2 Chronicles 6:42

O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant.

O LORD {H3068} God {H430}, turn not away {H7725} the face {H6440} of thine anointed {H4899}: remember {H2142} the mercies {H2617} of David {H1732} thy servant {H5650}.

"ADONAI, God, don't turn away the face of your anointed one; remember the mercies of your servant David."

O LORD God, do not reject Your anointed one. Remember Your loving devotion to Your servant David.”

O Jehovah God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember thy lovingkindnesses to David thy servant.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 6:42

This verse concludes King Solomon's monumental prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. After seven years of construction, the Temple was finally consecrated as the central place of worship for the nation of Israel. Solomon's prayer, recorded in 2 Chronicles 6, is an extensive and heartfelt appeal to God, asking for His presence, His hearing of prayers offered towards the Temple, and His continued blessing upon the people and the Davidic dynasty. Verse 42 serves as a powerful closing plea, appealing to God's past faithfulness and covenant promises.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Favor and Anointing: Solomon pleads with God not to "turn away the face of thine anointed." This refers directly to Solomon himself as God's chosen king, indicating a desire for continued divine favor, guidance, and acceptance. It acknowledges that his authority and success depend entirely on God's blessing. This concept of God's chosen leader also points forward to the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ, who is the King of kings.
  • Remembrance of Covenant Promises: The phrase "remember the mercies of David thy servant" is a profound appeal to God's steadfast love and covenant loyalty (Hebrew: chesed). It specifically references the Davidic covenant, where God promised David an eternal dynasty and a perpetual throne. Solomon is essentially reminding God of His own promises, trusting in His faithfulness to uphold them for David's descendants.
  • Reliance on God's Mercy: Solomon's prayer is not based on his own merit or the splendor of the Temple, but entirely on God's compassion and prior commitments. It highlights the principle that true blessing comes from God's grace and His unwavering character, not from human achievement.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "anointed" translates the Hebrew word mashiach, from which we get "Messiah." In this context, it refers to the king, who was literally anointed with oil as a sign of his divine appointment. This word carries significant weight, connecting the earthly king to God's sovereign plan.
  • "Mercies" comes from the Hebrew word chesed, which signifies God's covenantal love, faithfulness, and loyal kindness. It's a rich theological term that describes God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His people, even when they are undeserving.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Praying God's Promises: Like Solomon, we can confidently approach God in prayer, reminding Him of His own revealed character and promises in His Word. Our prayers are strengthened when they align with God's will and His covenant faithfulness.
  • Trusting in God's Faithfulness: When facing challenges or uncertainty, we can rest assured that God remembers His "mercies" and His promises. His steadfast love (chesed) is the foundation of our hope and security.
  • Seeking Divine Favor: We should continually seek God's favor and acknowledge that any blessing or success in our lives comes from His hand. Just as Solomon was God's anointed, believers are also "anointed" by the Holy Spirit, called to live in God's presence and for His glory.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 55:3

    Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

  • Psalms 132:1

    ¶ A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, [and] all his afflictions:

  • Isaiah 61:1

    ¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

  • Psalms 2:2

    The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],

  • 1 Kings 1:34

    And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.

  • Acts 13:34

    And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, [now] no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

  • 1 Kings 2:16

    And now I ask one petition of thee, deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on.