2 Chronicles 6:17

KJV

Now then, O LORD God of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou hast spoken unto thy servant David.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now then, O LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, let thy word {H1697} be verified {H539}, which thou hast spoken {H1696} unto thy servant {H5650} David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now therefore, ADONAI, God of Isra'el, please let your word, which you spoke to your servant David, my father, be confirmed.

Berean Standard Bible

And now, O LORD, God of Israel, please confirm what You promised to Your servant David.

American Standard Version

Now therefore, O Jehovah, the God of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's earnest prayer at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem reaches a pivotal moment in 2 Chronicles 6:17 as he appeals to the LORD God of Israel to confirm and establish the divine promises previously made to his father, King David. This petition underscores Solomon's profound trust in God's unwavering faithfulness and highlights the enduring significance of the Davidic Covenant as the foundation of Israel's royal lineage and future hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the magnificent prayer offered by King Solomon at the dedication of the newly completed Temple, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). The preceding chapter, [2 Chronicles 5](/2_chronicles/5 "2 Chronicles 5 - The Ark Brought to the Temple"), describes the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into the Holy of Holies and the overwhelming manifestation of God's glory, filling the Temple with a cloud. Solomon's prayer begins with praise for God's faithfulness in fulfilling the promise to build a house for His name, transitioning into a series of petitions for God's continued presence and responsiveness to the prayers offered in this sacred space. Specifically, [2 Chronicles 6:16](/2_chronicles/6-16 "2 Chronicles 6:16 - God's Promise to David Recalled") immediately sets the stage for verse 17 by recalling God's conditional promise to David regarding a perpetual successor on the throne, contingent upon their obedience. Solomon's plea in verse 17, therefore, is a direct and humble request for the full and certain establishment of that divine word, demonstrating his reliance on God's covenantal integrity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Temple was a monumental event in Israelite history, marking the culmination of David's vision and Solomon's monumental building project. It symbolized the establishment of God's dwelling place among His people, serving as the central hub for national worship and identity. Solomon's reign represented the zenith of Israel's power and prosperity, fulfilling many of the promises made to Abraham and David. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's public prayer at such a significant national event was a profound act of leadership, demonstrating piety, acknowledging divine authority, and seeking divine blessing for the kingdom. The "word" spoken to David refers to the Davidic Covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), a foundational promise guaranteeing an enduring dynasty and kingdom for David's descendants. This covenant was not merely a personal promise to David but held immense national significance, shaping Israel's understanding of kingship, divine election, and their future hope.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes woven through this verse and its surrounding context include God's **unwavering faithfulness** to His covenant promises, particularly the **Davidic Covenant**. Solomon's prayer is predicated on the conviction that God is true to His word, not asking for a new promise but for the certain establishment of what has already been declared. This highlights God's consistent and reliable character, a bedrock truth for the people of Israel. Furthermore, the verse exemplifies **prayer rooted in God's word**. Solomon's petition is powerful and effective because it aligns perfectly with God's revealed will and past declarations. It is a prayer of faith, demonstrating trust that God will indeed bring to pass what He has spoken, echoing the confidence found in passages like [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie"). The Temple itself, while a physical structure, points to the enduring spiritual reality of God's presence and His commitment to His chosen people and their king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _davar'_):** This term, translated "word" in the KJV, refers to a spoken utterance, a declaration, a promise, or a decree. In the context of God, it signifies a divine pronouncement that carries authority and certainty. Solomon is appealing to the very essence of God's verbal commitment, emphasizing that what God has *said* is what he desires to see *done*.
* **Verified (Hebrew, _'aman'_):** The KJV's "verified" translates from the Hebrew root _'aman_ (אָמַן), which carries profound meanings of firmness, reliability, trustworthiness, and truth. It is the same root from which the familiar word "Amen" is derived, signifying "so be it," "it is true," or "let it be established." In this context, Solomon is not expressing doubt, but rather praying for God's promise to be utterly established, confirmed, and proven true and dependable in the present reality. It is a plea for the manifestation and secure fulfillment of God's declared will.
* **Spoken (Hebrew, _dibber'_):** This verb, a form of _dabar_ (דָּבַר), emphasizes the act of speaking or declaring. When applied to God, it highlights the divine origin and authoritative nature of the promise. God actively "spoke" this word to David, making it a direct, personal, and binding commitment from the Creator to His servant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now then, O LORD God of Israel,"**: Solomon begins with a direct, personal address to God, using the covenant name "LORD" (Yahweh) and identifying Him as the specific God of the nation Israel. This emphasizes the covenant relationship and the historical faithfulness of God to His chosen people, setting a tone of reverence and intimacy.
* **"let thy word be verified,"**: This is the core petition. Solomon is not asking for a new promise, but for the existing divine word to be made firm, true, and manifest in their current reality. It expresses a deep trust in God's character as one who fulfills His declarations, and a desire to see that truth undeniably established.
* **"which thou hast spoken unto thy servant David."**: This clause precisely identifies the "word" Solomon is referring to: the specific promises made to his father, King David. By calling David "thy servant," Solomon acknowledges David's faithful relationship with God and the divine origin of the covenant, grounding his prayer in God's own initiative and commitment.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer") is rich in literary devices, and verse 17 specifically employs several. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, as Solomon directly addresses God ("O LORD God of Israel"), a common rhetorical device in prayer and supplication that enhances the sense of personal communion and earnest appeal. The verse is fundamentally a **Petition** or **Supplication**, a form of prayer where a request is made. This specific petition is also an **Allusion** to the foundational Davidic Covenant, referencing God's prior promises to David without explicitly detailing them, relying on the audience's familiarity with this pivotal theological concept. Furthermore, the repetition of the concept of God's "word" being "spoken" and then desired to be "verified" creates a subtle **Emphasis** on the divine origin and the desired certainty of God's promises, underscoring the unwavering nature of God's truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological truth embedded in 2 Chronicles 6:17 is the absolute trustworthiness of God's word and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. Solomon's prayer is not born of doubt, but of an expectant faith that God will bring to pass what He has declared. It highlights that true prayer often involves reminding God (and ourselves) of His own revealed character and promises, aligning our desires with His established will. The "word" spoken to David, the Davidic Covenant, is a cornerstone of Old Testament theology, promising an eternal dynasty and kingdom. Solomon's plea for its verification underscores its vital importance for the stability and future of Israel, demonstrating that God's faithfulness to His chosen king is intrinsically linked to His faithfulness to His chosen people. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's integrity is the bedrock upon which all faith and hope are built.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's prayer for the verification of God's word offers a timeless model for our own spiritual lives. In a world of shifting sands and broken promises, 2 Chronicles 6:17 calls us to anchor our faith and our prayers in the unchanging, eternal promises of God. Just as Solomon confidently appealed to God's covenant with David, we are invited to bring our petitions before the Lord, reminding Him of His character and His revealed will in Scripture. This is not about manipulating God, but about aligning our hearts and desires with His, trusting that what He has spoken, He will surely perform. Reflecting on God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in our personal journeys, strengthens our assurance and emboldens us to pray with greater confidence for the future fulfillment of His divine purposes in our lives and in the world. Our prayers gain immense power when they are rooted in the certain knowledge that God's word is true and will never return to Him void.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness, both in Scripture and in your own life, strengthen your trust in His future promises?**
* **In what ways can you more intentionally align your prayers with God's revealed will and promises found in His Word?**
* **What specific "words" or promises of God are you currently waiting to see "verified" or established in your life or in the world around you?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "word" spoken to David that Solomon refers to?**

Answer: The "word" spoken to David is the foundational Davidic Covenant, primarily recorded in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant") and paralleled in [1 Chronicles 17:11-14](/1_chronicles/17-11 "1 Chronicles 17:11-14 - The Davidic Covenant"). In this covenant, God solemnly promised David that his "house" (dynasty), "kingdom," and "throne" would be established forever. This was a pivotal promise for Israel, ensuring a perpetual line of kings from David's lineage. While aspects of the covenant had immediate implications for David and his direct successors (like Solomon), its ultimate fulfillment pointed to an eternal king and kingdom, which Christians understand to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Solomon's prayer is for the immediate and ongoing manifestation of this promise in his own reign and for future generations.

**Why does Solomon ask God to "verify" His word? Isn't God's word already true and unchangeable?**

Answer: Solomon's request to "verify" God's word (from the Hebrew _'aman_, meaning to be firm, reliable, or established) is not an expression of doubt in God's truthfulness. Instead, it is a fervent plea for the *manifestation* and *establishment* of that truth in their present reality. God's word is indeed eternally true and unchangeable ([Psalm 119:89](/psalms/119-89 "Psalm 119:89 - God's Word is Eternal")). However, Solomon is praying for God to actively bring His declared will to pass, to make it evident and secure for all to see. It is an act of faith and dependence, acknowledging that while God has promised, He is also the one who brings those promises to fruition. It's a prayer for the full and certain realization of the Davidic Covenant in the ongoing history of Israel.

**How does this prayer relate to the dedication of the Temple?**

Answer: Solomon's prayer, including this verse, is central to the Temple dedication because it connects the physical structure of the Temple to the enduring spiritual and dynastic promises of God. The Temple was built as a dwelling place for God's name and a center for worship, symbolizing God's presence among His people. However, the stability and future of Israel depended not just on a building, but on the continued faithfulness of God to His covenant with David, which guaranteed a righteous king to lead the nation. By praying for the verification of the Davidic Covenant, Solomon links the physical manifestation of God's presence (the Temple) with the ongoing spiritual and political reality of God's rule through David's line. It underscores that the Temple's significance was ultimately tied to God's faithfulness to His promises, particularly the promise of an eternal king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "word" spoken to David, which Solomon earnestly prays to be "verified," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment not in any earthly king or temporary dynasty, but in Jesus Christ. The Davidic Covenant, promising an eternal kingdom and throne, was a prophetic foreshadowing of God's plan for His Son. Jesus, born of the lineage of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), is the true and eternal King whose kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel's Prophecy to Mary")). The "verification" Solomon sought is powerfully demonstrated in Christ's resurrection, which established Him as both Lord and Christ, the promised descendant of David who would sit on his throne forever ([Acts 2:29-36](/acts/2-29 "Acts 2:29-36 - Peter's Sermon on David and Christ")). Through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, Jesus fulfilled all the conditions and promises of the Davidic Covenant, inaugurating a spiritual kingdom that transcends earthly boundaries and time. Thus, the plea in [2 Chronicles 6:17](/2_chronicles/6-17 "2 Chronicles 6:17 - Solomon's Prayer for the Davidic Covenant") points forward to the Lamb of God, the "Root and the Offspring of David," whose reign is everlasting and whose "word" is the very truth of God made manifest for all eternity ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Offspring of David")).

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.