2 Chronicles 6:33

KJV

Then hear thou from the heavens, [even] from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as [doth] thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then hear {H8085} thou from the heavens {H8064}, even from thy dwelling {H3427} place {H4349}, and do {H6213} according to all that the stranger {H5237} calleth {H7121} to thee for; that all people {H5971} of the earth {H776} may know {H3045} thy name {H8034}, and fear {H3372} thee, as doth thy people {H5971} Israel {H3478}, and may know {H3045} that this house {H1004} which I have built {H1129} is called {H7121} by thy name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then hear from heaven, from where you live; and act in accordance with everything about which the foreigner is calling to you; so that all the peoples of the earth will know your name and fear you, as does your people Isra'el, and so that they will know that this house which I have built bears your name.

Berean Standard Bible

then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name.

American Standard Version

then hear thou from heaven, even from thy dwelling-place, and do according to all that the foreigner calleth to thee for; that all the peoples of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in 2 Chronicles 6:33 reveals a profound and expansive vision for God's redemptive purposes. In this specific petition, Solomon intercedes not only for Israel but remarkably for "the stranger"—a non-Israelite—who comes to the Temple seeking the Lord. The ultimate aim of God's responsiveness to such prayers is that "all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee," thereby acknowledging the Temple as the designated place where God's name is uniquely invoked and His presence manifested, drawing all humanity into a reverent relationship with the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of King Solomon's extensive and meticulously structured prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication") (and paralleled in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple")). Following the Ark of the Covenant's placement and the manifestation of God's glory, Solomon stands before the altar and offers a series of conditional petitions to God. Each petition addresses a specific scenario or group within Israel (e.g., sin, famine, war, plague), asking God to hear their prayers when directed towards this sacred dwelling. Verses [2 Chronicles 6:32-33](/2_chronicles/6-32 "2 Chronicles 6:32-33 - Solomon's Prayer for the Stranger") represent a distinct and inclusive departure from the preceding Israel-centric requests, specifically interceding for the non-Israelite, demonstrating a remarkably universal scope for the Temple's purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The completion of the Temple marked a monumental achievement in Israelite history, signifying God's permanent dwelling among His people in Jerusalem. In the ancient Near East, temples were typically exclusive to the national deity and its people. However, Solomon's prayer, particularly for the "stranger" (Hebrew: *nakriy* or *ger*, referring to a resident alien or foreigner), transcends this common understanding. While Israelite law provided provisions for the *ger* (resident alien) within their society, Solomon's vision extends beyond mere tolerance to active outreach, anticipating non-Israelites coming from distant lands solely to seek YHWH. This highlights the unique claim of Israel's God as the sovereign Lord of all nations, not merely a tribal deity, and the Temple as a potential pilgrimage site for all who would seek Him.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Chronicles 6:33](/2_chronicles/6-33 "2 Chronicles 6:33 - Solomon's Prayer for the Stranger") powerfully articulates several foundational biblical themes. Firstly, it underscores **God's Universal Reach and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that His concern and power extend far beyond the boundaries of Israel to "all people of the earth." This aligns with God's original promise to Abraham that [all families of the earth would be blessed through him](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant and Universal Blessing"). Secondly, it portrays **The Temple as a Beacon for All Nations**, envisioning it not merely as a national sanctuary but as a place that would draw people from diverse backgrounds to worship the one true God, echoing prophetic visions of God's house being a [“house of prayer for all people”](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - God's House for All Nations"). Thirdly, the repeated phrase "may know thy name, and fear thee" highlights the crucial theme of **Knowing and Fearing God's Name**. This implies a deep, experiential understanding of His character, power, and covenant faithfulness, leading to reverent worship and obedience. Finally, the declaration that "this house which I have built is called by thy name" signifies **God's Presence Associated with the Temple**, marking it as the designated locus where He meets with His people and where His glory dwells.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _nakriy'_):** This term specifically refers to a foreigner or non-Israelite, someone who is not part of the covenant community. Solomon's inclusion of the *nakriy* in his prayer is highly significant, demonstrating a theological understanding that God's redemptive purposes extend beyond the chosen nation of Israel to all humanity. It anticipates a time when people from every nation would seek the one true God.
* **Know thy name (Hebrew, _yada'_):** In biblical thought, "knowing" (*yada'*) is far more than mere intellectual assent or factual recognition. It denotes a deep, personal, experiential, and relational understanding. To "know God's name" means to intimately understand His character, His attributes, His power, His faithfulness, and His covenant relationship with humanity. This knowledge leads to trust, obedience, and proper worship.
* **Fear thee (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This word does not imply terror or dread, but rather a profound sense of reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and majesty. It encompasses a worshipful submission to His will and a recognition of His supreme authority. To "fear God" is to live in humble obedience and adoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then hear thou from the heavens, [even] from thy dwelling place":** This opening clause emphasizes God's transcendence (He dwells in the heavens) and His immanence (He also has a "dwelling place" from which He hears, referring metaphorically to the Temple as the place where He chooses to manifest His presence and hear prayers). Solomon acknowledges God's supreme authority and accessibility.
* **"and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for":** This is the heart of the petition for the foreigner. Solomon asks God to respond positively and effectively to the prayers of non-Israelites who genuinely seek Him through the Temple. This demonstrates God's universal compassion and willingness to engage with all who sincerely call upon Him.
* **"that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as [doth] thy people Israel":** This clause articulates the ultimate, universal purpose of God's responsiveness. The divine action is not just for the stranger's benefit, but for the glory of God's name among all nations. The goal is for all humanity to come to an experiential knowledge and reverent fear of YHWH, mirroring the relationship Israel is called to have with Him.
* **"and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name":** This final phrase links the Temple directly to God's universal renown. The Temple serves as a tangible signpost, a physical manifestation of God's presence on earth, through which His identity and character are revealed to the nations. It is a place where His very "name" (representing His essence and authority) is invoked and honored.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. The entire chapter is framed as a **Prayer**, specifically a **Dedication Prayer**, highlighting direct communication with God and the solemnity of the Temple's inauguration. **Inclusivity** or **Universalism** is a prominent theme, explicitly demonstrated by the unprecedented mention of "the stranger" and "all people of the earth," which stands in stark contrast to the often ethnocentric focus of ancient religious practices. The repeated emphasis on God's "name" functions as a powerful **Symbolism** or **Metonymy**, where "name" represents God's entire character, presence, and authority. The Temple itself serves as a profound **Symbol** of God's dwelling place and a beacon drawing all nations to Him. Furthermore, the structure of Solomon's prayer, moving from specific Israelite scenarios to the more expansive vision for the stranger, demonstrates a **Progressive Revelation** of God's universal plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's prayer for the stranger in 2 Chronicles 6:33 is a remarkable Old Testament foreshadowing of God's universal redemptive plan, echoing His original covenant with Abraham that through him "all the families of the earth shall be blessed." This vision transcends the immediate nationalistic concerns of Israel, revealing a divine heart for all humanity. It aligns perfectly with the prophetic tradition that consistently looked forward to a time when nations would stream to Jerusalem to learn of the Lord and worship Him. This inclusive spirit is not merely an afterthought but a central thread woven throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Testament's revelation of Christ's work to break down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, making one new humanity in Him. The Temple, though a physical structure, was always meant to point beyond itself to a global purpose, serving as a visible sign of the invisible God's desire for all people to know and fear His name.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant and Universal Blessing")
* [Isaiah 56:7](/isaiah/56-7 "My House Shall Be Called a House of Prayer for All Peoples")
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20 "Many Peoples and Strong Nations Will Come to Seek the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's prayer for the stranger serves as a profound challenge and inspiration for believers today. It reminds us that God's love and redemptive plan are inherently universal, extending to every tribe, tongue, and nation. This foundational truth should ignite within us a passionate commitment to global missions and evangelism, compelling us to share the good news of God's name with those who do not yet know Him. Furthermore, this verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of radical hospitality and inclusivity within our own faith communities, actively welcoming and engaging with those who are "strangers" to the faith, demonstrating God's love and providing opportunities for them to encounter His presence. Just as the Temple was a beacon, the Church, as God's spiritual dwelling place, is called to be a light to the nations, embodying God's presence and inviting all to come and know Him. We are to pray earnestly for God's name to be known and honored throughout the world, that people from every background would come to a saving knowledge of Him and live in reverent fear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's prayer for the stranger challenge our own perspectives on who God cares for and who we are called to reach?**
* **In what practical ways can our local church embody the spirit of the Temple as a "house of prayer for all people," welcoming and engaging those outside our immediate community?**
* **What does it mean for us, as individuals, to truly "know God's name" and "fear Him" in our daily lives, and how can we help others cultivate this same relationship?**

### FAQ
**Why is Solomon's prayer for the "stranger" so significant?**

Answer: Solomon's prayer for the "stranger" (non-Israelite) is profoundly significant because it breaks from the typical nationalistic focus of ancient worship and foreshadows God's universal redemptive plan. In a world where deities were often tied to specific nations or territories, Solomon's petition acknowledges YHWH as the God of all the earth, accessible to anyone who genuinely seeks Him. It demonstrates an understanding that the Temple, while built by Israel, was intended to be a beacon for all humanity, a place where the one true God's name would be known and revered by [all people](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - My House Shall Be Called a House of Prayer for All Peoples"). This inclusive vision anticipates the New Testament's revelation of God's desire for all nations to be reconciled to Him through Christ.

**What does it mean to "know thy name" and "fear thee" in this context?**

Answer: In biblical thought, "knowing God's name" (Hebrew: *yada'*) is not merely intellectual recognition but a deep, personal, and experiential understanding of His character, attributes, and covenant faithfulness. It implies a relational intimacy and an acknowledgment of His true identity and power. To "fear thee" (Hebrew: *yare'*) does not mean to be terrified, but rather to hold God in profound reverence, awe, and worshipful respect. It encompasses a humble submission to His will and a recognition of His supreme holiness and authority. Together, "knowing God's name and fearing Him" describe the proper, wholehearted response of humanity to the one true God, leading to faithful obedience and adoration, as [Psalm 9:10](/psalms/9-9 "Psalm 9:9-10 - The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed") states, "And those who know your name put their trust in you."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's prayer for the stranger and the universal purpose of the Temple finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Temple served as a physical locus for God's presence and a beacon for the nations, Jesus declared Himself to be the true and ultimate Temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")," referring to His body. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility that separated Jew and Gentile, creating [one new humanity in Himself](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"). The inclusion of the stranger, once a hopeful prayer, became a reality through the Gospel, as Gentiles are now [fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Gentiles Included in God's Household"). The Great Commission, given by Christ Himself, commands His followers to "[go therefore and make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")," ensuring that God's name is indeed known and feared by "all people of the earth." No longer confined to a physical building, God now dwells by His Spirit within believers, making the Church the [spiritual temple](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit") through which His light shines to the world, drawing people from every tribe and tongue into His kingdom, culminating in the glorious vision of [multitudes from every nation worshipping before the throne](/rev/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation").

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.