Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6 verses 12–42
Solomon had, in the foregoing verses, signed and sealed, as it were, the deed of dedication, by which the temple was appropriated to the honour and service of God. Now here he prays the consecration-prayer, by which it was made a figure of Christ, the great Mediator, through whom we are to offer all our prayers, and to expect all God's favours, and to whom we are to have an eye in every thing where we have to do with God. We have opened the particulars of this prayer (1 Kings 8) and therefore shall now only glean up some few passages in it which may be the proper subjects of our meditation.
I. Here are some doctrinal truths occasionally laid down. As, 1. That the God of Israel is a being of incomparable perfection. We cannot describe him; but this we know, there is none like him in heaven or in earth, Ch2 6:14. All the creatures have their fellow-creatures, but the Creator has not his peer. He is infinitely above all, and over all, God blessed for ever. 2. That he is, and will be, true to every word that he has spoken; and all that serve him in sincerity shall certainly find him both faithful and kind. Those that set God always before them, and walk before him with all their hearts, shall find him as good as his word and better; he will both keep covenant with them and show mercy to them, Ch2 6:14. 3. That he is a being infinite and immense, whom the heaven, and heaven of heavens, cannot contain, and to whose felicity nothing is added by the utmost we can do in his service, Ch2 6:18. He is infinitely beyond the bounds of the creation and infinitely above the praises of all intelligent creatures. 4. That he, and he only, knows the hearts of the children of men, Ch2 6:30. All men's thoughts, aims, and affections, are naked and open before him; and, however the imaginations and intents of our hearts may be concealed from men, angels, and devils, they cannot be hidden from God, who knows not only what is in the heart, but the heart itself and all the beatings of it. 5. That there is no such thing as a sinless perfection to be found in this life (Ch2 6:36): There is no man who sinneth not; nay, who doeth good and sinneth not; so he writes, agreeable to what he here says, Ecc 7:20.
II. Here are some suppositions or cases put which are to be taken notice of. 1. He supposed that if doubts and controversies arose between man and man both sides would agree to appeal to God, and lay an oath upon the person whose testimony must decide the matter, Ch2 6:22. The religious reverence of an oath, as it was ancient, so, it may be presumed, it will continue as long as there are any remains of conscience and right reason among men. 2. He supposed that, though Israel enjoyed a profound peace and tranquillity, yet troublesome times would come. He did not think the mountain of their prosperity stood so strong but that it might be moved; nay, he expected sin would move it. 3. He supposed that those who had not called upon God at other times, yet, in their affliction, would seek him early and earnestly. "When they are in distress they will confess their sins, and confess thy name, and make supplication to thee." Trouble will drive those to God who have said to him, Depart, Ch2 6:24, Ch2 6:26, Ch2 6:28. 4. He supposed that strangers would come from afar to worship the God of Israel and to pay homage to him; and this also might reasonably be expected, considering what worthless things the gods of the nations were, and what proofs the God of Israel had given of his being Lord of the whole earth.
III. Here are petitions very pertinent. 1. That God would own this house, and have an eye to it, as the place of which he had said that he would put his name there, Ch2 6:20. He could not, in faith, have asked God to show such peculiar favour to this house above any other if he himself had not said that it should be his rest for ever. The prayer that will speed must be warranted by the word. We may with humble confidence pray to God to be well pleased with us in Jesus Christ, because he had declared himself well pleased in him - This is my beloved Son; but he says not now of any house, "This is my beloved place." 2. That God would hear and accept the prayers which should be made in or towards that place, Ch2 6:21. He asked not that God should help them whether they prayed for themselves or no, but that God would help them in answer to their prayers. Even Christ's intercessions do not supersede but encourage our supplications. He prayed that God would hear from his dwelling-place, even from heaven. Heaven in his dwelling-place still, not this temple; and thence help must come. When thou hearest forgive. Note, The forgiveness of our sins is that which makes way for all the other answers to our prayers, Removendo prohibens - The evil which it drives away it keeps away. 3. That God would give judgment according to equity upon all the appeals that should be made to him, Ch2 6:23, Ch2 6:30. This we may, in faith, pray for, for we are sure it shall be done. God sitteth on the throne judging right. 4. That God would return in mercy to his people when they repented, and reformed, and sought unto him, Ch2 6:25, Ch2 6:27, Ch2 6:38, Ch2 6:39. This we also may, in faith, pray for, building upon the repeated declarations God has made of his readiness to accepts penitents. 5. That God would bid the strangers welcome to this house, and answer their prayers (Ch2 6:33); for, if there be in duty, why should there not be in privilege one law for the stranger and for one born in the land? Lev 24:22. 6. That God would, upon all occasions, own and plead the cause of his people Israel, against all the opposers of it (Ch2 6:35): Maintain their cause; and again, Ch2 6:39. If they be the Israel of God, their cause is the cause of God, and he would espouse it. 7. He concludes this prayer with some expressions which he had learned of his good father, and borrowed from one of his psalms. We had then not in the Kings, but here we have them, Ch2 6:41, Ch2 6:42. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; and how can we express ourselves in better language to God than that of his own Spirit? But these words were of use, in a special manner, to direct Solomon, because they had reference to this very work that he was now doing. We have them, Psa 132:8-10. He prayer (Ch2 6:41), (1.) That God would take possession of the temple, and keep possession, that he would make it his resting-place: Thou and the ark; what will the ark do without the God of the ark-ordinances without the God of the ordinances? (2.) That he would make the ministers of the temple public blessings: Clothe them with salvation, that is, not only save them, but make them instrumental to save others, by offering the sacrifices of righteousness. (3.) That the service of the temple might turn abundantly to the joy and satisfaction of all the Lord's people: Let thy saints rejoice in goodness, that is, in the goodness of thy house, Psa 65:4. "Let all that come hither to worship, like the eunuch, go away rejoicing." He pleads two things, Ch2 6:42. [1.] His own relation to God: "Turn not away the face of thy anointed. Lord, thou hast appointed me to be king, and wilt not thou own me?" [2.] God's covenant with his father: Remember thy mercies of David thy servant - the piety of David towards God (so some understand it and so the word sometimes signifies), his pious care of the ark, and concern for it (see Psa 132:1, Psa 132:2, etc.), or the promises of God to David, which were mercies to him, his great support and comforts in all his troubles. We may plead, as Solomon does here, with an eye to Christ: - "We deserve that God should turn away our face, that he should reject us and our prayers; but we come in the name of the Lord Jesus, thy anointed, thy Messiah (so the word is), thy Christ, so the lxx. Him thou hearest always, and wilt never turn away his face. We have no righteousness of our own to plead, but, Lord, remember the mercies of David thy servant." Christ is God's servant (Isa 42:1), and is called David, Hos 3:5. "Lord, remember his mercies, and accept us on the account of them. Remember his tender concern for his Father's honour and man's salvation, and what he did and suffered from that principle. Remember the promises of the everlasting covenant, which free grace has made to us in Christ, and which are called the sure mercies of David," Isa 55:3 and Act 13:34. This must be all our desire and all our hope, all our prayer and all our plea; for it is all our salvation.
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SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 6:15 is a powerful declaration embedded within King Solomon's prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. In this verse, Solomon profoundly acknowledges God's unwavering faithfulness to his father, David, specifically praising the divine consistency where God's spoken word ("spakest with thy mouth") has been meticulously brought to tangible fulfillment ("hast fulfilled [it] with thine hand"), a reality visibly manifest "as it is this day." This statement serves as a cornerstone affirmation of God's absolute integrity and commitment to His covenantal promises.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within King Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple, a pivotal moment recorded in 2 Chronicles 6. Following the glorious descent of God's presence into the Temple (as recounted in 2 Chronicles 5:13-14), Solomon stands before the altar, addressing the assembly and God. His prayer systematically recounts God's historical faithfulness, from the Exodus to the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the building of the Temple. Immediately preceding verse 15, Solomon has already affirmed that God has kept His word regarding the Temple's construction by David's son (2 Chronicles 6:10). Verse 15 then expands on this, celebrating the broader fidelity of God to all His promises made to David. A parallel account of this significant prayer and the Temple dedication can be found in 1 Kings 8.
Historical & Cultural Context: The dedication of the Temple under King Solomon marked a zenith in Israelite history, symbolizing the culmination of centuries of anticipation for a permanent dwelling place for God among His people. This event occurred during Solomon's reign, a period often remembered for its unprecedented peace, wealth, and national stability, largely interpreted as a direct blessing from God in fulfillment of covenant promises. The act of a king offering a public prayer of such magnitude was a significant cultural and religious practice, demonstrating royal piety, acknowledging divine sovereignty, and serving as a communal act of worship and covenant renewal. The very existence and dedication of the Temple were tangible manifestations of the Davidic Covenant, where God promised David an enduring dynasty and that his son would build His house, a promise now visibly fulfilled.
Key Themes: At the heart of 2 Chronicles 6:15 lies the profound theme of God's Unwavering Faithfulness and His Covenant-Keeping Nature. Solomon's declaration emphasizes that God's word is not mere utterance but a binding commitment, meticulously brought to fruition. This highlights the Divine Word and Deed — what God speaks, He performs, underscoring His absolute integrity and reliability. Furthermore, the verse is a direct affirmation of the Fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, specifically the promise that David's son would build the Temple (as detailed in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 and 1 Chronicles 17:11-12). The Temple itself serves as a tangible symbol of God's enduring presence and the surety of His promises to His chosen people, solidifying the theme of God's Presence Among His People.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:15 employs several potent literary devices to magnify God's faithfulness. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically a form of synthetic parallelism, seen in the pairing of "spakest with thy mouth" and "hast fulfilled [it] with thine hand." This structure powerfully juxtaposes God's verbal declaration with His active performance, emphasizing the perfect congruence and seamless transition between His word and His deed. It highlights that God's promises are not empty rhetoric but are backed by His sovereign power and personal commitment. Additionally, the use of Anthropomorphism is evident in attributing "mouth" and "hand" to God. While God is spirit, these human attributes are employed to convey His personal, direct, and tangible involvement in the affairs of humanity, making His actions relatable and immediate. Finally, the phrase "as [it is] this day" functions as a powerful Affirmation and Witness, grounding the theological truth in the undeniable, present reality and inviting all present to observe the tangible evidence of God's faithfulness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 6:15 serves as a profound theological anchor, affirming the absolute reliability of God's character and His covenantal commitments. This verse encapsulates a core tenet of biblical theology: God is a promise-keeping God whose word is infallibly linked to His action. The fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, specifically the building of the Temple by Solomon, stands as a monumental testament to this truth. It teaches that God's declarations are not mere suggestions or possibilities, but divine decrees that He actively brings to pass through His sovereign power. This consistency across generations provides a foundational assurance for all believers, demonstrating that God's faithfulness is not contingent on human merit but flows from His unchanging nature and perfect integrity.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 6:15 offers immense spiritual nourishment for contemporary believers. In a world often marked by broken promises, unreliability, and shifting sands, Solomon's prayer serves as a powerful reminder that God is utterly trustworthy and immutable. Just as God meticulously fulfilled His ancient promises to David through Solomon, so too can we confidently lean on His infallible word for our lives today. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep-seated faith that rests not on fleeting circumstances or human capabilities, but on the unchanging, covenant-keeping character of God. It calls us to remember God's past acts of faithfulness, both in the grand narrative of salvation history and in our personal journeys, as a firm foundation for our present hope and future expectations. When faced with doubts, delays, or uncertainties, we are invited to look back and declare, "as it is this day," God remains faithful to His every word, providing comfort, strength, and perseverance for the journey of faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What specific promise to David is Solomon referring to in this verse?
Answer: Solomon is referring to the core promise within the Davidic Covenant, where God solemnly declared to David that his offspring would succeed him on the throne and, crucially, would be the one to build a permanent house for God's name. This promise is explicitly stated in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 and reiterated in 1 Chronicles 17:11-12. Solomon, as David's son, is now standing in the newly completed Temple, acknowledging himself as the direct fulfillment of that divine word.
Why does Solomon emphasize "as it is this day"?
Answer: The phrase "as it is this day" serves as a powerful, concrete affirmation of the promise's tangible fulfillment. It grounds the theological declaration in observable reality, making God's faithfulness undeniable. Solomon is essentially saying, "Look around you! The magnificent Temple stands before us, just as God promised! This is not merely a past promise or a future hope, but a present, visible reality that we can all witness." It underscores the immediacy, certainty, and irrefutable nature of God's word, providing clear evidence of His integrity and power to perform precisely what He has spoken.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 6:15 celebrates the fulfillment of God's promise to David through Solomon and the building of the physical Temple, it ultimately points to a far greater and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon, as the son of David who built God's house, serves as a type, or foreshadowing, of the ultimate Son of David, Jesus, who is the true and eternal Temple of God. Just as God fulfilled His word to David through Solomon, so too has He fulfilled all His promises concerning the Davidic throne and an everlasting kingdom through Christ, whose kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body (John 2:19-21), thereby establishing Himself as the new and living dwelling place of God. The physical Temple was a shadow of the spiritual reality found in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity (Colossians 2:9). Furthermore, God's faithfulness, so evident in Solomon's day, reaches its climactic "yes and amen" in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20), through whom the new covenant promises of a transformed heart and direct access to God are fully realized (Hebrews 8:6-13). Thus, Solomon's prayer, praising God for fulfilling His word, ultimately directs our gaze to Christ, the faithful and true Son, in whom all of God's promises find their perfect and eternal completion.