2 Chronicles 6:31

KJV

That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

That they may fear {H3372} thee, to walk {H3212} in thy ways {H1870}, so long as {H3117} they live {H2416}{H6440} in the land {H127} which thou gavest {H5414} unto our fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that they will fear you and therefore live according to your ways throughout the time they live in the land you gave our ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

so that they may fear You and walk in Your ways all the days they live in the land that You gave to our fathers.

American Standard Version

that they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 6:31 stands as a pivotal declaration within King Solomon's profound prayer of dedication for the newly consecrated Temple in Jerusalem. This verse articulates a fundamental principle of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh: their continued security, prosperity, and enduring presence in the Promised Land were directly contingent upon their reverent awe of God and their faithful obedience to His divine commands. It powerfully underscores the profound and inseparable link between spiritual devotion, moral conduct, and the tangible blessings of God's covenant faithfulness, serving as a solemn reminder of the conditional nature of their inheritance and the reciprocal demands of their relationship with the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the expansive and meticulously structured prayer of dedication offered by King Solomon for the Temple, a prayer meticulously recorded in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). The prayer itself is delivered before the assembled nation of Israel, immediately following the momentous placement of the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place and the awe-inspiring descent of the cloud of God's glory, which filled the Temple and prevented the priests from ministering ([2 Chronicles 5:7-14](/2_chronicles/5-7-14 "2 Chronicles 5:7-14 - The Ark in the Temple and God's Glory Fills It")). Solomon's prayer systematically addresses a wide array of potential national calamities and individual scenarios—including war, famine, plague, sin, and even the prayer of a repentant foreigner—all unified by an earnest plea for God to hear from heaven and act mercifully on behalf of His people or those who turn to Him. Verse 31 specifically concludes a section of the prayer (beginning around [2 Chronicles 6:28](/2_chronicles/6-28 "2 Chronicles 6:28 - Solomon's Prayer for Famine and Plague")) that deals with God's compassionate response to the people's genuine repentance in times of distress, emphasizing that divine forgiveness and intervention are ultimately designed to lead them back to a life of reverent obedience. The Chronicler's overarching theological agenda throughout this book is to demonstrate the immediate connection between divine retribution or blessing and the nation's obedience or disobedience, making this verse a crucial articulation of that core message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign represents the pinnacle of the united monarchy's power, wealth, and international influence in ancient Israel. The construction of the magnificent Temple was the crowning architectural and spiritual achievement of his early reign, firmly establishing Jerusalem as the undisputed religious and political heart of the nation. Culturally, the concept of a covenant—a formal, binding agreement between a suzerain (a powerful lord) and his vassal (a subservient party)—was a widely understood and practiced framework in the Ancient Near East. These covenants frequently outlined stipulations, promised blessings for obedience, and threatened curses for disobedience. Within Israel's unique covenant with Yahweh, their tenure in the land of Canaan was consistently presented as a conditional gift, a truth first established in the foundational Mosaic Covenant ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience")) and meticulously reiterated throughout the Deuteronomic history. The Temple, though a physical edifice, was understood not merely as a building but as the symbolic dwelling place of God's presence, a sacred space where prayers could be offered and heard, and where the covenant relationship could be renewed and affirmed. This verse, therefore, profoundly reflects the deeply ingrained understanding that Israel's national well-being, security, and continued presence in the Promised Land were inextricably tied to their unwavering faithfulness to God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Several major theological and narrative themes converge with profound significance in [2 Chronicles 6:31](/2_chronicles/6-31 "2 Chronicles 6:31 - The Condition for Dwelling in the Land"). Firstly, the **Fear of God** is presented as paramount, signifying not a paralyzing terror but a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to His supreme authority, holiness, and majesty. This reverential fear is consistently portrayed in Scripture as foundational to wisdom and right living, as articulated in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge"). Secondly, **Obedience and Righteous Living** are powerfully highlighted through the idiomatic expression "to walk in thy ways," which denotes a lifestyle of active adherence to God's commandments, moral principles, and divine character. This active and ongoing response to reverence is a recurring and central theme throughout the Pentateuch, particularly emphasized in passages like [Deuteronomy 8:6](/deuteronomy/8-6 "Deuteronomy 8:6 - Walking in God's Ways"). Thirdly, **Covenant Loyalty and Land Tenure** are explicitly and unmistakably linked, underscoring the conditional nature of Israel's dwelling in the Promised Land. The land, initially a gracious and unconditional gift to their ancestors, such as Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"), was to be enjoyed only as long as the people remained faithful to their covenant obligations. This theme tragically foreshadows the dire consequences of disobedience, ultimately leading to the painful reality of exile, a historical experience the Chronicler's post-exilic audience would have intimately known.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** (H3372) This primitive root verb, when used in a theological context, primarily signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's majesty, power, and holiness, rather than a feeling of terror. It encompasses recognizing God's absolute sovereignty and authority, leading to a humble and willing submission to His divine will. This "fear" is understood as the very foundation of wisdom and true worship, serving as the primary motivation for obedience and a heartfelt desire to please Him. It denotes an attitude of the heart that acknowledges God's rightful and supreme place as Lord of all creation.
* **Walk (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** (H3212) This primitive root verb literally means "to go" or "to walk," but in biblical idiom, especially when combined with "ways" (as in "thy ways"), it profoundly signifies a manner of life, a pattern of conduct, or a consistent mode of behavior. "To walk in thy ways" implies living in continuous accordance with God's moral and ethical standards, diligently following His commandments, and actively embodying His character in daily life. It suggests an ongoing, active, and deliberate commitment to obedience, representing a lifelong journey of righteous living and spiritual integrity.
* **Land (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** (H127) While literally referring to physical territory or soil, "the land" in this specific context carries immense theological and covenantal significance for ancient Israel. It represents the Promised Land, Canaan, which was a tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness and a powerful symbol of His blessings, their inheritance, and His abiding presence among His chosen people. The nation's tenure and continued dwelling within this land were directly and explicitly linked to their covenant obedience, making it a potent symbol of Israel's unique relationship with God and the profound consequences of their faithfulness or unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they may fear thee,"**: This initial clause expresses the ultimate and primary desired outcome of God's hearing and merciful intervention in response to Israel's prayers. The fundamental purpose of God's interaction with His people, even in their moments of distress and repentance, is to cultivate within them a deep, reverent awe for His divine being. This "fear" is not a debilitating terror but a profound, worshipful respect that fully acknowledges His supreme authority, unblemished holiness, and omnipotent power. It signifies a proper and humble orientation of the heart towards God, recognizing His unparalleled majesty and rightful dominion.
* **"to walk in thy ways,"**: This subsequent phrase meticulously describes the practical and tangible manifestation of the "fear" of God. It is a classic idiomatic expression in biblical literature, meaning to live consistently in accordance with God's commandments, statutes, and moral principles. It implies a continuous, deliberate, and comprehensive lifestyle of obedience, integrity, and righteousness, actively reflecting God's holy character in their daily conduct and choices. This "walking" is an active, ongoing commitment, demonstrating unequivocally that true, heartfelt reverence for God naturally leads to a life of active discipleship and unwavering moral uprightness.
* **"so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers."**: This final and crucial clause establishes the explicit condition and the profound consequence of Israel's covenant relationship. It unequivocally links Israel's continued dwelling in the Promised Land—a gracious and foundational gift from God to their ancestors—to their ongoing reverence and consistent obedience. It powerfully underscores the conditional nature of their national inheritance, serving as a solemn reminder that while the land was graciously bestowed, their tenure within it was not an unconditional guarantee but was perpetually dependent upon their faithfulness to the terms of the covenant. This serves as a powerful testament to God's justice and His unwavering expectation of covenant loyalty from His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound and multifaceted message with clarity and impact. **Conditional Language** is central to its meaning, as the phrase "so long as they live" explicitly links the duration of their dwelling in the land to their "fear" and "walking in God's ways." This highlights the reciprocal and dynamic nature of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The phrase "to walk in thy ways" is a classic biblical **Idiom**, a common expression that signifies a holistic lifestyle of obedience and active adherence to God's commands and moral principles, rather than merely literal physical movement. The mention of "the land which thou gavest unto our fathers" functions as a powerful **Allusion** to the foundational covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, grounding the present generation's experience in their rich ancestral history and God's enduring faithfulness, while simultaneously reminding them of their ongoing responsibilities. Furthermore, the inherent structure of the verse, progressing logically from an internal attitude ("fear thee") to external, demonstrable action ("walk in thy ways") and then to the resulting blessing or condition ("live in the land"), vividly demonstrates a clear **Cause-and-Effect** relationship, reinforcing the Deuteronomic theology that pervades the Chronicler's historical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a foundational principle of biblical theology that transcends dispensational boundaries: the intrinsic and unbreakable link between profound reverence for God, faithful obedience to His commands, and the experience of His manifold blessings. It powerfully echoes the Deuteronomic emphasis that Israel's national life and prosperity in the land were never automatic but were perpetually contingent upon their covenant faithfulness. The "fear of God" is presented not as a burden but as the wellspring of true wisdom and the primary motivation for righteous living, a theme consistently woven through the fabric of the Old Testament. While the specific "land tenure" aspect is unique to Israel's national covenant, the underlying principle—that a life lived in humble submission and active obedience to God leads to flourishing, deeper communion with Him, and the experience of His favor—remains universally applicable. It teaches that genuine worship is not merely ritualistic or performative but is profoundly transformative, leading to a life that consistently honors God and experiences His abundant favor.

* [Deuteronomy 6:24](/deuteronomy/6-24 "Deuteronomy 6:24 - Keeping God's Commands for Our Good")
* [Psalm 119:1-3](/psalms/119-1-3 "Psalm 119:1-3 - Blessed are Those Who Walk in the Law of the LORD")
* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Chronicles 6:31 offers profound and enduring insights into the very nature of our relationship with God. While we now stand firmly under the glorious New Covenant of grace, the timeless call to "fear God" remains profoundly relevant and essential. This means cultivating a deep, reverent awe for God's holiness, His majestic power, His perfect justice, and His unfathomable love, acknowledging His absolute sovereignty over every facet of our lives. This profound reverence should naturally and joyfully lead us to "walk in His ways," which for Christians means living in active obedience to the transformative teachings of Christ and the empowering guidance of the Holy Spirit, consistently demonstrating our love for God and our neighbor. Our "land" or inheritance is no longer a physical territory but a spiritual reality found exclusively in Christ—encompassing our salvation, our eternal dwelling with God, and our present experience of His kingdom and presence. While this spiritual inheritance is secured by grace through faith alone, our daily experience of God's blessings, our intimate fellowship with Him, and the fruitfulness of our lives are undeniably deepened and enriched by our committed and joyful obedience. This verse powerfully challenges us to honestly consider if our reverence for God is genuinely translating into a life of active, joyful submission to His will, profoundly impacting our daily choices, priorities, and character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fearing God" practically look like in my daily life, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a lived reality?**
* **How does my "walking in God's ways" tangibly demonstrate my love, reverence, and gratitude for Him?**
* **In what specific ways do I experience God's "land" or spiritual inheritance in Christ, and how might my obedience deepen and enrich that experience?**
* **Are there areas of my life where a diminished sense of reverence for God might be leading to disobedience or a lessened experience of His vibrant presence?**

### FAQ
**What does "fear God" truly mean in this context and for Christians today?**

Answer: In [2 Chronicles 6:31](/2_chronicles/6-31 "2 Chronicles 6:31 - The Condition for Dwelling in the Land"), "fear God" (Hebrew: _yârêʼ_) signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's sovereignty, power, and holiness, rather than a paralyzing terror. It's an acknowledgment of His supreme authority and His rightful place as Lord, which naturally leads to a desire to honor and obey Him. For Christians today, this meaning largely holds true, though seen through the lens of Christ's finished work. While the New Covenant emphasizes God's boundless love and grace through Christ, a healthy "fear of the Lord" remains essential. It means holding God in the highest esteem, recognizing His absolute power and justice, and understanding the gravity of sin, while simultaneously embracing His mercy and love. It's a reverential awe that motivates us to live in a way that pleases Him, out of love and gratitude, knowing that He is both our loving Father and our righteous Judge. This fear is not about being afraid of punishment, but about a deep respect that shapes our character and choices, leading us to avoid sin and pursue holiness, as encouraged in [1 Peter 2:17](/1_peter/2-17 "1 Peter 2:17 - Fear God, Honor the Emperor").

**Is our salvation conditional on obedience, similar to Israel's land tenure?**

Answer: No, the New Covenant teaches with absolute clarity that salvation is a gracious gift of God, received solely through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works or human obedience ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). Unlike Israel's conditional land tenure, our eternal spiritual inheritance in Christ is eternally secure and not dependent on our perfect or fluctuating obedience. However, this truth does not negate the profound importance of obedience in the Christian life. While obedience is certainly not the *basis* of our salvation, it is the undeniable *evidence* and *fruit* of genuine, saving faith ([James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")). Just as Israel's obedience deepened their experience of God's blessings in the land, so too does our obedience as Christians lead to a deeper, richer experience of God's intimate fellowship, His transforming power, and the abundant blessings of His kingdom in our lives ([John 14:21](/john/14-21 "John 14:21 - Those Who Love Me Will Keep My Commandments")). Our obedience flows organically from a heart of love and profound gratitude for the salvation we have already freely received, rather than being a means to earn or secure it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 6:31 speaks directly to Israel's conditional tenure in the physical Promised Land, its underlying theological principles find profound and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ perfectly embodied the "fear of the Lord" and "walked in God's ways" with absolute, unwavering obedience, thus perfectly fulfilling all righteousness where Israel consistently failed. He is the ultimate "Way" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), whose life of perfect submission to the Father's will provides the divine pattern for all who follow Him. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ secured for all believers a spiritual "land" or inheritance that is not conditional on our fluctuating obedience but is eternally guaranteed by His finished work ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). He is our true dwelling place, the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making it profoundly possible for us to genuinely "fear" God as beloved children, not as slaves, and to walk in the newness of life by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). In Christ, the Temple is no longer a physical building but a vibrant spiritual reality, as believers collectively become the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), enabling us to live lives of reverent obedience that supremely honor the Father and bear abundant fruit for His eternal kingdom, experiencing the fullness of our spiritual inheritance in Him.

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

1 Samuel 12:24

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great [things] he hath done for you.

Acts 9:31

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Exodus 20:20

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

Job 28:28

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.

Psalms 130:4

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

Psalms 128:1

¶ A Song of degrees. Blessed [is] every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.