2 Chronicles 6:38

KJV

If they return to thee with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, whither they have carried them captives, and pray toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, and [toward] the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name:

KJV (with Strong's)

If they return {H7725} to thee with all their heart {H3820} and with all their soul {H5315} in the land {H776} of their captivity {H7628}, whither they have carried them captives {H7617}, and pray {H6419} toward {H1870} their land {H776}, which thou gavest {H5414} unto their fathers {H1}, and toward the city {H5892} which thou hast chosen {H977}, and toward the house {H1004} which I have built {H1129} for thy name {H8034}:

Complete Jewish Bible

if, in the land where they were brought and are being held captive, they return to you with all their heart and being and pray to you toward their own land, which you gave to their ancestors, toward the city you chose and toward the house I have built for your name;

Berean Standard Bible

and when they return to You with all their heart and soul in the land of the enemies who took them captive, and when they pray in the direction of the land that You gave to their fathers, the city You have chosen, and the house I have built for Your Name,

American Standard Version

if they return unto thee with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, whither they have carried them captive, and pray toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, and the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 6:38 encapsulates a profound, prophetic plea within King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the newly consecrated Temple in Jerusalem. This verse anticipates a future scenario where the people of Israel, due to disobedience, might face the severe judgment of exile. Solomon intercedes, appealing to God's enduring mercy, requesting that if His people, from the distant land of their captivity, genuinely turn back to Him with wholehearted repentance and direct their prayers toward their ancestral land, the divinely chosen city of Jerusalem, and the sacred Temple built for God's name, then God would hear and grant them restoration. It powerfully underscores the transformative power of sincere repentance and fervent prayer in the face of divine judgment and profound separation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication for the Temple, a pivotal moment detailed 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"). The prayer is masterfully structured around a series of hypothetical, yet tragically prescient, scenarios depicting Israel's potential sin and the subsequent divine judgments—ranging from defeat in battle and drought to famine, pestilence, and ultimately, national exile. For each anticipated calamity, Solomon earnestly pleads with God to hear the prayers of His people when they turn toward the Temple in repentance. Verse 38 represents the climactic petition concerning the most severe form of judgment, exile, building upon earlier pleas regarding lesser afflictions (e.g., [2 Chronicles 6:24-25](/2_chronicles/6-24 "2 Chronicles 6:24-25 - Defeat in Battle and Repentance")). The deliberate repetition of phrases like "if they return" and "if they pray" throughout this section emphatically highlights the conditional nature of God's restoration, which is always contingent upon the people's sincere turning and genuine repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Temple marked the zenith of Israel's power, prosperity, and spiritual centralization under King Solomon. It was the culmination of David's fervent desire and a monumental step in solidifying the Davidic dynasty and the nation's spiritual identity. However, Solomon's prayer, particularly verse 38, remarkably looks forward to a future of national failure and subsequent exile, a grim reality that would indeed unfold centuries later with the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. Culturally, the practice of praying toward a sacred site, such as the Temple or Jerusalem, was a deeply ingrained custom in the ancient Near East, symbolizing a spiritual orientation toward the divine presence. This practice is famously exemplified by Daniel, who, even in Babylonian exile, prayed with his windows open toward Jerusalem ([Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel Prays Toward Jerusalem")). This physical alignment was not merely ritualistic but a profound expression of spiritual longing, unwavering loyalty to God's covenant, and a fervent hope for restoration to the land of promise and God's dwelling place.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 6:38 articulates several profound themes central to the Chronicler's theological agenda and the broader biblical narrative. The foremost theme is **repentance**, which is presented as a complete and sincere turning back to God, encapsulated by the powerful phrase "with all their heart and with all their soul." This echoes the foundational command to love God with one's entire being, as articulated in the [Shema (Deuteronomy 6:5)](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment"). Another critical theme is **God's covenant faithfulness**; despite Israel's anticipated future failures, Solomon appeals to God's enduring commitment to His promises of mercy and restoration upon genuine repentance. The **efficacy of prayer**, even in the most dire circumstances like captivity, is also profoundly highlighted, emphasizing the Temple's role not merely as a site for sacrifice but as a focal point for direct, earnest communion with God. This prayer sets the theological stage for God's gracious response in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise of Healing"), which promises healing for the land if His people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, reiterating the divine prerequisite for restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This verb (H7725) is a cornerstone of Old Testament theology, often translated as "repent." It signifies a turning back, a reversal of direction, both physically and, more importantly, morally and spiritually. In this context, it implies a complete change of heart and behavior, a turning away from sin and back to God. It is not merely regret for consequences but a decisive reorientation of one's life toward the covenant relationship, encompassing a full reversal of one's course.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** In Hebrew thought, the "heart" (H3820) is not merely the seat of emotions but the center of one's entire being—intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. To return "with all their heart" means an intellectual understanding of wrongdoing, a volitional decision to change, and an emotional desire for reconciliation. It denotes the innermost core of a person, from which all thoughts, intentions, and actions spring.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** Often translated as "soul" or "life," _nephesh_ (H5315) refers to the animating principle of a person, their vital force, their very self. To return "with all their soul" implies a commitment that encompasses one's deepest desires, aspirations, and the entirety of one's inner and outer life. Together, "with all their heart and with all their soul" forms a merism, emphasizing the totality and sincerity of the repentance required—a devotion that leaves no part of the person untouched, signifying a complete and undivided commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If they return to thee with all their heart and with all their soul":** This foundational clause establishes the absolute prerequisite for divine intervention and restoration: a profound, internal, and complete turning back to God. It signifies genuine repentance that transcends mere outward ritual or superficial regret, demanding a reorientation of one's entire being—intellect, will, and emotion—toward God.
* **"in the land of their captivity, whither they have carried them captives":** This phrase specifies the dire and distant circumstances under which this repentance would occur. It prophetically anticipates the future exile of Israel, highlighting God's justice in judgment as a consequence of their disobedience. Yet, even in this foreign, oppressive land, God's accessibility to a repentant heart is powerfully affirmed, demonstrating His omnipresence and readiness to hear.
* **"and pray toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers":** This describes the physical orientation of their prayer, which is deeply symbolic of their spiritual longing and hope. Praying toward the land signifies a fervent desire for restoration to the covenant promises and the inheritance God had graciously given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It serves as an acknowledgment of God's enduring faithfulness to His ancestral promises, even in a state of national displacement.
* **"and [toward] the city which thou hast chosen":** This refers specifically to Jerusalem, the city uniquely chosen by God to establish His name and where the Temple was built ([2 Chronicles 6:6](/2_chronicles/6-6 "2 Chronicles 6:6 - God's Chosen City")). Directing prayer toward Jerusalem underscores its unparalleled status as God's earthly dwelling place and the spiritual capital of His people, symbolizing the focal point of their covenant relationship.
* **"and toward the house which I have built for thy name":** This final phrase explicitly identifies the Temple as the ultimate focal point of their prayer. The Temple was the tangible symbol of God's presence among His people, the sacred space where His "name" (representing His character, authority, and manifest presence) dwelled. Praying toward it signifies an appeal to God's covenant relationship, His readiness to hear from His sanctuary, and the hope for atonement and reconciliation.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:38 masterfully employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Anticipation**, as Solomon prophetically looks forward to a future of national disobedience and subsequent exile, pleading for God's mercy and intervention in advance. This foresight frames the Temple's dedication not merely as a celebration of present glory but as a divinely ordained safeguard and pathway for restoration against future calamity. The verse is fundamentally structured as a **Conditional Clause** ("If they return... then hear thou"), establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the people's repentance and God's restorative action. This structure powerfully highlights the covenantal nature of their relationship with God, where blessings and restoration are contingent upon obedience and sincere repentance. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play, with the "land," "city," and "house" (Temple) serving as potent symbols. The land represents God's covenant promise and the inheritance of His people; the city (Jerusalem) symbolizes God's chosen dwelling place and the center of His rule; and the Temple signifies God's tangible presence, the locus of atonement, and the designated place for prayer. The **Repetition** of "toward their land... toward the city... toward the house" emphasizes the specific, purposeful direction of their prayer, reinforcing the spiritual and geographical anchors of their hope and demonstrating the comprehensive nature of their longing for restoration to God's presence and promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 6:38 profoundly illustrates the enduring biblical principle that God's grace and restoration are always available to a genuinely repentant heart, irrespective of the depth of sin or the severity of judgment. It underscores that even in the uttermost parts of the earth, separated from the physical symbols of God's presence, true turning to Him with one's whole being can bridge the chasm of sin and alienation. This verse establishes a theological precedent for God's readiness to hear and forgive those who humble themselves and earnestly seek Him, demonstrating His unwavering covenant faithfulness even when His people are unfaithful. It highlights that God values the internal disposition of the heart above mere external ritual, making sincere, comprehensive repentance the key to unlocking divine mercy and restoration. This passage serves as a timeless testament to God's character as a God who delights in mercy and is always ready to receive His wandering children home.

* [Deuteronomy 30:1-3](/deuteronomy/30-1-3 "God's Promise of Return from Exile")
* [Jeremiah 29:12-14](/jeremiah/29-12-14 "God's Promise to Hear and Restore Exiles")
* [Psalm 137:1-6](/psalms/137-1-6 "Lament of Exiles in Babylon, Longing for Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:38 offers profound hope and a clear, divinely ordained pathway for reconciliation with God, a message that transcends ancient Israel and resonates deeply with believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how far we may have strayed from God, or how dire and seemingly hopeless our circumstances, the door to His mercy remains eternally open. The emphasis on returning "with all their heart and with all their soul" teaches us that genuine repentance is not a superficial act of regret for consequences, but a radical, transformative reorientation of our entire being—our intellect, emotions, and will—back to God. It calls us to a wholehearted devotion, a sincere desire to reconnect with our Creator and Redeemer, leaving no part of ourselves untouched by His call to return. Furthermore, the act of praying "toward" the land, city, and Temple reminds us that our prayers, offered in faith and sincerity, can reach God from any place, any situation, and any spiritual wilderness. It encourages us to fix our gaze on God's unwavering promises and His omnipresent presence, even when we feel distant, displaced, or spiritually isolated, trusting that He is always ready to hear, to forgive, and to restore. This verse serves as a timeless invitation to humility, fervent prayer, and true spiritual return, promising that God's faithfulness will unfailingly meet our sincere seeking.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "returning to God with all your heart and with all your soul" practically look like in your life today, encompassing your thoughts, desires, and actions?**
* **How does the concept of praying "toward" God's chosen dwelling place encourage you to direct your prayers and focus your hope on His promises and presence, even when you feel spiritually or physically distant from Him?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you need to practice this "wholehearted" repentance and turn back to God for His promised restoration and healing?**

### FAQ

**Why is it important to pray "toward" the land, city, and Temple?**

Answer: Praying "toward" these specific locations was not about the physical direction itself holding inherent power, but about the profound spiritual significance they represented within God's covenant with Israel. The land (H776, _ʼerets_) was the inheritance given by God, symbolizing His unwavering covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants. The city (H5892, _ʻîyr_), Jerusalem, was God's chosen place for His name (H8034, _shêm_) to dwell, signifying His sovereign presence and the center of His rule. The Temple (H1004, _bayith_) was the physical manifestation of God's dwelling among His people, the designated place of atonement, sacrifice, and communion. Thus, praying toward them symbolized directing one's hope, faith, and repentance toward God's promises, His manifest presence, and His established means of reconciliation. It was a tangible, outward expression of a profound spiritual turning back to the covenant relationship, even when physically separated. This practice is famously exemplified by Daniel in Babylonian exile, who prayed with his windows open toward Jerusalem ([Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel Prays Toward Jerusalem")), demonstrating his unwavering loyalty to God and His covenant.

**What does "with all their heart and with all their soul" truly mean for repentance?**

Answer: This phrase, deeply rooted in the Shema ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")), signifies a complete, total, and undivided commitment. "Heart" (H3820, _lêb_) in Hebrew thought encompasses the intellect, will, and emotions—the very core of one's inner being, from which all intentions and actions flow. "Soul" (H5315, _nephesh_) refers to one's entire life force, desires, and self—the animating principle of a person. Therefore, returning "with all their heart and with all their soul" means that repentance is not merely an outward ritual, a superficial apology, or regret for consequences. It is a profound, internal transformation—a decisive turning of one's entire will, mind, and affections away from sin and back to God. It implies an authentic, comprehensive desire for reconciliation and a radical reorientation of one's entire life according to God's revealed will, leaving no part of the person untouched by the call to return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 6:38, with its emphasis on returning to God from exile by praying toward the Temple, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, the holy city of Jerusalem, and the promised land were all types and shadows, pointing forward to a greater, spiritual reality. In the New Covenant, Jesus Himself becomes the true and ultimate Temple, the very dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). We no longer need to pray toward a physical building or a specific geographical location, for in Christ, God's presence is universally accessible and intimately near. Jesus declared that true worship would not be confined to Jerusalem or any specific mountain, but would be "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:21-24](/john/4-21-24 "John 4:21-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), signifying a worship that transcends physical location and is rooted in an authentic relationship with God through His Spirit. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ has opened a new and living way to the Father, allowing us to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace from anywhere in the world ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Our Great High Priest")). He is the ultimate "land" of promise, the true "city" of God (the New Jerusalem), and the "house" where God's name dwells in its fullness. Our "return" to God is now a turning to Christ in faith and repentance, for He is 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")). In Him, we are no longer strangers and aliens but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Our prayers are directed to God through Him, our High Priest and Mediator, who always lives to intercede for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")), making the path to God's mercy and restoration eternally open for all who believe.

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

Deuteronomy 30:2

And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;

Deuteronomy 30:6

And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

Joel 2:12

¶ Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye [even] to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Joel 2:13

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Jeremiah 29:12

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Jeremiah 29:14

And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

Daniel 9:3

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: