2 Chronicles 6:41

KJV

Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore arise {H6965}, O LORD {H3068} God {H430}, into thy resting {H5118} place, thou, and the ark {H727} of thy strength {H5797}: let thy priests {H3548}, O LORD {H3068} God {H430}, be clothed {H3847} with salvation {H8668}, and let thy saints {H2623} rejoice {H8055} in goodness {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now go up, ADONAI, God, to your place of rest, you and the ark through which you give strength. "May your cohanim, ADONAI, God, be clothed with salvation; may those loyal to you take joy in good.

Berean Standard Bible

Now therefore, arise, O LORD God, and enter Your resting place, You and the ark of Your might. May Your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and may Your godly ones rejoice in goodness.

American Standard Version

Now therefore arise, O Jehovah God, into thy resting-place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O Jehovah God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's climactic prayer at the dedication of the newly constructed Temple in Jerusalem culminates in this profound plea for God's enduring presence. The verse implores the LORD God to fully inhabit His "resting place" within the Temple, symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant, and simultaneously requests that the priests be spiritually empowered and "clothed with salvation," leading to the joyful flourishing of God's people, His "saints," in His abundant goodness. It is a comprehensive petition for divine indwelling, effective priestly ministry, and communal blessing, echoing a deep longing for God's manifest glory among His chosen nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Solomon's grand prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple, recorded in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Dedication Prayer"). Following the solemn placement of the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place and the glorious descent of the LORD's presence (2 Chronicles 5:7-14), Solomon stands before the assembled congregation and offers a lengthy, heartfelt petition. His prayer progresses from praise for God's unwavering faithfulness to Abraham and David, to a series of specific intercessions for various future scenarios where Israel might desperately need divine intervention (e.g., famine, plague, defeat in battle). Verse 41 serves as a powerful, almost liturgical, conclusion to this expansive prayer, encapsulating the core desire for God's permanent indwelling and the resulting spiritual vitality of His people. Its near-verbatim parallel with [Psalm 132:8-9](/psalms/132-8 "Psalm 132:8-9 - A Liturgical Appeal for God's Presence") suggests it was a well-known liturgical formula, deeply embedded in Israel's worship tradition, lending a timeless and authoritative weight to Solomon's profound appeal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction and dedication of the Temple under Solomon's reign marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history. For centuries, God's presence had been associated with the portable Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant, which lacked a permanent home. The Temple in Jerusalem was intended to be the permanent, central dwelling place for God's name and glory, thereby establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual and political capital of the unified kingdom. This grand edifice symbolized God's commitment to His covenant with Israel and His desire to dwell intimately among them. The priests, specifically the Levites of the lineage of Aaron, were divinely appointed to mediate between God and the people, performing sacrifices and leading worship. Their spiritual purity and effectiveness were paramount for the nation's well-being and access to God's favor. The "saints" (Hebrew: *ḥasidim*), referring to the faithful, pious ones of Israel, represented the broader community whose spiritual health and collective joy were directly tied to God's manifest presence and the proper functioning of the worship system. The prayer reflects a deep understanding of the covenant relationship, where God's blessings and the people's prosperity were contingent upon His indwelling presence and their faithfulness to Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes within the book of [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - History of the Kings of Judah") and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, the theme of **God's Dwelling and Presence** is central, as Solomon pleads for the LORD to "arise" and enter His "resting place." The Temple was built precisely for this purpose, to house the divine presence, a concept rooted in the Tabernacle's design (e.g., [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among His People")). Secondly, the **Ark of the Covenant** is highlighted as "the ark of thy strength," underscoring its role as the most sacred object, symbolizing God's power, covenant faithfulness, and the very throne of His presence, as seen in its historical significance and divine authority (e.g., [1 Samuel 4:3](/1_samuel/4-3 "1 Samuel 4:3 - The Ark in Battle")). Thirdly, the **Priesthood and Mediation** are vital, with the request for priests to be "clothed with salvation." This speaks to their spiritual readiness, divine enablement, and righteousness for their mediatorial duties, which were crucial for the people's access to God's grace and forgiveness. Finally, the **Corporate Worship and Joy** of God's people is the desired outcome, as the "saints" are to "rejoice in goodness." This reflects the biblical understanding that true joy and flourishing come from experiencing God's manifest presence and His covenant blessings, a theme frequently echoed in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **resting place (Hebrew, _nûwach'_):** From H5118, this term signifies a permanent, secure dwelling or abode, a place of settled rest, as opposed to a temporary stop or transient presence. In the context of the Temple, it expresses the profound desire for God's abiding, unwavering presence among His people, signaling the culmination of His journey with Israel from the wilderness Tabernacle to a fixed, glorious sanctuary. It implies stability, peace, and an enduring covenant relationship between God and His chosen nation.
* **salvation (Hebrew, _tᵉshûwʻâh'_):** From H8668, this word encompasses rescue, deliverance, well-being, victory, and spiritual flourishing. When the priests are to be "clothed with salvation," it means their ministry, their very being and effectiveness, is imbued with and empowered by God's saving grace and righteousness. It suggests divine enablement, spiritual purity, and efficacy in their mediatorial role, making them fit instruments for God's purposes in bringing His saving power to the people.
* **saints (Hebrew, _châçîyd'_):** From H2623, this term refers to those who are "kind" or "pious" in a religious sense; the godly, holy, or merciful ones. In this context, it designates the faithful, devoted members of the Israelite community—those who are loyal to God's covenant and devoted to His ways. Their rejoicing in goodness is the expected and desired outcome of God's manifest presence and the effective, divinely empowered ministry of the priests.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength:"** This opening clause is a fervent, almost imperative, plea for God to actively manifest His presence. "Arise" (קוּמָה, *qûmāh*) is a common biblical idiom for God's active intervention or movement, here specifically inviting Him to take up permanent, settled residence. The "resting place" is the newly dedicated Temple, and the inclusion of "the ark of thy strength" underscores the Ark's central role as the tangible symbol and locus of God's powerful presence. It is a request for God's full, dynamic, and abiding indwelling, signifying His commitment to dwell among His people.
* **"let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation,"** This part of the prayer shifts focus from God's presence to the spiritual state of His appointed ministers. The metaphor of being "clothed with salvation" signifies that the priests' effectiveness and righteousness in their sacred duties are not self-generated but are a divine endowment. It speaks to their spiritual purity, divine approval, and empowerment by God's saving grace, enabling them to rightly serve and mediate on behalf of the people, facilitating their access to God's blessings.
* **"and let thy saints rejoice in goodness."** The final clause articulates the desired outcome for the entire community of faith, the "saints" (the faithful, pious ones of Israel). Their "rejoicing in goodness" is the natural, joyful response to God's manifest presence and the effective, divinely empowered ministry of His priests. "Goodness" (טוֹב, *ṭôḇ*) here refers comprehensively to God's inherent character, His abundant blessings, His covenant faithfulness, and the spiritual and material well-being that flows from His active presence among His people. It signifies a state of flourishing, delight, and profound contentment in God's favor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound theological message. Firstly, **Personification** is evident in the plea "arise, O LORD God," attributing human-like action (rising) to the divine, emphasizing a dynamic and active divine presence rather than a static one. Secondly, the phrase "clothed with salvation" is a powerful **Metaphor**, transforming an abstract spiritual concept (salvation) into a tangible garment that covers and defines the priests, vividly illustrating their divine enablement and spiritual readiness for service. Thirdly, the verse functions as a **Liturgical Echo** or **Allusion**, being a near-verbatim quotation from [Psalm 132:8-9](/psalms/132-8 "Psalm 132:8-9 - A Liturgical Appeal for God's Presence"), demonstrating the deep intertextual connections within the biblical text and the continuity of Israel's worship language across generations. Finally, **Symbolism** is paramount, with the Ark of the Covenant serving as a potent symbol of God's powerful presence and covenant faithfulness, and the Temple itself symbolizing God's chosen dwelling place among His people, the central point of their worship and national identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's desire to dwell among His people, and the transformative impact of that presence. Solomon's prayer reflects the Old Testament understanding that God's physical dwelling (first the Tabernacle, then the Temple) was the focal point of His covenant relationship with Israel, signifying His commitment, protection, and provision. The request for priests to be "clothed with salvation" highlights the necessity of divine enablement for spiritual leadership and service, emphasizing that human efforts are insufficient without God's empowering grace and righteousness. Furthermore, the resulting "rejoicing in goodness" underscores that true joy and flourishing for God's people are inextricably linked to His manifest presence and the proper functioning of His appointed means of grace. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of God's presence in a new, spiritual temple, and the universal priesthood of believers.

* [Psalm 132:8-9](/psalms/132-8 "God's Dwelling and Priestly Garments") - This direct parallel highlights the liturgical and theological continuity of the prayer for God's presence and the spiritual state of His ministers within Israel's worship tradition.
* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Garments of Salvation and Righteousness") - This prophetic passage echoes the theme of being "clothed with salvation," extending it to all believers as a garment of righteousness and joy, anticipating the spiritual transformation and divine enablement under the new covenant.
* [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle") - This passage illustrates the initial filling of the Tabernacle with God's glory, setting a precedent for the desire for God's manifest and abiding presence in His dwelling place, as fervently prayed for by Solomon.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple and Ark are no longer central to our worship, the spiritual truths embedded in Solomon's prayer remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to earnestly desire and actively seek the manifest presence of God in our individual lives, our homes, and our churches. Just as Solomon yearned for God to "arise" and inhabit His "resting place," we should pray for the Holy Spirit to fully indwell and empower us, individually and corporately, recognizing that we, as believers, are now the temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Furthermore, the prayer for priests to be "clothed with salvation" serves as a powerful reminder for all who serve in ministry—whether formally ordained or in the universal "priesthood of all believers"—to rely not on their own strength or wisdom, but to be fully enveloped by God's saving grace, righteousness, and power. When God's presence is truly honored and His people are spiritually equipped, the natural outcome is genuine joy and flourishing in His goodness, fostering a vibrant, Spirit-filled community that powerfully reflects His glory to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's desire for a "resting place" inform our pursuit of His manifest presence in our lives and churches today?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as believers, be "clothed with salvation" in our daily walk and service, demonstrating God's grace and righteousness?**
* **What does "rejoicing in goodness" truly mean in the context of our current circumstances, and how can we cultivate such joy even amidst challenges and trials?**
* **How does this ancient prayer for the priests and saints connect to our prayers for spiritual leaders and the wider body of Christ in the contemporary church?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse a direct quote from Psalm 132?**

Answer: Yes, 2 Chronicles 6:41 is a near-verbatim quotation of [Psalm 132:8-9](/psalms/132-8 "Psalm 132:8-9 - God's Dwelling and Priestly Garments"). The slight variations are minor, primarily a change from "thy saints" in the Psalm to "thy saints, O LORD God" in Chronicles, adding a direct address that emphasizes the solemnity of Solomon's prayer. This strong parallel indicates that Solomon's prayer was likely drawing from established liturgical language or a well-known psalm, demonstrating the deep connection between the formal worship of the Temple and the poetic and devotional expressions found in the Psalms. It suggests that this plea for God's permanent presence and the spiritual well-being of His people was a recurring and central theme in Israelite worship.

**What is the significance of the "ark of thy strength"?**

Answer: The "ark of thy strength" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in ancient Israel. It was not merely a container but profoundly symbolized God's presence, power, and covenant faithfulness. Its "strength" (Hebrew: *'oz*) highlights God's might and active power manifested through it. Historically, the Ark led Israel in battle (e.g., [Joshua 6:6-7](/joshua/6-6 "Joshua 6:6-7 - The Ark at Jericho")), represented God's throne (e.g., [Psalm 80:1](/psalms/80-1 "Psalm 80:1 - God Enthroned on the Cherubim")), and was the place where God met with His people (e.g., [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God Speaking from the Mercy Seat")). Placing it in the Most Holy Place of the Temple was the culmination of the dedication, signifying God's decision to establish His powerful, abiding presence permanently among His people in Jerusalem.

**How are priests "clothed with salvation"?**

Answer: To be "clothed with salvation" (Hebrew: *lavash yeshu'ah*) is a powerful metaphor that goes beyond the physical garments worn by the priests. It signifies that their spiritual state, their righteousness, and their effectiveness in ministry are not self-generated but are a divine endowment. It means they are fully enveloped and empowered by God's saving grace, divine approval, and spiritual purity. Their service, including offering sacrifices and mediating between God and Israel, was only efficacious and acceptable to God because God Himself clothed them with His saving power, making them fit instruments for His purposes. This concept is echoed in prophetic literature, such as [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation and Righteousness"), where God declares, "He has clothed me with the garments of salvation."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The longing expressed in 2 Chronicles 6:41 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon's prayer for God to "arise... into thy resting place" within a physical temple foreshadows the incarnation, where God Himself "tabernacled among us" in the person of Jesus [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us"). Christ is the true and ultimate "resting place" of God, the full embodiment of divine presence and power, far surpassing the temporary dwelling of the Ark. He is the ultimate "ark of God's strength," through whom God's power is fully manifested in salvation, healing, and resurrection. Furthermore, Jesus is the perfect and eternal High Priest, eternally "clothed with salvation" in a way no Levitical priest could ever be [Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our Perfect High Priest"). His perfect sacrifice and righteousness provide the true "salvation" that clothes all who believe in Him, making them a "royal priesthood" [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood"). Finally, the desire for God's "saints" to "rejoice in goodness" is fully realized in Christ. Through Him, believers experience the fullness of God's goodness, receiving joy, peace, and hope through the Holy Spirit [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - The God of Hope Fills Us with Joy"). The physical Temple is replaced by the spiritual temple of God's people, built on Christ as the cornerstone, where the Spirit dwells [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone, Believers as a Holy Temple"), ensuring God's abiding presence and the perpetual rejoicing of His saints.

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

1 Chronicles 28:2

Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: [As for me], I [had] in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Nehemiah 9:25

And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.

Psalms 132:16

I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

Isaiah 66:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?

Psalms 132:8

Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.

Psalms 132:10

For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.