2 Chronicles 6:40

KJV

Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and [let] thine ears [be] attent unto the prayer [that is made] in this place.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now, my God {H430}, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes {H5869} be open {H6605}, and let thine ears {H241} be attent {H7183} unto the prayer {H8605} that is made in this place {H4725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now, my God, please, let your eyes be open, and let your ears pay attention to the prayer being made in this place.

Berean Standard Bible

Now, my God, may Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.

American Standard Version

Now, O my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent, unto the prayer that is made in this place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's poignant plea in 2 Chronicles 6:40, uttered during the dedication of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, serves as the concluding petition of his extensive prayer. He earnestly implores God for His continuous, active presence and unwavering attentiveness to all prayers offered within this sacred space. This verse encapsulates the hope that the Temple would truly be a place where God would hear and respond to the cries of His people, signifying His enduring commitment to His covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic conclusion to Solomon's grand dedication prayer for the newly constructed Temple, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication") and its parallel in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple"). Having recounted God's faithfulness to David and the completion of the physical structure, Solomon shifts the focus from the building itself to its spiritual purpose. His prayer meticulously covers various scenarios—from war and famine to plague and national sin—where the people of Israel would turn to God, seeking His mercy and intervention, always emphasizing the importance of prayer directed toward this consecrated sanctuary. This final plea in verse 40 underscores the deep desire for God's perpetual engagement with the prayers of His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Temple marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, signifying the zenith of the unified monarchy under King Solomon. Following the nomadic period with the Tabernacle, the Temple provided a permanent, central place of worship, symbolizing God's settled presence among His people. Built with immense resources and labor, it was not merely an architectural marvel but the spiritual heart of the nation. Culturally, the act of prayer directed towards a sacred space was common in the ancient Near East, but for Israel, it was unique in being directed towards the one true God, YHWH, who had chosen to place His "Name" there. Solomon's prayer reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience and repentance were met with divine favor and hearing.

* **Key Themes:** Solomon's prayer, culminating in this verse, highlights several profound themes. The primary theme is **Divine Attentiveness and Responsiveness**, as Solomon's request for God's "eyes to be open" and "ears to be attent" emphasizes the belief in a God who actively observes, hears, and responds to the sincere petitions of His people. This underscores the **Significance of Prayer** as the foundational means of communication with God, crucial for both national and individual spiritual vitality. Furthermore, the verse points to **God's Presence in Sacred Space**, acknowledging the Temple as a unique focal point where God's Name would dwell, making it a designated place for worship and divine encounter, even while recognizing God's omnipresence. Finally, Solomon's posture of "I beseech thee" reveals a profound **Humility and Dependence** on God, recognizing that despite his earthly power and wisdom (which he famously [prayed for in 2 Chronicles 1:10](/2_chronicles/1-10 "2 Chronicles 1:10 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")), all blessings and success ultimately flow from divine favor and a gracious God who hears.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Attent (English, _attent_):** Derived from the Latin 'attendere,' meaning "to stretch towards" or "to give attention to." In this context, "attent" means attentive or ready to listen. It signifies not merely passive hearing, but an active, intentional, and receptive posture on God's part, implying a readiness to consider and respond to the prayers offered, demonstrating His deep care and responsiveness to His people's needs.
* **Beseech (English, _beseech_):** An archaic English word meaning to implore, entreat, or earnestly request. It conveys a sense of urgency, humility, and profound earnestness in the petitioner's appeal. Solomon's use of this word highlights his reverent and dependent posture before God, acknowledging his reliance on divine grace rather than any inherent right.
* **Prayer (Hebrew, _tĕphillāh'_):** This is a general Hebrew term for prayer or supplication. It encompasses various forms of communication with God, from humble requests to fervent intercession. In the context of the Temple, it signifies the formal and informal petitions, praises, and confessions brought before God in His designated dwelling place, emphasizing the act of seeking God's face.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now, my God, let, I beseech thee":** Solomon begins with a direct, personal address to God ("my God"), establishing an intimate yet reverent relationship. The phrase "I beseech thee" immediately sets a tone of humble, earnest supplication, underscoring the king's deep reliance on God's grace and willingness to hear. It is a heartfelt plea, not a demand.
* **"thine eyes be open":** This is an anthropomorphic expression, attributing human physical senses to God. It metaphorically signifies God's active and watchful observation, His continuous awareness, and His benevolent gaze upon His people and the Temple. It conveys the idea that God is not distant or indifferent, but ever-present and attentive to the circumstances and needs of those who turn to Him.
* **"and [let] thine ears [be] attent":** Parallel to the previous clause, this anthropomorphism emphasizes God's active and intentional listening. "Attent" (attentive) implies a readiness to hear, understand, and respond. It assures the worshipper that their prayers are not falling on deaf ears but are being received with divine interest and a disposition to act.
* **"unto the prayer [that is made] in this place":** This specifies the object of God's desired attention: the prayers offered within the newly dedicated Temple. It highlights the unique consecrated status of the Temple as the designated place where God's Name would dwell, making it the focal point for national and individual petitions, and reinforcing the covenantal significance of the sanctuary.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Anthropomorphism** is prominent, as human physical attributes—"eyes" and "ears"—are ascribed to God. This is not meant to suggest God has a physical body, but rather to make His divine attributes of omniscience and omnipresence relatable and understandable to human perception, emphasizing His active engagement and responsiveness to His creation. The phrase "thine eyes be open, and thine ears be attent" also demonstrates **Parallelism**, specifically a synonymous parallelism, where two distinct but similar phrases reinforce the same core idea of God's complete and active attentiveness. The entire verse functions as a direct **Plea** or **Supplication**, characterized by its earnest tone and humble address, which is a common feature in biblical prayers and serves to model a posture of dependence before the Divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the foundational theological truth that God is not a distant or indifferent deity but one who actively hears and responds to the prayers of His people. Solomon's plea for God's "eyes to be open" and "ears to be attent" speaks to God's character as intimately involved in human affairs, particularly in the covenant relationship He established with Israel. While the Temple served as a physical focal point for prayer and God's presence, the underlying principle is God's unwavering commitment to His people and His willingness to engage with their petitions. It anticipates God's gracious response, affirming that His presence and attentiveness would indeed be perpetually tied to this place of worship, contingent on the people's faithfulness.

* [2 Chronicles 7:15](/2_chronicles/7-15 "2 Chronicles 7:15 - God's Promise to Hear Prayer")
* [Psalm 65:2](/psalms/65-2 "Psalm 65:2 - God Hears Prayer")
* [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Chronicles 6:40 transcends its historical context of a physical Temple and offers profound spiritual truths about the nature of God and the privilege of prayer. While we no longer direct our prayers toward a single earthly building, the essence of Solomon's plea remains vital: God is attentive. This verse encourages us to approach God with the same humility and earnestness as Solomon, confident that His "eyes are open" to our circumstances and His "ears are attent" to our cries, wherever we are. It reminds us that prayer is not a monologue into the void, but a genuine dialogue with a living, responsive God who desires to hear from us. This confidence should embolden us to pray not only for our personal needs but also to intercede faithfully for our families, communities, and nations, trusting in God's active engagement and His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's humble posture in this prayer inform my own approach to God in prayer?**
* **In what specific ways do I truly believe God's "eyes are open" and "ears are attent" to my prayers today?**
* **What specific prayers am I called to make, trusting in God's attentive presence and responsiveness?**

### FAQ
**Why did Solomon emphasize "in this place" if God is omnipresent?**

Answer: Solomon's emphasis on "in this place" does not suggest a limitation on God's omnipresence, but rather highlights the unique, consecrated role of the Temple. The Temple was the specific location God chose to place His "Name" ([Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Place God Chooses")), signifying His covenantal presence and a designated focal point for His people to seek Him corporately. It was a tangible symbol of God's dwelling among them, a place where specific covenantal rituals and prayers would be offered. Solomon's plea was for God's special, covenantal attentiveness to the prayers offered at this sacred site, reinforcing its unique spiritual significance for Israel.

**Does God really need His "eyes to be open" or "ears to be attent"?**

Answer: No, God, being omniscient and omnipotent, does not literally "need" to open His eyes or incline His ears in a human sense. These are **anthropomorphic** expressions, attributing human characteristics to God to help us comprehend His divine attributes. The language emphasizes God's active, intentional engagement and responsiveness. It assures believers that their prayers are not ignored but are met with divine care, full awareness, and a disposition to act. It speaks to God's character as a relational and attentive Father who hears and cares for His children, rather than implying any limitation on His divine nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's earnest prayer for God's eyes and ears to be attentive to the Temple finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, magnificent as it was, was but a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to [the temple of His body](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple"). Christ is the true and ultimate Temple, the very dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through His sacrifice on the cross, the veil of the Temple was torn ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that direct access to God's presence is no longer confined to a physical structure or a specific priestly lineage. Now, by faith in Christ, believers are empowered to [boldly approach the throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approaching the Throne of Grace") with their prayers, knowing that we have a [great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest"). He is our perpetual intercessor, who [always lives to make intercession for us](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor"), ensuring that God's "eyes are open" and "ears are attent" to the prayers offered in His Name. The Holy Spirit also [intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26 - The Spirit Intercedes"), completing the divine attentiveness to the cries of God's people in the new covenant.

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

Psalms 116:2

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon [him] as long as I live.

2 Chronicles 7:15

Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer [that is made] in this place.

Nehemiah 1:6

Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

Psalms 17:1

¶ A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, [that goeth] not out of feigned lips.

Nehemiah 1:11

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Psalms 7:3

O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;

Isaiah 37:17

Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.