TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 6:12–42. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Solomon had, in the foregoing verses, signed and sealed, as it were, the deed of dedication, by which the temple was appropriated to the honour and service of God. Now here he prays the consecration-prayer, by which it was made a figure of Christ, the great Mediator, through whom we are to offer all our prayers, and to expect all God's favours, and to whom we are to have an eye in every thing where we have to do with God. We have opened the particulars of this prayer (1 Kings 8) and therefore shall now only glean up some few passages in it which may be the proper subjects of our meditation.
I.Here are some doctrinal truths occasionally laid down. As,
1.That the God of Israel is a being of incomparable perfection. We cannot describe him; but this we know, there is none like him in heaven or in earth, Ch2 6:14. All the creatures have their fellow-creatures, but the Creator has not his peer. He is infinitely above all, and over all, God blessed for ever.
2.That he is, and will be, true to every word that he has spoken; and all that serve him in sincerity shall certainly find him both faithful and kind. Those that set God always before them, and walk before him with all their hearts, shall find him as good as his word and better; he will both keep covenant with them and show mercy to them, Ch2 6:14.
3.That he is a being infinite and immense, whom the heaven, and heaven of heavens, cannot contain, and to whose felicity nothing is added by the utmost we can do in his service, Ch2 6:18. He is infinitely beyond the bounds of the creation and infinitely above the praises of all intelligent creatures.
4.That he, and he only, knows the hearts of the children of men, Ch2 6:30. All men's thoughts, aims, and affections, are naked and open before him; and, however the imaginations and intents of our hearts may be concealed from men, angels, and devils, they cannot be hidden from God, who knows not only what is in the heart, but the heart itself and all the beatings of it.
5.That there is no such thing as a sinless perfection to be found in this life (Ch2 6:36): There is no man who sinneth not; nay, who doeth good and sinneth not; so he writes, agreeable to what he here says, Ecc 7:20.
II.Here are some suppositions or cases put which are to be taken notice of.
1.He supposed that if doubts and controversies arose between man and man both sides would agree to appeal to God, and lay an oath upon the person whose testimony must decide the matter, Ch2 6:22. The religious reverence of an oath, as it was ancient, so, it may be presumed, it will continue as long as there are any remains of conscience and right reason among men.
2.He supposed that, though Israel enjoyed a profound peace and tranquillity, yet troublesome times would come. He did not think the mountain of their prosperity stood so strong but that it might be moved; nay, he expected sin would move it.
3.He supposed that those who had not called upon God at other times, yet, in their affliction, would seek him early and earnestly. "When they are in distress they will confess their sins, and confess thy name, and make supplication to thee." Trouble will drive those to God who have said to him, Depart, Ch2 6:24, Ch2 6:26, Ch2 6:28.
4.He supposed that strangers would come from afar to worship the God of Israel and to pay homage to him; and this also might reasonably be expected, considering what worthless things the gods of the nations were, and what proofs the God of Israel had given of his being Lord of the whole earth.
III.Here are petitions very pertinent.
1. That God would own this house, and have an eye to it, as the place of which he had said that he would put his name there, Ch2 6:20. He could not, in faith, have asked God to show such peculiar favour to this house above any other if he himself had not said that it should be his rest for ever. The prayer that will speed must be warranted by the word. We may with humble confidence pray to God to be well pleased with us in Jesus Christ, because he had declared himself well pleased in him - This is my beloved Son; but he says not now of any house, "This is my beloved place." 2. That God would hear and accept the prayers which should be made in or towards that place, Ch2 6:21. He asked not that God should help them whether they prayed for themselves or no, but that God would help them in answer to their prayers. Even Christ's intercessions do not supersede but encourage our supplications. He prayed that God would hear from his dwelling-place, even from heaven. Heaven in his dwelling-place still, not this temple; and thence help must come. When thou hearest forgive. Note, The forgiveness of our sins is that which makes way for all the other answers to our prayers, Removendo prohibens - The evil which it drives away it keeps away. 3. That God would give judgment according to equity upon all the appeals that should be made to him, Ch2 6:23, Ch2 6:30. This we may, in faith, pray for, for we are sure it shall be done. God sitteth on the throne judging right. 4. That God would return in mercy to his people when they repented, and reformed, and sought unto him, Ch2 6:25, Ch2 6:27, Ch2 6:38, Ch2 6:39. This we also may, in faith, pray for, building upon the repeated declarations God has made of his readiness to accepts penitents. 5. That God would bid the strangers welcome to this house, and answer their prayers (Ch2 6:33); for, if there be in duty, why should there not be in privilege one law for the stranger and for one born in the land? Lev 24:22. 6. That God would, upon all occasions, own and plead the cause of his people Israel, against all the opposers of it (Ch2 6:35): Maintain their cause; and again, Ch2 6:39. If they be the Israel of God, their cause is the cause of God, and he would espouse it. 7. He concludes this prayer with some expressions which he had learned of his good father, and borrowed from one of his psalms. We had then not in the Kings, but here we have them, Ch2 6:41, Ch2 6:42. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; and how can we express ourselves in better language to God than that of his own Spirit? But these words were of use, in a special manner, to direct Solomon, because they had reference to this very work that he was now doing. We have them, Psa 132:8-10. He prayer (Ch2 6:41), (1.) That God would take possession of the temple, and keep possession, that he would make it his resting-place: Thou and the ark; what will the ark do without the God of the ark-ordinances without the God of the ordinances? (2.) That he would make the ministers of the temple public blessings: Clothe them with salvation, that is, not only save them, but make them instrumental to save others, by offering the sacrifices of righteousness. (3.) That the service of the temple might turn abundantly to the joy and satisfaction of all the Lord's people: Let thy saints rejoice in goodness, that is, in the goodness of thy house, Psa 65:4. "Let all that come hither to worship, like the eunuch, go away rejoicing." He pleads two things, Ch2 6:42. [1.] His own relation to God: "Turn not away the face of thy anointed. Lord, thou hast appointed me to be king, and wilt not thou own me?" [2.] God's covenant with his father: Remember thy mercies of David thy servant - the piety of David towards God (so some understand it and so the word sometimes signifies), his pious care of the ark, and concern for it (see Psa 132:1, Psa 132:2, etc.), or the promises of God to David, which were mercies to him, his great support and comforts in all his troubles. We may plead, as Solomon does here, with an eye to Christ: - "We deserve that God should turn away our face, that he should reject us and our prayers; but we come in the name of the Lord Jesus, thy anointed, thy Messiah (so the word is), thy Christ, so the lxx. Him thou hearest always, and wilt never turn away his face. We have no righteousness of our own to plead, but, Lord, remember the mercies of David thy servant." Christ is God's servant (Isa 42:1), and is called David, Hos 3:5. "Lord, remember his mercies, and accept us on the account of them. Remember his tender concern for his Father's honour and man's salvation, and what he did and suffered from that principle. Remember the promises of the everlasting covenant, which free grace has made to us in Christ, and which are called the sure mercies of David," Isa 55:3 and Act 13:34. This must be all our desire and all our hope, all our prayer and all our plea; for it is all our salvation.
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Summary
2 Chronicles 6:30 is a profound petition embedded within King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the First Temple in Jerusalem. In this impassioned plea, Solomon appeals to God's unique and unparalleled omniscience, specifically His exclusive knowledge of the human heart. He petitions God to hear prayers from His transcendent heavenly dwelling, to extend forgiveness based on genuine repentance, and to administer perfect justice by rendering to each individual according to their true character and intentions, which only God can fully discern. This verse encapsulates the core theological truth that God's judgment and mercy are rooted in His infallible understanding of humanity's deepest being.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of Solomon's extensive prayer, meticulously recorded in 2 Chronicles 6, delivered at the solemn dedication of the newly completed Temple. The prayer itself immediately follows the ark's placement in the Most Holy Place and the awe-inspiring descent of God's glory, signifying His manifest presence among His people. Solomon's prayer is a series of conditional petitions, anticipating various future scenarios—such as defeat in battle, famine, plague, or exile—where the people might turn to God in repentance. Each plea, including the one articulated in 2 Chronicles 6:30, is predicated on the people's turning to God in prayer towards the Temple, seeking His divine intervention and forgiveness. This specific verse addresses the fundamental basis upon which God can justly and mercifully respond: His perfect knowledge of the inner person, transcending outward appearances or mere ritualistic acts. The parallel account in 1 Kings 8 provides further insight into the theological profundity of this monumental prayer.
Historical & Cultural Context
The construction and dedication of the First Temple represented a monumental epoch in Israelite history, fulfilling King David's long-cherished desire and solidifying Jerusalem as the spiritual and political nexus of the unified kingdom. The Temple was understood as God's designated dwelling place among His people, yet Solomon's prayer consistently affirms God's transcendence, emphasizing that "heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you" (2 Chronicles 6:18). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings frequently served as chief intercessors for their people, and Solomon's prayer exemplifies this vital role, appealing to the covenant God on behalf of the entire nation of Israel. The concept of the "heart" (Hebrew: lev or levav) was absolutely central to ancient Israelite anthropology, representing the totality of a person's inner being—their intellect, will, emotions, and moral core—far beyond a mere physical organ. This holistic understanding of the heart is crucial for grasping the depth of Solomon's plea.
Key Themes
2 Chronicles 6:30 powerfully articulates several foundational theological themes that resonate throughout Scripture. Foremost among these is Divine Omniscience, particularly God's unique and exhaustive knowledge of the human heart. Solomon's emphatic declaration, "for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men," underscores God's exclusive ability to discern true motives, hidden intentions, and the deepest inclinations of humanity, a profound truth echoed in 1 Samuel 16:7 and Jeremiah 17:10. This divine omniscience forms the indispensable basis for God's Righteous Judgment, ensuring that His rendering "unto every man according unto all his ways" is perfectly just, rooted in an infallible understanding of each individual's inner reality. Intertwined with justice is the theme of Divine Forgiveness, as Solomon pleads, "and forgive," highlighting God's boundless mercy and willingness to pardon those who genuinely turn to Him in repentance. Finally, the verse speaks to God's Accessibility, despite His transcendence; though He dwells in heaven, He hears and responds to the sincere prayers of His people.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, H8085, signifies far more than simple auditory perception; it implies attentive listening, profound understanding, and, crucially, a willingness to respond or act upon what is heard. In the context of prayer, Solomon's plea for God to "hear" is a fervent request for divine engagement, active responsiveness, and intervention. It suggests that God's hearing leads to a tangible divine response, demonstrating His active involvement in the affairs of humanity.
This specific Hebrew verb, H5545, is almost exclusively used in the Old Testament to describe God's unique act of pardoning sin. It denotes the remission of guilt, the cleansing of iniquity, and the restoration of a right relationship between God and humanity. Solomon's petition for God to "forgive" acknowledges humanity's inherent sinfulness and God's exclusive prerogative and divine capacity to offer profound mercy and reconciliation, a mercy that transcends human limitations.
In biblical anthropology, the term "heart," H3824, is not merely the physical organ but the comprehensive center of a person's entire inner being. It encompasses intellect, will, emotions, conscience, and the very core of moral decision-making. It is the seat of one's true character, hidden intentions, and deepest motives. When Solomon declares that God "only knowest the hearts," he emphasizes God's exclusive, exhaustive, and perfect understanding of human nature, discerning the deepest, hidden springs of action and thought that no human can fully perceive or judge.
Verse Breakdown
"Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place,"
Solomon commences his supplication with an earnest invocation, appealing directly to God's transcendent nature. While the newly consecrated Temple serves as a designated place for prayer and God's manifest presence among His people, Solomon immediately acknowledges that God's ultimate and true "dwelling place" is heaven. This phrase profoundly underscores God's omnipresence and His uncontainable majesty, emphasizing that He is not confined to any earthly structure but hears prayers from His sovereign, celestial throne.
"and forgive,"
This concise yet profound phrase constitutes a direct and urgent petition for divine mercy. Solomon, acting as the intercessor for his people, recognizes the pervasive reality of human sinfulness and the absolute necessity of God's pardon for the restoration of covenant relationship and spiritual well-being. It is a plea for grace, acknowledging that only God can truly remit guilt and overcome the consequences of human transgression.
"and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest;"
This clause articulates a fervent request for divine justice and righteous recompense. Solomon asks God to administer perfectly equitable judgment, not based on superficial outward appearances or actions, but on a comprehensive and infallible understanding of each individual's "ways"—encompassing their conduct, character, and, most critically, their underlying intentions. The crucial qualifier, "whose heart thou knowest," provides the profound theological foundation for this justice, asserting that God's judgment is perfectly informed by His unique, infallible insight into the deepest motives and inner truth of every person.
"(for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)"
This parenthetical statement serves as the profound theological justification and emphatic declaration for the preceding plea. It is a powerful affirmation of God's exclusive and unparalleled omniscience concerning the human heart. No human being, no matter how perceptive, can truly know the inner workings, hidden motives, and secret thoughts of another, let alone the collective hearts of all humanity. This divine prerogative makes God the sole, perfect, and ultimate judge, and the only one capable of administering true justice and offering genuine forgiveness based on inner repentance and sincerity.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message and emotional intensity. Apostrophe is prominently featured, as Solomon directly addresses God ("hear thou," "forgive," "render"), creating a sense of intimate and direct appeal to the divine, characteristic of heartfelt prayer. The phrase "whose heart thou knowest" is immediately followed by a parenthesis "(for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)," which serves to emphasize and provide the theological rationale for God's unique ability to judge and forgive. This repetition of the concept of God knowing the heart underscores the central theme of divine omniscience as the indispensable basis for both justice and mercy. The entire verse functions as a fervent plea or supplication, characteristic of a dedication prayer, highlighting humanity's utter dependence on divine insight and intervention for true accountability and spiritual restoration.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Chronicles 6:30 stands as a profound declaration of God's omniscience and its direct, critical implications for His justice and mercy. The truth that God "only knowest the hearts of the children of men" is absolutely foundational to understanding His righteous governance of the world. Unlike human judges who are inherently limited to outward evidence and superficial appearances, God's perfect and exhaustive knowledge of inner motives ensures that His judgments are always perfectly just and His forgiveness is always genuinely applied to those whose hearts are truly repentant. This theological insight highlights the inherent inadequacy of human self-assessment and the absolute necessity of divine intervention for true spiritual transformation and accountability. It affirms that God's dealings with humanity are never arbitrary but are deeply rooted in His comprehensive understanding of our deepest being, offering both immense comfort in His perfect justice and a powerful call to sincere introspection and genuine repentance.
Reflection and Application
2 Chronicles 6:30 offers timeless and profound truths for believers today, inviting us into a deeper, more intimate understanding of God's character and the nature of our relationship with Him. Knowing that God sees beyond our outward actions and religious performances to the true condition of our hearts calls us to cultivate genuine sincerity, authenticity, and integrity in our prayers, worship, and daily lives. It serves as a powerful reminder that our motives matter profoundly to God, challenging us to align our innermost desires and intentions with His holy will, rather than merely conforming to external religious practices or societal expectations. This verse provides immense comfort and reassurance in a world where justice often seems elusive, imperfect, or delayed; we can rest assured that God's judgment is absolutely righteous and perfectly administered because He possesses perfect and complete knowledge of every individual's heart and every hidden intention. It also serves as a powerful call to humility and ongoing introspection, prompting us to acknowledge that only God truly knows the unfathomable depths of our hearts, and therefore, we must continually seek His cleansing, His transformative guidance, and His sanctifying work from within.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Solomon emphasize that God "only" knows the hearts of men?
Solomon emphasizes that God "only" knows the hearts of men to highlight God's unique, unparalleled, and exclusive omniscience. No human, no matter how insightful, perceptive, or discerning, can fully comprehend another's inner motives, hidden thoughts, or the true intentions and character of all humanity. This divine exclusivity underscores God's perfect ability to judge and forgive righteously, as His discernment is infallible, exhaustive, and complete. It is this divine prerogative that uniquely qualifies God to "render unto every man according unto all his ways" with perfect justice, knowing the hidden springs of their actions, as further articulated in 1 Kings 8:39.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's dwelling place?
While the newly built Temple was a magnificent physical symbol of God's presence among His people and a designated place for prayer and sacrifice, Solomon explicitly states that God's true and ultimate "dwelling place" is "heaven." This distinction is crucial; it affirms God's transcendence, His omnipresence, and His uncontainable majesty, emphasizing that He is not confined to human structures or limited by geographical locations. He hears prayers not because they are offered in a specific building, but because He is the sovereign Lord of all creation, listening and responding from His ultimate, eternal, and heavenly throne, as powerfully echoed in Isaiah 66:1.
What is the profound significance of "render unto every man according unto all his ways"?
This phrase speaks directly to God's righteous judgment and divine recompense. It signifies that God's justice is never arbitrary, superficial, or based on incomplete information, but is perfectly aligned with an individual's true character, inner motives, and outward actions, all of which are fully known to Him through His perfect understanding of the heart. It implies a just consequence for both sin and righteousness, ensuring that divine judgment is always equitable, fair, and based on complete, infallible knowledge. This profound theme of God rendering to each according to their deeds and the true condition of their heart is consistently found throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 62:12 and Romans 2:6.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
2 Chronicles 6:30, with its profound emphasis on God's unique and exhaustive knowledge of the human heart, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most complete expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As God incarnate, Jesus perfectly embodies this divine omniscience, demonstrating His unparalleled ability to discern the thoughts, intentions, and hidden motives of people, often even before they spoke a word (Matthew 9:4; John 2:24-25). The forgiveness Solomon prayed for, the remission of sin and the restoration of relationship with God, is made possible solely through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering a pardon rooted not in human merit or imperfect repentance but in divine grace and His perfect, substitutionary work (Ephesians 1:7). Furthermore, the righteous judgment Solomon anticipated, based on God's perfect knowledge of the heart, is ultimately entrusted to Christ, who will judge both the living and the dead, bringing to light the hidden things of darkness and exposing the intentions of the heart (Romans 2:16; 2 Timothy 4:1). The New Covenant, established through Christ's blood, promises a radical heart transformation where God's law is written not on tablets of stone but directly on the hearts of His people, fulfilling the desire for a heart truly known, cleansed, and made righteous by God (Hebrews 8:10). Jesus, our great High Priest, continually intercedes for us from heaven, His true dwelling place, ensuring that our prayers are heard and that we receive mercy and grace in time of need (Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 4:16).