer for the Temple")
* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "God's Promise to Hear from the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehoshaphat's prayer in 2 Chronicles 20, with verse 8 as a cornerstone, offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that our faith is rooted in a God who has a history of faithfulness, a God who has made promises and consistently kept them. When we face overwhelming challenges, like Jehoshaphat confronting a vast army, our first response should be to "seek the Lord" ([2 Chronicles 20:3](/2_chronicles/20-3 "2 Chronicles 20:3 - Jehoshaphat Seeks the Lord")). This involves recalling God's past interventions in our lives and in salvation history, using His character and promises as the foundation for our petitions. Just as the Temple was built "for thy name" as a place of refuge, so too do we, as individual believers and as the corporate church, serve as God's dwelling place in the New Covenant era. Our lives, therefore, should be consecrated to His name, reflecting His character and serving as a beacon of His presence in the world. We are called to live in a manner that honors Him, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that the church is built together as a dwelling place for God by the Spirit, continually seeking Him in every circumstance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness, both in Scripture and in your own life, strengthen your trust in Him during current difficulties?**
* **In what ways can your life, as a "sanctuary" for God's name, more fully reflect His character and bring Him glory?**
* **What specific promises of God can you appeal to in your prayers when facing overwhelming circumstances, much like Jehoshaphat did?**
* **How does the concept of God's "name" dwelling among His people inform your understanding of worship and community today?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "for thy name" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "for thy name" (לְשִׁמְךָ, *leshimkha*) is highly significant in biblical theology. God's "name" represents His revealed character, attributes, authority, and very presence. When the Temple was built "for thy name," it meant it was dedicated entirely to God's honor and purposes. It signified that God had chosen to make Himself uniquely known and accessible in that place, making it the focal point for His people's worship, prayers, and the remembrance of His covenant. It's not that God's infinite being was contained within the Temple, but that His presence and identity were uniquely associated with it, providing a tangible point of contact for His people to approach Him. This concept is foundational to understanding the sanctity and purpose of the Temple throughout the Old Testament, as seen in [1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "1 Kings 8:29 - God's Eyes on the Temple").

**How does 2 Chronicles 20:8 connect to the broader purpose of the Temple in Israelite life?**

Answer: 2 Chronicles 20:8 underscores the dual purpose of the Temple: as a permanent dwelling place for God's "name" among His people, and as a designated place for prayer and seeking God, especially in times of national distress. The "saying" at the end of the verse alludes to the specific promises made during the Temple's dedication, particularly [Solomon's prayer](/2_chronicles/6-28 "2 Chronicles 6:28 - Solomon's Prayer for Distress") and God's response in [2 Chronicles 7:14-15](/2_chronicles/7-14-15 "2 Chronicles 7:14-15 - God's Promise to Hear"). These passages establish that if the Israelites turned to God in the Temple during times of famine, plague, war, or other calamities, He would hear their prayers and bring deliverance. Thus, the Temple was not merely a place of ritual but a vital spiritual refuge, a symbol of God's covenant faithfulness, and a tangible assurance of His accessibility to His people when they sought Him with humble hearts. It served as a constant reminder of God's commitment to His people and their recourse in times of need.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 20:8 speaks of a physical Temple built "for thy name" as a place of God's dwelling and refuge, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Temple, with its localized presence of God's name, foreshadowed the coming of the One who would embody God's presence fully among humanity. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," with the Greek word for "dwelt" (ἐσκήνωσεν, *eskēnōsen*) literally meaning "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent," directly echoing the Old Testament concept of God's dwelling place among His people. Jesus Himself proclaimed, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to His own body as the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, access to God is no longer confined to a physical structure or a specific geographical location, but is universally available through His person, who is the ultimate revelation of God's character and authority. Furthermore, the New Testament reveals that believers, individually, are now "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), and corporately, the church is being "built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). Thus, the promise of God's presence and the purpose of seeking Him in a dedicated "sanctuary for thy name" are gloriously fulfilled in Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God's name, and in His body, the church, through whom God continues to dwell and be known in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 2:4

Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate [it] to him, [and] to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This [is an ordinance] for ever to Israel.

2 Chronicles 6:10

The LORD therefore hath performed his word that he hath spoken: for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and am set on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built the house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.