2 Chronicles 6:22

KJV

If a man sin against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to make him swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house;

KJV (with Strong's)

If a man {H376} sin {H2398} against his neighbour {H7453}, and an oath {H423} be laid {H5375} upon him to make him swear {H422}, and the oath {H423} come {H935} before {H6440} thine altar {H4196} in this house {H1004};

Complete Jewish Bible

"If a person sins against a fellow member of the community, and he is made to swear under oath, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house;

Berean Standard Bible

When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple,

American Standard Version

If a man sin against his neighbor, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and he come and swear before thine altar in this house;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 6:22 is a specific petition within King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. This verse anticipates a scenario of interpersonal conflict where an accusation of sin against a neighbor necessitates the administration of an oath. Solomon prays that when such an oath is taken before God's altar in the Temple, the Lord would hear from heaven, discern the truth, and bring justice, thereby upholding the sanctity of oaths and the Temple's role as a center for divine arbitration and truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication for the First Temple, recorded in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Following the Ark of the Covenant's placement and the manifestation of God's glory (vv. 1-11), Solomon blesses the assembly and then launches into a profound intercessory prayer (vv. 12-42). His prayer is structured as a series of conditional petitions, each beginning with "If" and anticipating various future needs, sins, and national crises that might lead the people to seek God at the Temple. Verse 22 is the second of these specific scenarios, immediately following a general plea for justice regarding a wrong committed against a neighbor (v. 21), and preceding petitions concerning military defeat, famine, plague, and other calamities. It highlights the Temple's intended function not only as a place of worship and sacrifice but also as a judicial and moral center where divine truth could be sought in complex human disputes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Temple marked a monumental moment in Israelite history, signifying the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God's name among His people, fulfilling promises made to David. In ancient Israel, the Temple was the central hub of national life – religious, social, and even judicial. Oaths were a critical component of legal proceedings and interpersonal agreements, serving as a solemn appeal to God as a witness and judge, especially when human evidence was insufficient. Taking an oath "before thine altar" meant invoking God's direct presence and judgment, making it an extremely serious act with potentially severe consequences for false swearing. The bronze altar in the Temple courtyard was the site of sacrifices and the symbolic point of access to God's presence, making it the natural place for such a sacred act of truth-seeking. This practice reflects a societal structure where justice was deeply intertwined with divine oversight and religious ritual.
* **Key Themes:** The petition in [2 Chronicles 6:22](/2_chronicles/6-22 "2 Chronicles 6:22 - The Sanctity of Oaths") powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent throughout Solomon's prayer and the broader Deuteronomistic history. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Omniscience**, emphasizing God's role as the ultimate arbiter of truth, capable of discerning the hidden intentions and actions of individuals. Related to this is the **Sanctity of Oaths and Covenants**, where a solemn declaration made in God's presence carries immense weight and demands absolute truthfulness, reflecting the importance of integrity within the community, a principle deeply rooted in Mosaic Law, such as the prohibition against false witness in [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Temple as a Place of Resolution and Divine Encounter**, not merely for cultic worship but as a functional center where the nation could bring its most difficult disputes and seek God's intervention for truth and reconciliation, anticipating God's response "from heaven" as seen throughout [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oath (Hebrew, _shevu'ah'_):** This term (שבועה) refers to a solemn declaration or promise, often accompanied by an appeal to God or a divine curse upon oneself if the oath is broken or false. In a legal context, as here, it is a formal attestation of truth, made under divine sanction, intended to resolve a dispute where human testimony is inconclusive. Its gravity stems from the belief that God Himself is invoked as a witness and will enforce the consequences.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbeach'_):** The term (מזבח) specifically refers to the large bronze altar of burnt offering located in the Temple courtyard. This was the primary place where sacrifices were made to atone for sin and where individuals would approach God. By specifying that the oath comes "before thine altar," Solomon emphasizes that the act is not merely a human agreement but a sacred transaction performed in God's immediate, tangible presence, making Him the ultimate witness and judge of the truth being declared.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayit'_):** While meaning "house" generally, in this context (בית), it unequivocally refers to the newly dedicated Temple. The Temple was considered the "house of the Lord," the place where God's name dwelt and where His presence was uniquely manifested. The inclusion of "in this house" underscores the Temple's designated role as the consecrated space for seeking divine justice and truth, a place where God's authority and judgment were directly accessible to the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If a man sin against his neighbour,"**: This clause sets the premise for the petition, identifying the specific type of conflict: an offense committed by one individual against another. The term "sin" (חטא, _chata'_) here can encompass various transgressions, from moral wrongs to legal infractions, highlighting the interpersonal nature of the dispute that requires resolution.
* **"and an oath be laid upon him to make him swear,"**: This describes the legal or social mechanism employed to ascertain the truth of the accusation. When a dispute arises and the facts are unclear, an oath is administered to the accused party. This is a formal, binding declaration under divine sanction, compelling the individual to affirm their innocence or guilt before God, with the understanding that false swearing would incur divine judgment.
* **"and the oath come before thine altar in this house;"**: This final clause specifies the sacred location where the oath is to be taken. The "altar" signifies the place of sacrifice and divine encounter, while "this house" refers to the Temple itself. By bringing the oath to this consecrated space, the dispute is elevated from a purely human matter to one brought directly before God for His divine discernment and ultimate judgment, emphasizing the Temple's role as a supreme court of appeal.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer, and specifically this verse, employs several significant literary devices. The overarching structure of the prayer is a series of **Conditional Clauses** ("If... then..."), which establish a covenantal framework where human action (or sin) elicits a divine response. This particular verse is a specific instance of **Casuistic Law**, presenting a hypothetical legal scenario ("If a man sin... and an oath be laid...") for which divine intervention is sought. The Temple itself, and particularly the altar, functions as a powerful **Symbolism** of God's presence, holiness, and His role as the ultimate arbiter of justice. The act of bringing an oath "before thine altar" is a form of **Invocation**, directly appealing to God to bear witness and render judgment, thereby highlighting the **Divine Omniscience** and the belief that no truth can be hidden from Him. The prayer is also an act of **Intercession**, with Solomon standing as a mediator for his people, anticipating their future needs and seeking God's gracious response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse deeply connects to the broader biblical understanding of divine justice, the sacred nature of truth, and the role of God's presence in human affairs. It underscores the Old Testament principle that God is not only the source of all truth but also the ultimate judge who discerns the secrets of the heart, a concept echoed throughout the wisdom literature. The solemnity of an oath taken before the altar signifies the profound respect for God's omniscience and His active involvement in upholding righteousness within the community. It reflects a societal and theological framework where integrity and accountability were paramount, and where the divine realm intersected directly with human legal and moral disputes.

* [1 Kings 8:31-32](/1_kings/8-31 "Parallel Account of Solomon's Prayer")
* [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment on False Witness")
* [Deuteronomy 19:15-21](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15-21 - Laws Concerning Witnesses and False Testimony")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer have a physical Temple in Jerusalem where oaths are sworn before an altar, the spiritual principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 6:22 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of truthfulness, integrity, and accountability in all our dealings. It challenges us to live with honesty, knowing that our words and actions are ultimately laid bare before the omniscient God. In an age where truth is often relativized, this passage calls us back to the foundational belief that God is the ultimate standard of truth and justice. It encourages us to seek peaceful and just resolutions to disputes, always striving for reconciliation and righteousness, and to remember that our lives are lived in the presence of a God who sees and knows all. It also reminds us that while human systems of justice are imperfect, God's justice is perfect and will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God as the ultimate arbiter of truth influence your commitment to honesty in daily life?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, embody the spirit of seeking truth and justice in our communities and relationships, even without a physical Temple?**
* **What does it mean to live "before God" (coram Deo) in a way that reflects the solemnity of an oath taken before the altar?**
* **How can we contribute to a culture of integrity and accountability in our personal interactions and broader society?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of taking an oath "before thine altar" in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Taking an oath "before thine altar" served as a solemn, sacred act intended to resolve disputes and ascertain truth when human evidence was insufficient or contested. The altar, specifically the bronze altar of burnt offering in the Temple courtyard, was the primary point of access to God's presence. By swearing an oath there, an individual was directly invoking God as the ultimate witness and judge of their declaration. This practice underscored the belief that God was omniscient, knew the truth of all matters, and would bring consequences upon anyone who swore falsely. It elevated a human dispute to a divine court, seeking God's intervention to reveal hidden truths and ensure justice within the community, as seen in the broader context of [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The petition in [2 Chronicles 6:22](/2_chronicles/6-22 "2 Chronicles 6:22 - The Sanctity of Oaths") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. While Solomon prayed for God to discern truth through oaths at a physical altar, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of truth itself, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, the Life")). The need for an oath to reveal hidden sin against a neighbor points to the pervasive reality of human sinfulness and the inability of humanity to perfectly self-regulate or perfectly discern truth. Christ, however, perfectly reveals the heart of humanity and the heart of God. He is the one before whom all secrets are laid bare, and He alone is the perfect judge who will discern the truth of every deed and intention ([Romans 2:16](/romans/2-16 "Romans 2:16 - God's Judgment Through Christ")). Furthermore, the Temple, where oaths were sworn, was a shadow of the ultimate Temple, Jesus' body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), and now the Church, the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). In Christ, the need for a physical altar for arbitration is superseded, as He has made the ultimate sacrifice, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and offering a pathway to reconciliation and true justice through His atoning work, making it possible for believers to approach God's throne of grace directly with truth and repentance ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

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

Exodus 22:11

[Then] shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept [thereof], and he shall not make [it] good.

Matthew 23:18

And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.

Proverbs 30:9

Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain].

Leviticus 5:1

¶ And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]; if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.

1 Kings 8:31

If any man trespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house:

1 Kings 8:32

Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.

Numbers 5:19

And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness [with another] instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse: