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 is an integral part of King Solomon's monumental prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. This verse articulates a core principle of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh: that their continued security, prosperity, and dwelling in the Promised Land were directly contingent upon their reverent awe of God and their faithful obedience to His divine commands. It underscores the profound 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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication for the Temple, recorded in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). The prayer itself is delivered before the entire assembly of Israel, immediately following the ark's placement in the Most Holy Place and the descent of the cloud of God's glory ([2 Chronicles 5:7-14](/2_chronicles/5-7 "2 Chronicles 5:7-14 - The Ark in the Temple and God's Glory")). Solomon's prayer systematically addresses various scenarios—war, famine, plague, individual sin, and even the prayer of a foreigner—all with the underlying plea for God to hear from heaven and act on behalf of His people or those who turn to Him. Verse 31 specifically concludes a section (starting around [2 Chronicles 6:28](/2_chronicles/6-28 "2 Chronicles 6:28 - Solomon's Prayer for Famine and Plague")) dealing with God's response to the people's repentance in times of distress, emphasizing that God's forgiveness and intervention are designed to lead them back to a life of reverent obedience. The Chronicler's emphasis throughout this book is on immediate divine retribution or blessing based on obedience or disobedience, making this verse a crucial statement of his theological agenda.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign marked the zenith of the united monarchy's power, wealth, and influence in ancient Israel. The construction of the Temple was the crowning achievement of his early reign, solidifying Jerusalem as the religious and political center of the nation. Culturally, the concept of a covenant between a suzerain (God) and his vassal (Israel) was well-understood in the Ancient Near East, often involving stipulations, blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience. Israel's tenure in the land was consistently presented as a conditional gift, first established in the Mosaic Covenant ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")) and reiterated throughout the Deuteronomic history. The Temple, though a physical structure, was understood as the symbolic dwelling place of God's presence, a place where prayers could be offered and heard, and where the covenant relationship could be renewed. This verse, therefore, reflects the deeply ingrained understanding that Israel's national well-being and continued presence in the land were inextricably tied to their faithfulness to God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Several major theological and narrative themes converge 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 paramount, signifying not terror but a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to His supreme authority and holiness, which is foundational to wisdom and right living, as seen 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 highlighted through the idiom "to walk in thy ways," which denotes a lifestyle of adherence to God's commandments and moral principles, reflecting His character. This active response to reverence is a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch, especially in [Deuteronomy 8:6](/deuteronomy/8-6 "Deuteronomy 8:6 - Walking in God's Ways"). Thirdly, **Covenant Loyalty and Land Tenure** are explicitly linked, underscoring the conditional nature of Israel's dwelling in the Promised Land. The land, initially a gracious 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 foreshadows the tragic consequences of disobedience, ultimately leading to exile, a reality the Chronicler's audience would have intimately known.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yir'ah'_):** Derived from the verb _yare'_, this word in a theological context primarily denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's majesty, power, and holiness, rather than mere terror. It encompasses recognizing God's sovereignty and authority, leading to a humble submission to His will. This "fear" is the foundation of wisdom and true worship, motivating obedience and a desire to please Him. It is an attitude of heart that acknowledges God's rightful place as Lord.
* **Walk (Hebrew, _halak'_):** This verb literally means "to go" or "to walk," but in biblical idiom, especially when paired with "ways," it signifies a manner of life, conduct, or behavior. "To walk in thy ways" implies living in accordance with God's moral and ethical standards, following His commandments, and embodying His character in daily life. It suggests a continuous, active commitment to obedience, a journey of righteous living.
* **Land (Hebrew, _'eretz'_):** While literally referring to physical territory, "the land" in this context carries immense theological significance for Israel. It represents the Promised Land, a tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness and a symbol of His blessings, inheritance, and presence among His people. Its tenure was directly linked to covenant obedience, making it a powerful symbol of Israel's relationship with God and the consequences of their faithfulness or unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they may fear thee,"**: This clause expresses the primary desired outcome of God's hearing and intervention. The purpose of God's interaction with His people, even in times of distress and repentance, is ultimately to cultivate within them a deep, reverent awe for Him. This "fear" is not a crippling terror but a profound respect that acknowledges His supreme authority and motivates right living. It signifies a proper orientation of the heart towards God, recognizing His holiness and power.
* **"to walk in thy ways,"**: This phrase describes the practical manifestation of the "fear" of God. It is an idiomatic expression meaning to live in accordance with God's commandments, statutes, and moral principles. It implies a consistent lifestyle of obedience, integrity, and righteousness, reflecting God's character in their daily conduct. This "walking" is an active, ongoing commitment, demonstrating that true reverence for God leads to a life of active discipleship and moral uprightness.
* **"so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers."**: This final clause establishes the crucial condition and consequence. It explicitly links Israel's continued dwelling in the Promised Land—a gift from God to their ancestors—to their ongoing reverence and obedience. It underscores the conditional nature of their inheritance, reminding them that while the land was graciously bestowed, their tenure within it was not guaranteed but was dependent upon their faithfulness to the covenant. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and His expectation of covenant loyalty.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. **Conditional Language** is central, 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 nature of the covenant relationship. The phrase "to walk in thy ways" is a classic **Idiom**, a common biblical expression that signifies a lifestyle of obedience and adherence to God's commands, rather than literal physical movement. The mention of "the land which thou gavest unto our fathers" serves as an **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 responsibilities. Furthermore, the structure of the verse, moving from an internal attitude ("fear thee") to external action ("walk in thy ways") and then to the resulting blessing/condition ("live in the land"), demonstrates a clear **Cause-and-Effect** relationship, reinforcing the Deuteronomic theology prevalent in Chronicles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a foundational principle of biblical theology: the intrinsic link between reverence for God, obedience to His commands, and the experience of His blessings. It echoes the Deuteronomic emphasis that Israel's life and prosperity in the land were not automatic but were perpetually contingent upon their covenant faithfulness. The "fear of God" is presented as the wellspring of true wisdom and the motivation for righteous living, a theme consistently woven through 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 obedience to God leads to flourishing and deeper communion with Him—transcends dispensations. It teaches that genuine worship is not merely ritualistic but transformative, leading to a life that honors God and experiences His favor.

* [Deuteronomy 6:24](/deuteronomy/6-24 "Deuteronomy 6:24 - Keeping God's Commands for Our Good")
* [Psalm 119:1-3](/psalms/119-1 "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 insights into the nature of our relationship with God. While we are under the New Covenant of grace, the call to "fear God" remains profoundly relevant. This means cultivating a deep, reverent awe for God's holiness, majesty, and love, acknowledging His sovereignty over all aspects of our lives. This reverence should naturally lead us to "walk in His ways," which for Christians means living in obedience to the teachings of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating love for God and neighbor. Our "land" or inheritance is no longer a physical territory but a spiritual reality in Christ—our salvation, our eternal dwelling with God, and our present experience of His kingdom. While this inheritance is secured by grace through faith, our daily experience of God's blessings, fellowship, and fruitfulness in our lives is deepened and enriched by our commitment to live out our faith in practical obedience. This verse challenges us to consider if our reverence for God is truly translating into a life of active, joyful submission to His will, impacting our daily choices and priorities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fearing God" practically look like in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **How does my "walking in God's ways" demonstrate my love and reverence for Him?**
* **In what ways do I experience God's "land" or spiritual inheritance in Christ, and how might my obedience deepen that experience?**
* **Are there areas of my life where a lack of reverence for God might be leading to disobedience or a diminished experience of His 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: _yir'ah_) 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. While the New Covenant emphasizes God's 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 that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works or obedience ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). Unlike Israel's conditional land tenure, our eternal spiritual inheritance in Christ is secure and not dependent on our perfect obedience. However, this does not negate the importance of obedience. While obedience is not the *basis* of our salvation, it is the *evidence* and *fruit* of genuine 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 fellowship, His transforming power, and the 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 from love and gratitude for the salvation we have already received, rather than being a means to earn it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 6:31 speaks to Israel's conditional tenure in the physical land, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ perfectly embodied the "fear of the Lord" and "walked in God's ways" with absolute obedience, fulfilling all righteousness where Israel 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 pattern for all who follow Him. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ secured for 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, making it possible for us to genuinely "fear" God as beloved children, not as slaves, and to walk in the newness of life by the 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 building but a spiritual reality, as believers 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 honor the Father and bear fruit for His 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.