2 Chronicles 6:21

KJV

Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, [even] from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {H8085} therefore unto the supplications {H8469} of thy servant {H5650}, and of thy people {H5971} Israel {H3478}, which they shall make {H6419} toward this place {H4725}: hear {H8085} thou from thy dwelling {H3427} place {H4725}, even from heaven {H8064}; and when thou hearest {H8085}, forgive {H5545}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, listen to the pleas of your servant, and also those of your people Isra'el when they pray toward this place. Hear from where you live, from heaven; and when you hear, forgive!

Berean Standard Bible

Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive.

American Standard Version

And hearken thou to the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: yea, hear thou from thy dwelling-place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 6:21 captures a profound moment in King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. Standing before the altar, Solomon humbly intercedes on behalf of himself and all Israel, earnestly petitioning God to hear their fervent pleas directed towards this sacred edifice. The verse masterfully balances God's transcendent nature, acknowledging His dwelling place in heaven, with His immanent willingness to engage with humanity, culminating in a vital request for divine forgiveness whenever He hears their supplications. It encapsulates the very heart of the covenantal relationship: Israel's utter dependence on God's grace and His faithful readiness to respond to a repentant heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of Solomon's magnificent dedicatory prayer for the Temple, a prayer that spans [2 Chronicles 6:12-42](/2-chronicles/6-12 "2 Chronicles 6:12 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Preceding this prayer, the narrative describes the glorious completion of the Temple, the entry of the Ark of the Covenant, and the overwhelming manifestation of God's glory, so much so that the priests could not stand to minister ([2 Chronicles 5:7-14](/2-chronicles/5-7-14 "2 Chronicles 5:7 - The Ark Enters the Temple")). Solomon, in response to this divine presence, kneels before the altar, extending his hands towards heaven in a posture of profound humility and supplication. His prayer is a comprehensive theological exposition, affirming God's unwavering faithfulness to the Davidic Covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12 - God's Covenant with David")) and anticipating various future scenarios of national distress—including defeat in battle, famine, plague, or exile. In each hypothetical situation, Solomon consistently appeals to God to hear the prayers directed towards this Temple and to grant forgiveness, thereby establishing the Temple as the symbolic and spiritual focal point for Israel's ongoing covenantal interaction with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction and dedication of the Temple under King Solomon's reign represented a monumental achievement and a spiritual zenith in Israelite history. This grand edifice fulfilled King David's fervent desire to build a permanent dwelling place for the Lord, serving not merely as a place of worship but as the central institution of Israelite national and religious life, powerfully symbolizing God's unique presence among His chosen people. Culturally, the act of praying "toward this place" was a common practice in the ancient Near East, where temples were often considered the earthly abodes of deities. For Israel, however, this practice carried a distinct theological nuance: while the Temple was a consecrated space where God's presence was uniquely manifested and where His people could draw near, it was unequivocally understood that God's true dwelling was not confined to any earthly structure but was in the heavens. This prayer, delivered during a period of unprecedented national prosperity and spiritual fervor, beautifully reflects the Israelite understanding of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing both His transcendent majesty and His immanent willingness to interact mercifully with His people.
* **Key Themes:** Solomon's prayer, and specifically the petition in this verse, illuminates several profound and enduring theological themes. A primary theme is **Divine Accessibility and Responsiveness**, powerfully underscoring God's attentive ear and His willingness to hear the earnest prayers of His people, even from His exalted "dwelling place, even from heaven." This truth profoundly counters any notion of a distant, indifferent, or unreachable deity. Closely intertwined is the **Importance of Supplication and Humility**, as the term "supplications" (Hebrew: *tachănûwn*) implies humble, earnest, and often desperate pleas for mercy or favor, emphasizing the posture of utter dependence God desires from His people. The culminating and perhaps most vital theme is **God's Merciful Forgiveness**, revealed in His divine readiness to pardon sin when His people turn to Him in genuine repentance. This promise of divine forgiveness is a cornerstone of the covenant relationship, echoing and reinforcing earlier pronouncements of God's character, such as those found in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6 - The Lord, a God Merciful and Gracious"). Finally, the **Symbolic Role of the Temple** is clearly evident; while God's ultimate abode is in heaven, the Temple served as a divinely designated physical point of reference for Israel's prayers, a consecrated space where they believed God would especially manifest His presence and hear their cries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** (H8085) A primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently," often with the implication of attention, obedience, or understanding. In this context, Solomon's imperative "Hearken" is a fervent plea for God not merely to perceive sound, but to listen intently, comprehend, and respond actively to the prayers of His servant and His people. It signifies a desire for divine engagement and intervention, highlighting God's active role in the covenant relationship.
* **Place (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** (H4725) Properly, "a standing," referring to a specific spot or locality, but used broadly for any location or space. In 2 Chronicles 6:21, "this place" refers specifically to the newly dedicated Temple in Jerusalem. It underscores the Temple's consecrated status as the designated earthly focal point for Israel's worship and prayer, even while acknowledging God's transcendent dwelling in heaven. It is the tangible point towards which Israel directs its spiritual petitions.
* **Forgive (Hebrew, _çâlach'_):** (H5545) A primitive root used exclusively in the Old Testament to describe God's unique act of pardoning sin. It signifies a gracious, sovereign act of remitting guilt or overlooking transgression, not based on human merit or ritual performance, but solely on God's compassionate nature and covenant faithfulness. This verb implies a complete removal of the penalty and stain of sin, restoring the broken relationship between God and the repentant individual or community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place:"** Solomon initiates his plea with the imperative "Hearken" (שְׁמַע, *šĕma‘*), a call for God's attentive and responsive listening. He humbly identifies himself as God's "servant" and broadens the scope to include "thy people Israel," positioning himself as a mediator and representative of the entire nation. The critical phrase "toward this place" (אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה, *ʾel-hammāqôm hazzêh*) establishes the Temple as the divinely appointed focal point for prayer, a tangible symbol through which Israel could direct their spiritual petitions to their transcendent God, believing that their prayers would be uniquely heard from this consecrated space.
* **"hear thou from thy dwelling place, [even] from heaven;"** This clause powerfully reiterates the plea for God to hear, but with a crucial theological clarification regarding God's true location. The phrase "from thy dwelling place, even from heaven" (מִמְּכוֹן שִׁבְתְּךָ מִן־הַשָּׁמַיִם, *mimĕḵôn šibtekā min-haššāmayim*) serves as a theological corrective and affirmation. It emphasizes that while the Temple is the earthly point of contact, God is not confined to it. His ultimate throne and eternal abode are in the heavens, underscoring His omnipotence, omnipresence, and transcendence, yet simultaneously affirming His capacity and willingness to hear and respond to prayers from His exalted, heavenly position.
* **"and when thou hearest, forgive."** This is the climactic and most profound request of the verse, revealing the ultimate purpose and desired outcome of Israel's supplications. The conditional "and when thou hearest" (וְשָׁמַעְתָּ, *wĕšāma‘tā*) sets up the desired divine response: "forgive" (וְסָלַחְתָּ, *wĕsālaḥtā*). This fervent plea for divine pardon underscores the deep recognition of human sinfulness and the absolute necessity of God's grace for reconciliation. It highlights the core covenantal promise that God is a God who forgives, and that His hearing of prayer is intrinsically linked to His merciful act of pardoning sin, thereby restoring relationship and averting judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:21 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** is notably prominent, particularly through the repeated use of forms of the Hebrew verb "to hear" (שָׁמַע, *šāma‘*): "Hearken... hear thou... when thou hearest." This rhetorical emphasis intensifies the urgency and centrality of God's attentive responsiveness to prayer, reinforcing the core request for divine engagement. **Symbolism** is also a key device, with the Temple serving as a powerful and multi-faceted symbol. While not God's literal dwelling, it functions as a tangible point of reference for Israel's spiritual orientation, representing the consecrated space where God's presence is uniquely manifested and where His people can seek His face and mercy. Furthermore, the prayer utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing the human action of "hearing" to God. This device makes the transcendent God relatable and accessible, conveying His active engagement with human petitions and His profound attentiveness, even though His understanding and perception transcend all human sensory experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the very essence of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing God's multifaceted character as both transcendent and immanent, perfectly just and infinitely merciful. It establishes prayer as the primary and most vital means of communication and reconciliation, particularly in the face of human sin, distress, and national calamity. The fervent request for God to "hear" and "forgive" underscores the foundational biblical truth that God is not only intimately attentive to His people's cries but is also abundant in mercy, ever ready to pardon those who turn to Him in genuine repentance. This enduring principle of divine responsiveness to humble supplication and the boundless availability of forgiveness is a consistent, life-giving thread woven throughout the entire Old Testament, powerfully pointing to God's unwavering faithfulness despite the recurring failings of humanity.

* [Psalm 51:1-2](/psalms/51-1-2 "Psalm 51:1 - David's Prayer for Forgiveness")
* [Isaiah 55:6-7](/isaiah/55-6-7 "Isaiah 55:6 - Seek the Lord While He May Be Found")
* [Daniel 9:18-19](/daniel/9-18-19 "Daniel 9:18 - Daniel's Prayer for Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:21 offers timeless encouragement and profound instruction for believers in every generation. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands as the central focal point of prayer, the spiritual principles articulated here remain profoundly relevant and eternally true. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is eternally accessible and profoundly responsive to the sincere prayers of His people, regardless of their physical location or circumstances. We are invited, indeed commanded, to approach Him with our "supplications," knowing with absolute certainty that He hears us from His glorious heavenly throne. Moreover, the culminating plea for "forgiveness" serves as an enduring and powerful reminder of God's merciful character and His unwavering readiness to pardon sin when we genuinely repent and seek Him. This passage reinforces the vital importance of consistent, humble, and faith-filled prayer, especially in times of personal struggle, communal distress, or national crisis, prompting us to turn to God in unwavering faith, confident in His boundless willingness to listen and to forgive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's transcendence ("from heaven") and His immanence ("hear thou") deepen your personal approach to prayer?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or for what communal needs do you need to bring earnest "supplications" to God, acknowledging your complete dependence on His grace?**
* **How does the glorious promise of God's forgiveness, so clearly highlighted in this verse, encourage you to confess your sins more readily and seek reconciliation with Him?**
* **What does it mean for your prayer life to "pray toward this place" in a spiritual sense today, now that Christ is our ultimate mediator and the Church is His spiritual temple?**

### FAQ
**Does God literally "hear" from heaven, or is this a metaphor?**

Answer: The phrase "hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven" is an anthropomorphism, a literary device that attributes human characteristics or actions (like hearing with ears) to God. While God does not possess physical ears in the way humans do, this language conveys the profound and comforting truth of His active attentiveness and responsiveness to human prayer. It assures us that God is not distant, indifferent, or unaware, but is fully cognizant of and deeply engaged with the petitions of His people. It powerfully emphasizes His omniscience and omnipresence, meaning He hears all prayers, regardless of their origin, from His exalted, heavenly throne, and possesses both the infinite power and the loving will to respond.

**How does the Temple's role as a "place" for prayer in the Old Testament relate to Christian worship today?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, the Temple served as a unique, consecrated space where God's presence was uniquely manifested and where Israel could direct their prayers and sacrifices. It was a tangible symbol of God's covenant with His people, a physical point of access. However, the New Testament reveals that this symbolic and temporary role is ultimately fulfilled and transformed in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"), speaking of the temple of His own body. Through His perfect atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection, Christ became the ultimate "place" where humanity meets God, receives forgiveness, and finds reconciliation ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access to God Through Christ")). Therefore, Christians today do not pray towards a physical building but pray in the name of Jesus, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, directly to God the Father, knowing that our access is secured by Christ's finished work on the cross. Moreover, individual believers and the gathered community of believers are now considered the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1-corinthians/6-19](/1-corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), making God's presence immanent within His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's earnest prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:21, with its fervent plea for God to "hear" from heaven and mercifully "forgive," finds its ultimate, glorious, and complete fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The magnificent Temple, towards which Israel directed their prayers, was a temporary and symbolic dwelling place for God's presence, a tangible shadow pointing prophetically to the greater reality to come. Christ is the true and eternal Temple, the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity, as profoundly declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). No longer do believers need to pray towards a physical edifice or rely on an earthly priesthood; instead, we pray through Christ, who is our perfect High Priest and sole Mediator, continually interceding for us before the Father's glorious throne in heaven ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our High Priest")). The forgiveness that Solomon so earnestly sought, which was then contingent upon animal sacrifices and the Temple system, is now freely, fully, and eternally available through the once-for-all atoning sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His shed blood and triumphant resurrection, Christ has opened a new and living way directly to the Father, granting us bold and confident access to the throne of grace, where we can receive abundant mercy and find timely grace to help in every time of need ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Thus, Solomon's poignant prayer for God to hear and forgive from heaven is not merely answered, but infinitely surpassed and perfectly realized in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate access to God and the inexhaustible source of eternal forgiveness.

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

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Daniel 9:19

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

Isaiah 43:25

I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

2 Chronicles 6:39

Then hear thou from the heavens, [even] from thy dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee.

Psalms 130:3

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

Psalms 130:4

But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

2 Chronicles 30:27

Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came [up] to his holy dwelling place, [even] unto heaven.