2 Chronicles 6:35

KJV

Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then hear {H8085} thou from the heavens {H8064} their prayer {H8605} and their supplication {H8467}, and maintain {H6213} their cause {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then, from heaven, hear their prayer and plea, and uphold their cause.

Berean Standard Bible

then may You hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and may You uphold their cause.

American Standard Version

then hear thou from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 6:35 is a pivotal petition within King Solomon's extensive dedicatory prayer for the newly consecrated Temple in Jerusalem. This verse specifically addresses a future scenario where the people of Israel, engaged in battle against their adversaries, might cry out to God from afar, even when not physically present at the Temple. Solomon's plea underscores the profound belief in God's omnipresent attentiveness and His active willingness to intervene, hear their supplication, and justly uphold their cause in times of national conflict, affirming the Temple's symbolic role as a focal point for divine encounter and national intercession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Solomon's magnificent dedicatory prayer for the Temple (2 Chronicles 6:12-42), delivered before the entire assembly of Israel. The prayer is structured as a series of conditional petitions, anticipating various future crises the nation might face—sin, defeat, famine, plague, or exile. Each petition follows a similar pattern: a description of the distress, a turning towards the Temple in prayer, and a plea for God to "hear from heaven" and act. Verses 34-35 specifically address the scenario of Israel going to war. Immediately preceding this, verses 32-33 consider the prayer of a foreigner, demonstrating the universal scope of God's potential hearing. Following this section, Solomon concludes his prayer with a final appeal for God's presence and blessing. The entire prayer highlights the Temple's role not as a dwelling for God (who transcends all space), but as a designated place where human prayers would be directed, symbolizing God's readiness to interact with His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's prayer takes place at the zenith of Israel's united monarchy, following the completion of the First Temple, a monumental achievement that solidified Jerusalem's religious and political centrality. The act of dedicating such a structure was a profound theological and national event, establishing the Temple as the spiritual heart of the nation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples were often seen as literal dwellings for deities, but Israel's understanding, as articulated by Solomon (cf. [2 Chronicles 6:18](/2_chronicles/6-18 "2 Chronicles 6:18 - God's Transcendence")), emphasized God's transcendence while acknowledging His chosen presence at the Temple. The concept of "going out to battle" was a frequent reality for ancient nations, and divine intervention in warfare was a common expectation. The practice of praying towards a holy site, even from a distance, was a known custom, signifying a directed spiritual focus.
* **Key Themes:** Solomon's prayer, and 2 Chronicles 6:35 in particular, powerfully articulates several enduring themes. Foremost is the **Divine Attentiveness to Prayer**, repeatedly emphasized by the plea "hear thou from the heavens," which underscores God's active and responsive nature to the supplications of His people, regardless of their physical location (cf. [Psalm 65:2](/psalms/65-2 "Psalm 65:2 - God Hears Prayer")). Another critical theme is **God as Defender and Advocate**. The request to "maintain their cause" speaks to God acting as a righteous judge or advocate for Israel, vindicating them and granting justice in their conflicts (cf. [Psalm 9:4](/psalms/9-4 "Psalm 9:4 - God Upholds Justice")). The **Significance of the Temple** is also central; while God is in heaven, the Temple serves as the designated focal point for prayer, symbolizing God's covenantal presence and readiness to engage with humanity, a tangible representation of the covenant relationship (cf. [1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "1 Kings 8:29 - God's Eyes on the Temple")). Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **National Prayer in Conflict**, reflecting Israel's consistent reliance on God for protection and success against adversaries, acknowledging that true victory comes from divine intervention, not merely human might (cf. [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This word signifies more than mere auditory perception; it implies an active listening that leads to understanding and, crucially, to responsive action. When Solomon asks God to "hear," he is not simply asking for God to perceive the sound of their prayer, but to heed it, to pay attention, and to act decisively on their behalf. It carries the weight of covenantal faithfulness, where God's hearing is intrinsically linked to His intervention.
* **Supplication (Hebrew, _tĕḥinnâ'_):** This term denotes a plea for favor or mercy, often made from a position of weakness or need. It emphasizes the humble and dependent nature of the prayer, recognizing that any divine intervention would be an act of grace, not entitlement. It highlights the people's reliance on God's compassion and benevolence in their distress.
* **Maintain their cause (Hebrew, _mishpat_):** The word _mishpat_ is rich in meaning, encompassing "judgment," "justice," "right," or a "legal case." To "maintain their cause" means for God to act as a righteous judge, to vindicate them, to uphold their right, or to grant them victory in a just conflict. It implies God's active involvement in ensuring justice and righteousness prevail for His people against their adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication":** This clause establishes the primary request: God's divine attentiveness. The phrase "from the heavens" emphasizes God's transcendence and omnipotence, indicating that His dwelling is not confined to the earthly Temple, yet He is sovereign over all creation and capable of hearing prayers from any location. The pairing of "prayer" (general communication with God) and "supplication" (a specific plea for mercy/favor) covers the full scope of their earnest appeal.
* **"and maintain their cause":** This second clause specifies the desired outcome of God's hearing. It is a request for divine intervention in a legal or military sense, asking God to act as their advocate, judge, and defender. It implies a desire for vindication, justice, and ultimately, victory against their enemies, underscoring the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people and will uphold what is right.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** of the concept of "hearing" throughout Solomon's prayer (e.g., "hear thou from the heavens") serves to emphasize the central theme of divine responsiveness and the efficacy of prayer. **Metonymy** is present in the phrase "from the heavens," where "heavens" stands for God Himself, indicating His transcendent dwelling place and ultimate authority. The very act of directing prayer "towards this house" (as stated in preceding verses) while God is "in the heavens" creates a powerful **symbolism** of the Temple as a divinely appointed conduit or focal point for human-divine interaction, even though God is not physically contained within it. The conditional structure of Solomon's entire prayer, where this verse is one specific instance, functions as a form of **covenantal appeal**, reminding God of His promises and His character as a faithful covenant partner.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 6:35 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God is not only transcendent, dwelling "in the heavens," but also immanent and actively engaged in the lives of His people. This verse reinforces the concept of God's omnipresence and omnipotence, demonstrating that location does not limit His ability to hear or act. It highlights the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where prayer serves as a vital means of communication and a channel for divine intervention. The request for God to "maintain their cause" speaks to His character as a righteous judge and defender of the oppressed, a theme deeply woven throughout the Old Testament. This divine advocacy is not arbitrary but is often contingent on the people's turning towards God in repentance and faith, even in dire circumstances.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for Israel")
* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise to Hear and Heal")
* [Psalm 140:12](/psalms/140-12 "Psalm 140:12 - God Maintains the Cause of the Afflicted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 6:35 offers a timeless encouragement for believers today: God is not limited by our physical location or the magnitude of our struggles. Just as Solomon envisioned the Israelites praying from the battlefield, we can confidently bring our "causes" – whether personal anxieties, relational conflicts, injustices we face, or even national crises – before the Lord. This verse reminds us that God hears our prayers "from the heavens," signifying His boundless power and His attentive ear. We are invited to pray earnestly and expectantly, trusting that God, our ultimate Defender and Advocate, will intervene and uphold what is right according to His perfect will. Our prayers are not merely words cast into the void, but a direct appeal to the sovereign God who actively engages with His creation and His covenant people. This should inspire a deep sense of security and boldness in our spiritual lives, knowing that our God is just and responsive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of God hearing "from the heavens" impact your understanding of His presence and accessibility in your daily life?**
* **What "causes" or struggles are you currently facing that you need God to "maintain" or vindicate?**
* **In what ways can you, like the Israelites, turn towards God in prayer when facing significant challenges, even when you feel distant or overwhelmed?**

### FAQ

**Does God still hear prayers today if there is no physical Temple?**

Answer: Yes, absolutely. While the Temple in Jerusalem served as a symbolic focal point for prayer in the Old Testament, 2 Chronicles 6:35 itself emphasizes that God hears "from the heavens," not from the Temple itself. The Temple was a place where prayers were directed, symbolizing God's presence, but God's dwelling is transcendent and not confined to any physical structure. In the New Covenant, through Jesus Christ, believers are taught that God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The physical Temple was a shadow of the reality to come in Christ, who is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. Believers themselves are now considered the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), meaning God's presence indwells them. Therefore, God hears prayers from anywhere, at any time, through the access we have in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 6:35, with its plea for God to "hear from the heavens" and "maintain their cause," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Temple, towards which prayers were directed, was a type and shadow pointing to the true and living Temple, Jesus Himself ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")). While Solomon prayed for God to hear from His heavenly dwelling, the New Covenant reveals that God has drawn near to humanity in the person of Jesus, Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us")). We no longer need to pray towards a physical building, for Christ has opened a new and living way directly into the presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Moreover, the request for God to "maintain their cause" is perfectly realized in Jesus, who is our ultimate Advocate and High Priest in heaven ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate"); [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")). He continually intercedes for us before the Father, ensuring that our cause is not only heard but upheld with perfect justice and grace. In Christ, every believer has direct, unfettered access to the throne of grace, where we can "receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Thus, the hope expressed by Solomon is fully realized in the person and work of Christ, who is both the hearer of our prayers and the one who perfectly maintains our cause before God.

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

Daniel 9:17

Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake.

Daniel 9:19

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

Isaiah 37:21

¶ Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:

Isaiah 37:36

Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

Jeremiah 5:28

They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.

Psalms 9:3

When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.

Psalms 9:4

For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.