2 Chronicles 6:34

KJV

If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;

KJV (with Strong's)

If thy people {H5971} go out {H3318} to war {H4421} against their enemies {H341} by the way {H1870} that thou shalt send {H7971} them, and they pray {H6419} unto thee toward {H1870} this city {H5892} which thou hast chosen {H977}, and the house {H1004} which I have built {H1129} for thy name {H8034};

Complete Jewish Bible

"If your people go out to fight their enemies, no matter by which way you send them, and they pray to you toward the city you chose and the house I built for your name;

Berean Standard Bible

When Your people go to war against their enemies, wherever You send them, and when they pray to You in the direction of the city You have chosen and the house I have built for Your Name,

American Standard Version

If thy people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatsoever way thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 6:34 is a pivotal part of King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the Temple in Jerusalem, specifically addressing the scenario of Israel engaging in warfare. It articulates a profound truth: Israel's success in battle is contingent not merely on military might, but on divine authorization ("by the way that thou shalt send them") and fervent, directed prayer ("pray unto thee toward this city... and the house which I have built for thy name"). This verse underscores the nation's absolute dependence on God's sovereign will and His accessible presence, even in the midst of conflict, emphasizing that true victory flows from obedience and a reliance on the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Solomon's extensive and profound prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple, spanning [2 Chronicles 6:1-42](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Following the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple and the overwhelming manifestation of God's glory ([2 Chronicles 5:1-14](/2_chronicles/5 "2 Chronicles 5 - The Ark Brought to the Temple")), Solomon stands before the altar, extending his hands to heaven. His prayer is a series of petitions covering various potential national crises—defeat in battle, drought, famine, plague, sin, and exile—each time calling for God's people to turn towards the Temple in repentance and prayer. Verse 34 specifically addresses the scenario of military engagement, forming part of a broader appeal for God's intervention and forgiveness in times of national distress, highlighting the Temple's role as a focal point for the nation's spiritual life and access to God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Temple around 960 BC marked a monumental achievement in Israelite history, symbolizing the culmination of God's promise to establish a dwelling place for His name among His people. In the ancient Near East, warfare was a constant reality, and nations often invoked their deities for victory. For Israel, however, warfare was often understood within the framework of a holy war, where God Himself was the divine warrior ([Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight for You")). Solomon's prayer reflects this unique covenantal relationship, emphasizing that Israel's military ventures were not to be undertaken lightly or independently, but only "by the way that thou shalt send them," signifying divine authorization and purpose. The Temple, situated in Jerusalem, served as the spiritual and political capital, a tangible representation of God's presence, making prayer directed towards it a culturally significant and theologically potent act.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Mandate in Warfare**, asserting that Israel's battles were often divinely commissioned, not merely human endeavors. The phrase "by the way that thou shalt send them" underscores God's sovereignty over national affairs, including conflict, and implies that victory is contingent upon His sending and approval, not just military might, echoing principles found in [Deuteronomy 20:1-4](/deuteronomy/20 "Deuteronomy 20 - Laws Concerning Warfare"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Power and Direction of Prayer**, positioning the Temple as the designated locus for national supplication. Even though God is omnipresent, the Temple was consecrated as the place where His name would dwell, serving as a symbolic center for Israel's collective prayers, a tangible reminder of God's presence and their access to Him. Lastly, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of **Dependence on God**. Even when commanded to fight, the people's ultimate reliance was not on their own strength or strategic prowess, but on God's intervention and favor, sought through humble prayer. This theme of divine assistance in battle is a recurring motif throughout Israelite history, exemplified in narratives like David and Goliath ([1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle Belongs to the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Send (Hebrew, _shalach'_):** This verb implies a commissioning or dispatching with authority and purpose. When God "sends" His people to war, it signifies divine authorization and a specific divine purpose for the engagement. This distinguishes such battles from mere human aggression or territorial expansion, imbuing them with theological significance and making success contingent upon God's will and power, not just human strength or strategy.
* **Pray (Hebrew, _hitpallel'_):** This is a reflexive form of the verb "to judge" or "to intervene," suggesting a turning of oneself in supplication, a self-judgment before God, or an appeal for divine intervention. It emphasizes the active, intentional posture of the worshiper in seeking God's face and presenting their needs, highlighting the personal and national commitment involved in seeking divine favor.
* **For thy name (Hebrew, _le-shimkha'_):** This phrase is crucial. It does not suggest that God, who is omnipresent, is physically contained within the Temple. Rather, it signifies that the Temple is the place where God's character, reputation, authority, and presence are invoked, honored, and manifested. It is the designated site where His covenant promises are remembered, where He has chosen to make Himself accessible to His people, and where His glory is revealed, echoing the concept of a chosen place for His name found in [Deuteronomy 12:11](/deuteronomy/12-11 "Deuteronomy 12:11 - The Place God Chooses for His Name").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thy people go out to war against their enemies":** This sets the context for the prayer—a common and vital national activity for ancient Israel. It acknowledges the reality of conflict and the need for divine guidance and protection in such circumstances. The "enemies" are those who oppose God's people, often implying a spiritual dimension to the conflict.
* **"by the way that thou shalt send them":** This is the critical condition for divine favor in battle. It asserts that Israel's military engagements must be divinely initiated and authorized, not undertaken according to human ambition or wisdom alone. This phrase underscores God's sovereignty over the nation's destiny and the ethical framework within which Israel was to conduct warfare.
* **"and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen":** This specifies the direction of prayer. Jerusalem, as the chosen city, and specifically the Temple within it, serves as the symbolic focal point for the nation's supplications. It signifies a turning of the heart and mind towards the place of God's revealed presence, demonstrating faith and reliance on Him.
* **"and the house which I have built for thy name;":** This further clarifies the specific object of the prayer's direction—the Temple itself. It is "for thy name," meaning it is consecrated to God's glory and presence, serving as the designated place where Israel can approach Him, seek His intervention, and experience His covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:34 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The primary structure is a **Conditional Clause**, setting up an "If... then..." relationship (though the "then" is implied in the subsequent verses of the prayer, such as "then hear thou from heaven"). This structure emphasizes the covenantal nature of God's relationship with Israel: their obedience and proper spiritual posture are prerequisites for divine intervention. The phrase "this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name" utilizes **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where two distinct but related entities (city and house) are mentioned to represent the entire spiritual and national center, Jerusalem and its Temple, as the singular focal point of God's presence and Israel's worship. There is also an element of **Repetition** and **Emphasis** on "thy name" throughout Solomon's prayer (e.g., [2 Chronicles 6:20](/2_chronicles/6-20 "2 Chronicles 6:20 - Solomon's Prayer Towards the Temple"), [2 Chronicles 6:33](/2_chronicles/6-33 "2 Chronicles 6:33 - Prayer of the Foreigner")), which underscores the idea that the Temple's significance lies not in its physical structure but in its connection to God's revealed character and accessible presence. Finally, the Temple itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing God's dwelling among His people, a tangible point of access for prayer, repentance, and the reception of divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 6:34 profoundly articulates the Old Testament understanding of divine sovereignty over all aspects of national life, including warfare. It moves beyond a simplistic view of military might, asserting that true victory and protection come from God alone, contingent upon His authorization and the people's humble, directed prayer. This perspective aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate warrior and deliverer, and human strength is deemed insufficient without His favor. The Temple, though a physical structure, serves as a powerful symbol of God's accessible presence, a designated place where Israel could turn to seek His face, confess their sins, and appeal for His intervention. This highlights the vital role of prayer as the conduit through which God's people engage with His power and faithfulness, reminding us that even in the most challenging and dangerous circumstances, their ultimate hope rested in the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Your God Goes With You")
* [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle Belongs to the Lord")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots, Some in Horses, But We Trust in the Name of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today do not engage in physical, divinely mandated warfare in the same way ancient Israel did, the enduring principles of 2 Chronicles 6:34 remain profoundly relevant for our lives. We are called to engage in spiritual battles ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")), face personal challenges, and navigate a world often hostile to God's kingdom. This verse teaches us the absolute necessity of seeking God's direction before embarking on any significant endeavor or confronting adversity. Our actions must align with His purposes, not our own desires or perceived strengths. Furthermore, it underscores the centrality of prayer as our primary weapon and resource. Just as the Israelites turned towards the Temple, we are to turn our hearts towards God, trusting that He hears and responds when we call upon Him in faith, regardless of our physical location. Our ultimate reliance must be on God's power and faithfulness, not our own capabilities, wisdom, or resources. True victory in life's battles, whether spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial, comes from humble dependence on the Lord, knowing that He is our ultimate help and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern God's "sending" or divine direction in the significant decisions and challenges I face in my life today?**
* **In what practical ways do I "pray toward" God's presence and promises, making Him the focal point of my supplications, even without a physical temple?**
* **Am I truly relying on God's power and faithfulness, or am I primarily trusting in my own strength, wisdom, or resources when facing life's battles?**

### FAQ
**Why is "by the way that thou shalt send them" so important in this verse?**

Answer: This phrase is crucial because it distinguishes divinely authorized warfare from mere human aggression or political ambition. For ancient Israel, going to war was not always a human decision but often a divine commission. When God "sends" His people to war, it signifies His explicit authorization, purpose, and presence in the conflict. This means that success is contingent upon His will and power, not solely on Israel's military might or strategic prowess. It underscores that Israel was meant to be an instrument in God's hands, fighting battles that served His redemptive purposes, rather than pursuing their own agenda. This principle emphasizes God's sovereignty over national affairs and the ethical framework within which Israel was to operate.

**How does the Temple function as a focal point for prayer if God is omnipresent?**

Answer: While God is indeed omnipresent and cannot be confined to any physical structure, the Temple in Jerusalem was consecrated as the specific place where God chose to make His "name" dwell. This means it was the designated site where His character, glory, and covenant presence were uniquely manifested and where He promised to meet with His people. The Temple served as a tangible symbol of God's commitment to His covenant with Israel and a visible point of access for prayer, sacrifice, and repentance. Praying "toward" the Temple was not about limiting God to a building, but about an act of faith and obedience, acknowledging God's chosen dwelling place among them and directing their hearts and prayers to where His glory had been revealed. It provided a concrete, visible representation of God's accessibility and His willingness to hear and respond to His people's cries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 6:34 find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The concept of God "sending" His people to war foreshadows the ultimate "Sent One," Jesus Himself, who was sent by the Father into the world not to condemn it, but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")). His mission was the decisive spiritual warfare against sin, death, and the powers of darkness, culminating in His triumph on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Furthermore, the emphasis on praying "toward" the Temple, the place of God's name, points to Christ as the true and ultimate Temple. Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Through His death and resurrection, He became the singular, eternal access point to God, fulfilling the Temple's symbolic role. Believers no longer need to pray towards a physical building, but can approach God directly through Christ, who is our High Priest and intercedes for us at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"), [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Jesus is at the Right Hand of God and Intercedes for Us")). In Christ, we are made part of a "spiritual house," a living temple where God dwells by His Spirit ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House")), enabling us to worship God in spirit and truth, unbound by geographical location ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers Will Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

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

2 Chronicles 20:6

And said, O LORD God of our fathers, [art] not thou God in heaven? and rulest [not] thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand [is there not] power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

2 Chronicles 20:13

And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.

Isaiah 14:32

What shall [one] then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.

Joshua 1:2

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, [even] to the children of Israel.

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

1 Samuel 15:18

And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.

2 Chronicles 20:4

And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask [help] of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.