2 Chronicles 6:24

KJV

And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house;

KJV (with Strong's)

And if thy people {H5971} Israel {H3478} be put to the worse {H5062} before {H6440} the enemy {H341}, because they have sinned {H2398} against thee; and shall return {H7725} and confess {H3034} thy name {H8034}, and pray {H6419} and make supplication {H2603} before {H6440} thee in this house {H1004};

Complete Jewish Bible

"If your people Isra'el sin against you and in consequence are defeated by an enemy; then if they turn back to you, acknowledge your name, and pray and make their plea to you in this house,

Berean Standard Bible

When Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and they return to You and confess Your name, praying and pleading before You in this temple,

American Standard Version

And if thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 6:24 forms a pivotal part of King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the newly consecrated Temple in Jerusalem. In this prophetic appeal, Solomon anticipates a future national crisis where Israel suffers military defeat, directly attributing this calamity to their sin against God. Crucially, he then articulates the divine pathway to restoration: a sincere turning back to God, an open confession of His name, and earnest prayer and supplication offered within the sacred confines of the Temple. This verse encapsulates the enduring biblical principles of divine justice in response to sin and God's gracious provision for repentance and reconciliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Solomon's monumental prayer of dedication for the Temple, a prayer that spans [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). It immediately follows the glorious manifestation of God's presence, where the divine glory filled the Temple, preventing the priests from ministering ([2 Chronicles 5:13-14](/2_chronicles/5-13-14 "2 Chronicles 5:13-14 - God's Glory Fills the Temple")). Solomon's prayer is a comprehensive covenantal appeal, acknowledging the Temple not merely as a place of worship but as the designated nexus where Israel can seek divine intervention and forgiveness in various national calamities—including war, famine, pestilence, and drought. Verse 24 specifically addresses the scenario of military defeat as a direct consequence of national sin, meticulously outlining the conditions for God's mercy and restoration through repentance and prayer directed towards the Temple. It serves as a foundational premise for God's subsequent, direct response to Solomon in [2 Chronicles 7:12-22](/2_chronicles/7-12-22 "2 Chronicles 7:12-22 - God's Response to Solomon's Prayer"), particularly the well-known promise found in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My People").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's prayer unfolds at the zenith of Israel's united monarchy, a period characterized by unparalleled peace, prosperity, and architectural grandeur under his reign. The construction and dedication of the Temple, a permanent dwelling place for God's name, represented the culmination of centuries of nomadic worship and the fulfillment of King David's fervent desire. Culturally, the concept of corporate sin and its dire consequences was profoundly ingrained in the Israelite consciousness, deriving directly from the Mosaic covenant. This covenant explicitly promised blessings for obedience and stipulated curses for disobedience, often manifesting as national suffering or military defeat ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Military defeat was, therefore, not viewed as mere misfortune but as a clear sign of divine displeasure due to national transgression. The Temple itself was far more than a mere edifice; it was a symbolic nexus where heaven and earth converged, where sacrifices were offered, and where the people could appeal directly to God. The act of turning towards the Temple in prayer, even from a distant land, was a culturally recognized practice signifying a focused appeal to God's dwelling and His covenantal presence among His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several enduring theological and narrative themes central to the Old Testament. Firstly, it unequivocally underscores the **consequences of sin**, directly linking national defeat ("be put to the worse before the enemy") to the nation's transgression ("because they have sinned against thee"). This principle resonates throughout the Old Testament narrative, from the curses detailed in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings for Obedience, Curses for Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") to the prophetic warnings against idolatry and social injustice. Secondly, it highlights the **path of repentance and divine mercy**. Despite the dire consequences of sin, God consistently provides a clear avenue for restoration, emphasizing the necessary steps: "return," "confess thy name," "pray," and "make supplication." This demonstrates God's unwavering willingness to forgive a repentant heart and restore a wayward people, a theme echoed in prophetic calls like [Hosea 14:1-2](/hosea/14-1-2 "Hosea 14:1-2 - Return to the Lord"). Thirdly, the verse establishes the **Temple as a central locus for reconciliation**. Solomon envisions the Temple not just as a place of ritual worship, but as the focal point for national repentance, where Israel can turn, confess their sins, and seek God's forgiveness, confidently expecting His response from heaven. This concept is foundational to the covenant relationship and the ongoing spiritual life of Israel, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the person of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive Hebrew root is a foundational theological term for repentance, signifying a literal "turning back" or "changing direction." In a spiritual context, as used here, it means to turn away from sin, disobedience, or a wrong path, and to reorient oneself back towards God and His covenant. It implies a fundamental reorientation of one's life, not merely superficial regret, but a decisive act of reversing one's course of action and allegiance. In 2 Chronicles 6:24, it indicates Israel's necessary spiritual pivot from covenant infidelity to renewed faithfulness.
* **Confess (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** While often translated as "to praise" or "to give thanks," the Hebrew verb _yadah_ in this context also carries the meaning of "to confess" or "to acknowledge," particularly in relation to sin or guilt. "Confess thy name" implies acknowledging God's character—His holiness, righteousness, justice, and covenant faithfulness—while simultaneously admitting one's own guilt and the rightness of His judgment. It is an open, public, and humble admission of wrongdoing before God, often accompanied by a recognition of His just nature.
* **Supplication (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** This primitive root, often appearing as a noun _tachanun_, denotes earnest, humble pleading for mercy or favor. It conveys a profound sense of desperation and dependence, emphasizing that the prayer offered is not a demand but a heartfelt, submissive request from a position of need and humility. The inclusion of _chânan_ underscores the sincerity, intensity, and deep humility required in Israel's plea to God for forgiveness and restoration, acknowledging His sovereign right to grant or withhold favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy,"**: This initial clause sets a conditional premise, anticipating a future military defeat for the nation of Israel. The phrase "be put to the worse" (from the Hebrew root _nâgaph_) implies being struck down, defeated, or suffering a significant and humiliating loss in battle. This potential outcome is presented not as a random misfortune but as a direct consequence, as the subsequent clause immediately clarifies.
* **"because they have sinned against thee;"**: This is the crucial explanatory clause, providing the divine rationale for the anticipated defeat. It establishes a direct causal link between Israel's sin (their transgression against God's covenant and commands) and their suffering at the hands of their enemies. This reflects the consistent Deuteronomic theology of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, emphasizing God's justice and the profound seriousness of covenant infidelity.
* **"and shall return and confess thy name,"**: This clause outlines the initial, essential steps for national repentance and restoration. "Return" signifies a turning away from sin and back to God, a spiritual reorientation and change of heart. "Confess thy name" means acknowledging God's character and sovereignty, while simultaneously admitting their own guilt and wrongdoing before Him. These are acts of humility, renewed allegiance, and a public declaration of God's rightful authority.
* **"and pray and make supplication before thee in this house;"**: This final clause specifies the actions of seeking divine mercy and the designated place for such appeals. "Pray and make supplication" emphasizes the earnest, humble, and persistent nature of their plea for forgiveness and divine intervention. The phrase "in this house" directs their focus to the newly dedicated Temple, establishing it as the sacred focal point for their national repentance and the divinely appointed conduit through which they expect God's hearing and merciful response from heaven.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:24 employs several effective literary devices that underscore its theological weight and practical implications. The primary structural device is a **Conditional Clause**, setting up an "if... then..." scenario, where the "then" is implied and elaborated upon in the subsequent verses of the prayer (e.g., God's hearing and forgiveness). This foresight demonstrates Solomon's profound understanding of Israel's spiritual fragility and God's covenant principles. There is significant **Repetition** and **Parallelism** in the string of verbs describing the path to repentance: "return," "confess thy name," "pray," and "make supplication." This cumulative effect emphasizes the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of genuine turning to God, requiring both internal reorientation and external expression. The phrase "in this house" functions as a powerful **Symbolic Anchor**, directing the people's gaze and prayers towards the Temple. The Temple itself serves as the physical manifestation of God's presence and the designated place for reconciliation, highlighting its architectural and theological significance as a mediator of divine-human interaction. The entire prayer, including this verse, can also be seen as a form of **Anticipation** or even **Prophecy**, as Solomon foresees future national calamities and provides a divinely ordained pathway for recovery, a pathway that would indeed be tested and proven throughout Israel's history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 6:24 is a cornerstone verse that profoundly articulates the Old Testament's understanding of sin, judgment, and divine mercy. It reinforces the consistent biblical truth that disobedience to God's covenant leads to adverse consequences, often manifested in national calamity, but simultaneously affirms God's unwavering commitment to provide a path for reconciliation through genuine repentance. This verse establishes the Temple as the designated locus for this spiritual turning, a physical representation of God's accessibility and His willingness to hear and forgive His people when they humble themselves and seek His face. It prefigures the broader prophetic call for Israel to "return" (שׁוּב) to the Lord, promising restoration upon their sincere confession and supplication, thereby underscoring the enduring nature of God's covenant faithfulness even in the face of human failure.

* [Leviticus 26:39-42](/leviticus/26-39-42 "Confession and Restoration")
* [Deuteronomy 4:29-31](/deuteronomy/4-29-31 "Seeking the Lord in Distress")
* [Psalm 32:5](/psalm/32-5 "Confession and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:24, though rooted in ancient Israel's national covenant, offers timeless principles for individual and communal life today. It serves as a stark reminder that sin, whether personal or corporate, carries consequences. Just as Israel's defeat was attributed to their sin, so too can our struggles, setbacks, and spiritual dryness often be traced back to disobedience or a departure from God's ways. Yet, the profound hope embedded in this verse is God's readiness to forgive and restore. The pathway to reconciliation—returning, confessing, praying, and supplicating—remains universally applicable. It calls us to honest self-examination, humble admission of fault, and earnest seeking of God's face. This verse challenges us to consider our own lives and communities: where have we strayed from God's commands or neglected His ways? Are we quick to acknowledge our sin and turn back to God with genuine repentance? Do we approach Him with authentic humility and fervent prayer, trusting in His mercy to heal, forgive, and restore? The Temple, for Israel, was the physical focal point; for us, our turning is towards Christ, the ultimate dwelling place of God, through whom we have direct and intimate access to the Father.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life or community might I be experiencing negative consequences due to unconfessed sin or a departure from God's will?**
* **What does "returning" to God practically look like for me today, beyond mere regret or intellectual assent?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent practice of confessing God's name and my own shortcomings in prayer?**
* **How does the concept of "supplication" deepen my understanding of prayer and my absolute dependence on God's mercy and grace?**
* **How does the Temple's role in this verse inform my understanding of Christ as the new and perfect "house" where we meet God and find reconciliation?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Israel to "return and confess thy name"?**

Answer: For Israel, to "return" (Hebrew: _shûwb'_) meant to turn away from their sinful ways—particularly idolatry, covenant disobedience, and moral corruption—and to reorient their hearts and lives back towards God and His commands. It's a profound act of repentance, signifying a change of mind, heart, and direction. To "confess thy name" (Hebrew: _yâdâh'_) in this context means to acknowledge God's true character—His holiness, justice, sovereignty, and faithfulness—and simultaneously to admit their own guilt and the righteousness of His judgment against their sin. It's an open, humble admission of wrongdoing before the God who is faithful to His covenant, recognizing His authority and their own culpability. This dual action of turning and acknowledging was the prescribed path to reconciliation when they had strayed from the covenant.

**How does this verse relate to God's promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14?**

Answer: 2 Chronicles 6:24 is an integral and foundational part of Solomon's dedicatory prayer, which directly sets the stage for God's powerful response in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My People"). In verse 24, Solomon anticipates the people's sin, their subsequent defeat, and their turning back to God in prayer within the Temple. God's famous promise in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My People") ("If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land") is God's direct affirmation and amplification of the conditions Solomon laid out. It confirms that the path of repentance, confession, and earnest prayer, centered on the Temple, is indeed the divinely ordained way for Israel to receive forgiveness and restoration when facing the consequences of their sin, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 6:24, with its emphasis on sin, its devastating consequences, and the divinely ordained pathway to reconciliation through turning to God in His "house," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The magnificent Temple, though glorious and central to Israel's worship, was a physical structure and a profound symbol, pointing forward to a greater spiritual reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of the stone building but of the temple of His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). He is the ultimate "house" where humanity truly meets God, the perfect High Priest who mediates a new and better covenant, established on superior promises ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). Our defeat before the enemy of sin is no longer met with a turning to a physical building, but to Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "return" (repentance) and "confession of His name" are now directed towards Jesus, through whom we receive the forgiveness of sins and complete reconciliation with God ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Be Converted"); [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession of Sins")). Our prayers and supplications are offered "in this house"—that is, in Christ, our living Temple and the very presence of God, through whom we have bold and confident access to the Father by one Spirit ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father through Christ")). Thus, the principles of 2 Chronicles 6:24 are not abolished but are profoundly transformed, expanded, and eternally secured in the person and atoning work of Jesus, the Lamb of God and the mediator of our salvation.

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

Leviticus 26:17

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

Deuteronomy 28:25

The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

Deuteronomy 4:29

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find [him], if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Deuteronomy 4:31

(For the LORD thy God [is] a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Leviticus 26:40

¶ If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;

Leviticus 26:42

Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.

Jeremiah 3:12

¶ Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever.