2 Chronicles 6:20

That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place.

That thine eyes {H5869} may be open {H6605} upon this house {H1004} day {H3119} and night {H3915}, upon the place {H4725} whereof thou hast said {H559} that thou wouldest put {H7760} thy name {H8034} there; to hearken {H8085} unto the prayer {H8605} which thy servant {H5650} prayeth {H6419} toward this place {H4725}.

that your eyes will be open toward this house day and night - toward the place where you said you would put your name - to listen to the prayer your servant will pray toward this place.

May Your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your Name, so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place.

that thine eyes may be open toward this house day and night, even toward the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall pray toward this place.

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Commentary

2 Chronicles 6:20 is a pivotal verse within King Solomon's grand dedicatory prayer for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. Having invested immense resources and effort into building a magnificent house for the Lord, Solomon now appeals to God to honor His promise to dwell among His people and to pay special attention to this sacred space.

Context

This verse is part of Solomon's extensive prayer found in 2 Chronicles chapter 6 (and its parallel in 1 Kings 8). After the ark of the covenant has been brought into the Temple and the glory of the Lord has filled the house (2 Chronicles 5:14), Solomon stands before the altar, extending his hands to heaven. His prayer acknowledges God's omnipresence but specifically asks for God's attentive presence and responsiveness to prayers offered at or towards this Temple. It highlights the Temple's role as the central place of worship and divine encounter for Israel, where God has chosen to manifest His unique presence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Vigilance and Presence: Solomon petitions God for His "eyes to be open upon this house day and night." This signifies a continuous, unwavering watchfulness and special presence over the place designated for His worship. It's an appeal for God's constant attention and care, ensuring His protective and guiding hand is upon the Temple.
  • The Dwelling of God's Name: The phrase "whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there" is crucial. In ancient Hebrew thought, God "putting His name" in a place meant that His presence, authority, and character were uniquely associated with it. It wasn't about confining God, but about His chosen point of contact and revelation to His people. This concept is rooted in earlier commands, such as Deuteronomy 12:5, where God promises to choose a place for His name to dwell.
  • God's Readiness to Hear Prayer: The ultimate purpose of God's watchful eye and His name being present is "to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place." The Temple was to be a "house of prayer" (Isaiah 56:7), a focal point for the nation's supplications, confessions, and thanksgivings. Solomon's plea underscores God's desire to hear and respond to His people, fulfilling His covenant promises.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "put thy name there" (shimkha sham) emphasizes that God's essence and reputation are intrinsically linked to the Temple. It's not merely a building but a consecrated space where God's unique identity is made known and where His covenant relationship with Israel is affirmed. The term "hearken" (shama') implies not just hearing but also listening attentively with the intent to respond and act, reflecting God's active engagement with His people's petitions.

Practical Application

While the physical Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, the principles embedded in Solomon's prayer remain profoundly relevant for believers today. God still desires to be accessible and responsive to His people's prayers. The New Testament reveals that believers themselves are now the "temple of the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 6:19), and that through Jesus Christ, we have direct access to the throne of grace. This verse reminds us of:

  • God's Attentiveness: He is always attentive to the prayers of His faithful, regardless of location.
  • The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a direct line to the Creator, who listens and responds according to His will.
  • The Sacredness of Worship: Whether in a church building or in personal devotion, our times of prayer and worship are sacred spaces where we encounter God's presence, for He promises to be where two or three are gathered in His name.

This passage encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that His "eyes are open" and His "ears are attentive" to their prayers, wherever they may be offered, just as He promised to Solomon for the Temple.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 34:15

    The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.

  • Daniel 6:10

    Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

  • Psalms 121:5

    The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand.

  • Nehemiah 1:6

    Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

  • 2 Chronicles 6:6

    But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

  • Deuteronomy 12:11

    Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

  • 2 Chronicles 16:9

    For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
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