2 Chronicles 6:16

KJV

Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore, O LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, keep {H8104} with thy servant {H5650} David {H1732} my father {H1} that which thou hast promised {H1696} him, saying {H559}, There shall not fail {H3772} thee a man {H376} in my sight {H6440} to sit {H3427} upon the throne {H3678} of Israel {H3478}; yet so {H7535} that thy children {H1121} take heed {H8104} to their way {H1870} to walk {H3212} in my law {H8451}, as thou hast walked {H1980} before {H6440} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now therefore, ADONAI, God of Isra'el, keep what you promised to your servant David, my father, when you said, 'You will never lack a man in my presence to sit on the throne of Isra'el, if only your children are careful about what they do, so that they live by my Torah, just as you have lived in my presence.'

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore now, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for Your servant, my father David, what You promised when You said: ‘You will never fail to have a man to sit before Me on the throne of Israel, if only your descendants guard their way to walk in My law as you have walked before Me.’

American Standard Version

Now therefore, O Jehovah, the God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only thy children take heed to their way, to walk in my law as thou hast walked before me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Chronicles 6:16, King Solomon, during his profound prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem, appeals to the enduring faithfulness of the LORD God of Israel. He specifically reminds God of the covenant promise made to his father, King David, concerning the perpetual succession of his lineage on the throne. Crucially, Solomon acknowledges the dual nature of this divine guarantee: while the dynasty itself is assured, the continuous, immediate occupancy of the throne by David's descendants is contingent upon their diligent obedience to God's law, mirroring David's own walk of integrity before the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Solomon's magnificent and lengthy prayer of dedication for the Temple, which spans from [2 Chronicles 6:1](/2_chronicles/6-1 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Temple Dedication Prayer") to [2 Chronicles 6:42](/2_chronicles/6-42 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Temple Dedication Prayer"). Having just completed the grand edifice that his father David had longed to build, Solomon stands before the altar of the LORD, facing the assembled congregation of Israel. His prayer is a profound theological statement, acknowledging God's omnipresence, His covenant faithfulness, and His willingness to hear the prayers of His people from this sacred space. Immediately preceding this verse, Solomon has recounted God's fulfillment of His promise to David regarding the building of the Temple by his son ([2 Chronicles 6:10](/2_chronicles/6-10 "2 Chronicles 6:10 - God's Promise Fulfilled")). Verse 16 then transitions to the *other* major promise made to David: that of an enduring dynasty, setting the stage for Solomon's subsequent pleas for divine presence, forgiveness, and blessing upon Israel in various future scenarios.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign marked the zenith of Israel's united monarchy, a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and architectural achievement. The construction of the Temple was a monumental undertaking, symbolizing the culmination of God's dwelling among His people and the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political capital. The Davidic Covenant, initially articulated in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") and [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - The Davidic Covenant"), was the bedrock of monarchical legitimacy in Israel. Kings were seen as God's anointed, ruling under His authority. The concept of a conditional covenant, where blessings were tied to obedience, was deeply ingrained in Israelite thought, stemming from the Mosaic Covenant at Sinai ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Solomon's prayer, therefore, reflects a keen awareness of both God's unconditional commitment to His promises and the crucial role of human obedience in the ongoing experience of those blessings.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in this chapter and the broader book of Chronicles include God's **faithfulness to His covenants**, particularly the Davidic Covenant, which guarantees an enduring dynasty and the building of the Temple. Solomon's prayer also highlights the **centrality of the Temple** as a place of divine presence and intercession, where God's people can seek forgiveness and restoration. A critical theme underscored in [2 Chronicles 6:16](/2_chronicles/6-16 "2 Chronicles 6:16 - Solomon's Prayer for David's Line") is the **interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility**, illustrating that while God's ultimate plan is unshakeable, the immediate manifestation of His blessings often depends on human obedience. This concept is reiterated throughout Chronicles, emphasizing that the prosperity and stability of the kingdom are directly linked to the king's and the people's adherence to God's law, as seen in the repeated cycles of obedience leading to blessing and disobedience leading to judgment (e.g., [2 Chronicles 12:1-2](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1-2 - Rehoboam's Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keep (Hebrew, שָׁמַר _shamar_):** This verb carries the sense of guarding, watching over, preserving, or fulfilling. When Solomon pleads, "keep with thy servant David," he is not asking God to merely remember a promise, but to actively watch over it and bring it to pass. It implies a diligent, active commitment on God's part to uphold His word, reflecting His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant obligations.
* **Fail (Hebrew, כָּרַת _karat_):** In the Hiphil stem, as used here, _karat_ means "to cut off" or "to destroy." The phrase "there shall not fail thee a man" (לֹא יִכָּרֵת לְךָ אִישׁ) literally means "there shall not be cut off from you a man." This emphasizes the permanence and continuity of the Davidic line on the throne. It highlights the divine guarantee that David's dynasty would not be extinguished, a promise that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the eternal reign of Christ.
* **Take heed to their way (Hebrew, שָׁמַר דֶּרֶךְ _shamar derek_):** This idiomatic phrase, combining "guard" (_shamar_) with "way" (_derek_), conveys the idea of careful, intentional observance of one's conduct or path. It's a call to conscious and consistent obedience, implying a deliberate watchfulness over one's actions, choices, and lifestyle to ensure they align with God's commandments. It signifies a proactive commitment to living in accordance with God's law, rather than a passive or accidental adherence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying,"**: Solomon begins his plea by invoking God's covenant name, "LORD God of Israel," emphasizing His unique relationship with His people. He then appeals to God's faithfulness, asking Him to actively fulfill the specific promise made to David, his father. This opening sets a tone of confident expectation based on God's proven character and word.
* **"There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel;"**: This clause articulates the unconditional aspect of the Davidic Covenant. God promised David an enduring dynasty, ensuring that a descendant of David would always occupy the throne. The phrase "in my sight" underscores God's sovereign oversight and guarantee of this perpetual line, indicating that from God's perspective, this promise would never be abrogated.
* **"yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me."**: This crucial conditional clause introduces the human responsibility element. While the *dynasty* is guaranteed, the *immediate and continuous* occupancy of the throne by David's physical descendants is made contingent upon their obedience. "Take heed to their way to walk in my law" is a direct call to diligent adherence to the Mosaic covenant. The standard for this obedience is set by David himself, who, despite his flaws, generally walked "before" God in a spirit of obedience and righteousness, seeking to honor His commands. This highlights that divine blessings often flow through human faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in [2 Chronicles 6:16](/2_chronicles/6-16 "2 Chronicles 6:16 - Solomon's Prayer for David's Line") employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Covenant Language**, directly referencing the foundational Davidic Covenant, which shapes the entire theological framework of the monarchy in Israel. There is a clear use of **Conditionality** or **Proviso**, introduced by "yet so that," which creates a tension between God's unconditional promise of an enduring dynasty and the conditional requirement for the immediate occupants of the throne to obey His law. This creates a form of **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Allusion** to the original promises found in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") and [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - The Davidic Covenant"), drawing upon established theological truths. Solomon's address to God is also a powerful example of **Supplication**, a humble and earnest appeal to the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 6:16 profoundly illustrates the intricate relationship between God's unwavering faithfulness and humanity's responsibility to obey. It underscores the dual nature of the Davidic Covenant: an unconditional promise of an eternal dynasty, ensuring that a descendant of David would always sit on the throne, which ultimately points to Christ; and a conditional aspect, where the immediate prosperity and continuous reign of individual kings from David's line were dependent on their adherence to God's law. This verse serves as a reminder that while God's ultimate purposes will prevail, our present experience of His blessings is often tied to our diligent walk of faith and obedience. It highlights the enduring biblical truth that God keeps His word, and His people are called to keep His commands.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "The Davidic Covenant Established")
* [Psalm 132:11-12](/psalms/132-11 "God's Oath to David and His Descendants")
* [1 Kings 2:4](/1_kings/2-4 "David's Charge to Solomon Regarding Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 6:16 offers profound insights for believers today, emphasizing the enduring nature of God's promises and the vital role of our obedience. Just as Solomon appealed to God's faithfulness to David, we too can approach God with confidence, knowing that He is true to His word, whether it be His promises for salvation, provision, or His presence. This verse challenges us to consider our own "way"—our daily walk, choices, and attitudes. Are we diligently taking heed to walk in God's law, not out of legalism, but out of a heartfelt desire to honor Him and experience the fullness of His blessings? Our faithfulness today not only impacts our lives but also shapes the spiritual legacy we pass on to future generations, reminding us of our responsibility to model a life of genuine devotion and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently trusting God to "keep" His promises?**
* **How does the conditional aspect of the Davidic Covenant in this verse challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty and human responsibility?**
* **What does it practically mean for you to "take heed to your way to walk in God's law" in your daily life?**
* **Considering the legacy of David, what kind of spiritual example are you setting for those who come after you?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Davidic Covenant" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The Davidic Covenant, first recorded in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") and [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - The Davidic Covenant"), is a foundational promise God made to King David. It has two primary aspects. First, an unconditional promise that David's house, kingdom, and throne would be established forever, meaning he would always have a descendant on the throne. This aspect ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Second, a conditional aspect, which is highlighted in [2 Chronicles 6:16](/2_chronicles/6-16 "2 Chronicles 6:16 - Solomon's Prayer for David's Line"). This part stipulated that while the dynasty itself would endure, the immediate and continuous reign of individual kings from David's line, and the prosperity of their kingdom, were contingent upon their obedience to God's law. If they disobeyed, they would face discipline, but the covenant itself would not be broken.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 6:16, with its dual emphasis on God's unconditional promise to David and the conditional obedience required of his descendants, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and eternal Son of David, the one who perfectly fulfills the "unfailing" promise of a perpetual throne. Unlike the earthly kings of David's line, who repeatedly failed to "take heed to their way to walk in [God's] law," Jesus lived a life of impeccable obedience, perfectly walking "before" God in every respect ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). His perfect obedience secured not just a temporary reign, but an eternal kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His sacrifice, He not only sits on David's throne but also reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings")). Thus, what the earthly kings of Israel could only imperfectly grasp and conditionally maintain, Jesus fully and eternally embodies as the perfectly obedient, ever-reigning King, the true fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.

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

1 Kings 2:4

That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

2 Chronicles 7:18

Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man [to be] ruler in Israel.

Psalms 132:12

If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

2 Samuel 7:12

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

2 Samuel 7:16

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.