2 Chronicles 6:22

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;

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};

"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;

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,

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

2 Chronicles 6:22 is a specific plea within King Solomonโ€™s monumental prayer at the dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem. This verse addresses a scenario involving interpersonal conflict and the invocation of divine justice.

Context

This verse is part of Solomon's extensive prayer for the newly dedicated Temple, a pivotal moment in Israelite history. Having just completed the magnificent structure, Solomon stands before the altar and the assembly, interceding on behalf of his people. He anticipates various future needs and sins, asking God to hear and act from heaven when people come to this house seeking justice, forgiveness, or deliverance. This particular petition concerns a dispute between individuals where an oath is required to ascertain the truth, highlighting the Temple's role not just as a place of worship but also as a center for legal and moral arbitration in the presence of God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Truth: The verse underscores the belief that God is the ultimate arbiter of truth. When human means fail to resolve a dispute, particularly one involving an accusation of sin against a neighbor, the Temple serves as the consecrated space where divine intervention is sought through an oath.
  • Sanctity of Oaths: An oath taken "before thine altar in this house" was considered extremely serious. It was a solemn appeal to God as witness and judge, with the expectation that He would reveal the truth and bring consequences upon the one who swore falsely. The sanctity of oaths was a crucial aspect of Israelite law, emphasizing integrity and accountability.
  • The Temple as a Place of Resolution: Solomon's prayer envisions the Temple as a functional hub for the nation, a place where not only sacrifices were offered but also where critical societal matters, including legal disputes, could be brought before the Lord for resolution.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "oath" here is sh'vu'ah (ืฉื‘ื•ืขื”), which signifies a solemn declaration or promise, often made under divine sanction. The phrase "before thine altar" (ืœืคื ื™ ืžื–ื‘ื—ืš) refers to the bronze altar located in the Temple courtyard, where sacrifices were made. This location emphasizes that the oath was not merely a human agreement but a sacred act performed in God's direct presence, making Him the ultimate witness and enforcer of the truth.

Related Scriptures

This prayer has a parallel account in 1 Kings 8:31-32, which presents a very similar petition regarding oaths and justice. The broader concept of the importance of truthful testimony and the consequences of false witness is found throughout the Mosaic Law, for instance, in Exodus 20:16 (the Ninth Commandment).

Practical Application

Though we no longer have a physical Temple in Jerusalem where oaths are sworn before an altar, the principles embedded in this verse remain profoundly relevant. It reminds us of the enduring importance of truthfulness, integrity, and accountability in our dealings with others. It highlights that God is a witness to our words and actions, and ultimately, truth will prevail. For believers, this means striving to live with honesty, knowing that our lives are lived before the omniscient God, and seeking peaceful, just resolutions to disputes, even as we look to Christ, who is the ultimate truth (John 14:6).

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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:
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