TRV
Translation
King James Version
O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant.
Complete Jewish Bible
"ADONAI, God, don't turn away the face of your anointed one; remember the mercies of your servant David."
Berean Standard Bible
O LORD God, do not reject Your anointed one. Remember Your loving devotion to Your servant David.”
American Standard Version
O Jehovah God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember thy lovingkindnesses to David thy servant.
World English Bible Messianic
“LORD God, don’t turn away the face of your anointed. Remember your loving kindnesses to David your servant.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
O Lord God, refuse not the face of thine anoynted: remember the mercies promised to Dauid thy seruant.
Young's Literal Translation
O Jehovah God, turn not back the face of Thine anointed, be mindful of the kind acts of David Thy servant.'
In the KJVVerse 11,325 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6 verses 12–42
12 ¶ And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:
13 For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,
14 And said, O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts:
15 Thou which hast kept with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him; and spakest with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day.
16 Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me.
17 Now then, O LORD God of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou hast spoken unto thy servant David.
18 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!
19 Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee:
20 That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place.
21 Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.
22 If a man sin against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to make him swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house;
23 Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness.
24 And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house;
25 Then hear thou from the heavens, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers.
26 When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them;
27 Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance.
28 If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:
29 Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house:
30 Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)
31 That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.
32 Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house;
33 Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.
34 If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;
35 Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.
36 If they sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;
37 Yet if they bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn and pray unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly;
38 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:
39 Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee.
40 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.
41 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.
42 O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant.
Solomon had, in the foregoing verses, signed and sealed, as it were, the deed of dedication, by which the temple was appropriated to the honour and service of God. Now here he prays the consecration-prayer, by which it was made a figure of Christ, the great Mediator, through whom we are to offer all our prayers, and to expect all God's favours, and to whom we are to have an eye in every thing where we have to do with God. We have opened the particulars of this prayer (1 Kings 8) and therefore shall now only glean up some few passages in it which may be the proper subjects of our meditation.
I. Here are some doctrinal truths occasionally laid down. As, 1. That the God of Israel is a being of incomparable perfection. We cannot describe him; but this we know, there is none like him in heaven or in earth, Ch2 6:14. All the creatures have their fellow-creatures, but the Creator has not his peer. He is infinitely above all, and over all, God blessed for ever. 2. That he is, and will be, true to every word that he has spoken; and all that serve him in sincerity shall certainly find him both faithful and kind. Those that set God always before them, and walk before him with all their hearts, shall find him as good as his word and better; he will both keep covenant with them and show mercy to them, Ch2 6:14. 3. That he is a being infinite and immense, whom the heaven, and heaven of heavens, cannot contain, and to whose felicity nothing is added by the utmost we can do in his service, Ch2 6:18. He is infinitely beyond the bounds of the creation and infinitely above the praises of all intelligent creatures. 4. That he, and he only, knows the hearts of the children of men, Ch2 6:30. All men's thoughts, aims, and affections, are naked and open before him; and, however the imaginations and intents of our hearts may be concealed from men, angels, and devils, they cannot be hidden from God, who knows not only what is in the heart, but the heart itself and all the beatings of it. 5. That there is no such thing as a sinless perfection to be found in this life (Ch2 6:36): There is no man who sinneth not; nay, who doeth good and sinneth not; so he writes, agreeable to what he here says, Ecc 7:20.
II. Here are some suppositions or cases put which are to be taken notice of. 1. He supposed that if doubts and controversies arose between man and man both sides would agree to appeal to God, and lay an oath upon the person whose testimony must decide the matter, Ch2 6:22. The religious reverence of an oath, as it was ancient, so, it may be presumed, it will continue as long as there are any remains of conscience and right reason among men. 2. He supposed that, though Israel enjoyed a profound peace and tranquillity, yet troublesome times would come. He did not think the mountain of their prosperity stood so strong but that it might be moved; nay, he expected sin would move it. 3. He supposed that those who had not called upon God at other times, yet, in their affliction, would seek him early and earnestly. "When they are in distress they will confess their sins, and confess thy name, and make supplication to thee." Trouble will drive those to God who have said to him, Depart, Ch2 6:24, Ch2 6:26, Ch2 6:28. 4. He supposed that strangers would come from afar to worship the God of Israel and to pay homage to him; and this also might reasonably be expected, considering what worthless things the gods of the nations were, and what proofs the God of Israel had given of his being Lord of the whole earth.
III. Here are petitions very pertinent. 1. That God would own this house, and have an eye to it, as the place of which he had said that he would put his name there, Ch2 6:20. He could not, in faith, have asked God to show such peculiar favour to this house above any other if he himself had not said that it should be his rest for ever. The prayer that will speed must be warranted by the word. We may with humble confidence pray to God to be well pleased with us in Jesus Christ, because he had declared himself well pleased in him - This is my beloved Son; but he says not now of any house, "This is my beloved place." 2. That God would hear and accept the prayers which should be made in or towards that place, Ch2 6:21. He asked not that God should help them whether they prayed for themselves or no, but that God would help them in answer to their prayers. Even Christ's intercessions do not supersede but encourage our supplications. He prayed that God would hear from his dwelling-place, even from heaven. Heaven in his dwelling-place still, not this temple; and thence help must come. When thou hearest forgive. Note, The forgiveness of our sins is that which makes way for all the other answers to our prayers, Removendo prohibens - The evil which it drives away it keeps away. 3. That God would give judgment according to equity upon all the appeals that should be made to him, Ch2 6:23, Ch2 6:30. This we may, in faith, pray for, for we are sure it shall be done. God sitteth on the throne judging right. 4. That God would return in mercy to his people when they repented, and reformed, and sought unto him, Ch2 6:25, Ch2 6:27, Ch2 6:38, Ch2 6:39. This we also may, in faith, pray for, building upon the repeated declarations God has made of his readiness to accepts penitents. 5. That God would bid the strangers welcome to this house, and answer their prayers (Ch2 6:33); for, if there be in duty, why should there not be in privilege one law for the stranger and for one born in the land? Lev 24:22. 6. That God would, upon all occasions, own and plead the cause of his people Israel, against all the opposers of it (Ch2 6:35): Maintain their cause; and again, Ch2 6:39. If they be the Israel of God, their cause is the cause of God, and he would espouse it. 7. He concludes this prayer with some expressions which he had learned of his good father, and borrowed from one of his psalms. We had then not in the Kings, but here we have them, Ch2 6:41, Ch2 6:42. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; and how can we express ourselves in better language to God than that of his own Spirit? But these words were of use, in a special manner, to direct Solomon, because they had reference to this very work that he was now doing. We have them, Psa 132:8-10. He prayer (Ch2 6:41), (1.) That God would take possession of the temple, and keep possession, that he would make it his resting-place: Thou and the ark; what will the ark do without the God of the ark-ordinances without the God of the ordinances? (2.) That he would make the ministers of the temple public blessings: Clothe them with salvation, that is, not only save them, but make them instrumental to save others, by offering the sacrifices of righteousness. (3.) That the service of the temple might turn abundantly to the joy and satisfaction of all the Lord's people: Let thy saints rejoice in goodness, that is, in the goodness of thy house, Psa 65:4. "Let all that come hither to worship, like the eunuch, go away rejoicing." He pleads two things, Ch2 6:42. [1.] His own relation to God: "Turn not away the face of thy anointed. Lord, thou hast appointed me to be king, and wilt not thou own me?" [2.] God's covenant with his father: Remember thy mercies of David thy servant - the piety of David towards God (so some understand it and so the word sometimes signifies), his pious care of the ark, and concern for it (see Psa 132:1, Psa 132:2, etc.), or the promises of God to David, which were mercies to him, his great support and comforts in all his troubles. We may plead, as Solomon does here, with an eye to Christ: - "We deserve that God should turn away our face, that he should reject us and our prayers; but we come in the name of the Lord Jesus, thy anointed, thy Messiah (so the word is), thy Christ, so the lxx. Him thou hearest always, and wilt never turn away his face. We have no righteousness of our own to plead, but, Lord, remember the mercies of David thy servant." Christ is God's servant (Isa 42:1), and is called David, Hos 3:5. "Lord, remember his mercies, and accept us on the account of them. Remember his tender concern for his Father's honour and man's salvation, and what he did and suffered from that principle. Remember the promises of the everlasting covenant, which free grace has made to us in Christ, and which are called the sure mercies of David," Isa 55:3 and Act 13:34. This must be all our desire and all our hope, all our prayer and all our plea; for it is all our salvation.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–42. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 6:42 marks the climactic conclusion of King Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. This profound verse functions as a fervent appeal to God, entreating Him not to withdraw His divine favor from Solomon, His "anointed" king, and to faithfully remember the steadfast love and covenant promises made to David, Solomon's father and God's devoted servant. It masterfully encapsulates a deep reliance on God's unwavering faithfulness and His prior commitments, rather than on human merit or the physical grandeur of the Temple itself, thereby underscoring the enduring nature of the Davidic Covenant and God's immutable chesed.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant and impactful literary devices that enhance its theological depth and emotional resonance. Apostrophe is prominently featured in the direct address "O LORD God," where Solomon speaks directly and personally to the divine, creating an intimate and urgent tone. The phrase "turn not away the face" is a powerful example of Metonymy, where "face" symbolically represents God's favor, presence, approval, or benevolent regard. This idiomatic expression vividly conveys the king's desperate desire for continued divine acceptance and blessing. Furthermore, the plea to "remember the mercies of David thy servant" functions as a profound Allusion to the foundational Davidic Covenant, drawing upon the rich theological history, solemn promises, and divine faithfulness associated with that pivotal agreement. The very concept of "mercies" (Hebrew chesed), while a key word in itself, also implies a form of Synecdoche or Merism, representing the entirety of God's covenantal faithfulness, loyal love, and unwavering commitment to His promises, encompassing all aspects of His benevolent character and actions towards His chosen people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly encapsulates the very essence of Israel's covenant relationship with God, highlighting the intricate interplay between divine initiative and faithful human response. It powerfully underscores that God's unyielding faithfulness (His chesed) is the immutable bedrock of His interactions with humanity, particularly as expressed through His sacred covenants. Solomon's prayer, far from being a demanding assertion, is a humble yet confident appeal rooted in the profound understanding that God is eternally true to His word, even when human beings are fallible and prone to deviation. It emphasizes that the legitimacy, prosperity, and continuity of the Davidic monarchy, and by extension the spiritual and physical well-being of Israel, rested not on human strength, wisdom, or military might, but solely on God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His divinely chosen king. This timeless principle of relying on God's unchanging character and His past faithfulness remains an enduring and powerful model for prayer, trust, and hopeful expectation for believers across all generations.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's concluding plea in 2 Chronicles 6:42 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It models a form of prayer that is not self-centered or merit-based, but deeply rooted in God's immutable character and His revealed promises. Like Solomon, we are invited to approach God with unwavering confidence, not based on our own perceived merits, accomplishments, or righteousness, but solely on His steadfast love (chesed) and His unfailing faithfulness to His Word. When we face uncertainty, navigate trials, or recognize our desperate need for divine intervention, we can confidently "remind" God of His own promises, trusting implicitly that He is immutable and that His covenant love endures forever. This verse profoundly encourages us to seek God's favor continually, recognizing with humility that all true blessing, genuine success, and lasting peace in our lives, both spiritual and temporal, flow exclusively from His gracious and sovereign hand. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence, acknowledging that our identity, purpose, and ultimate security are secured by His divine anointing and His unwavering commitment to us through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "anointed" in this verse?
Answer: In 2 Chronicles 6:42, "anointed" (Hebrew: mashiach) refers specifically to King Solomon, who was literally consecrated with oil as a symbolic act of divine appointment to kingship. This anointing signified that he was God's chosen representative, endowed with divine authority and favor to rule Israel. It highlights the profound theological concept that true leadership in Israel was not merely human but divinely sanctioned and empowered. This term is profoundly significant as it is the very root of "Messiah" (Hebrew) and "Christ" (Greek), pointing forward to the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ.
How does "mercies of David" relate to God's character?
Answer: The phrase "mercies of David" refers directly to God's chesed, which encapsulates His steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, and loyal kindness, as specifically and powerfully demonstrated in the Davidic Covenant. In 2 Samuel 7, God made an unconditional and eternal promise to David that his house, kingdom, and throne would be established forever. Solomon's plea is therefore a direct appeal to God's own unchanging character—His unwavering fidelity to His word and His enduring commitment to His promises, even across generations. It profoundly underscores that God's very nature is one of enduring love and faithfulness, which serves as the ultimate, unshakeable ground for hope, prayer, and trust for all who call upon His name.
Is this verse just about Solomon, or does it have broader meaning?
Answer: While the verse is immediately about Solomon's specific plea during the Temple dedication, its theological principles extend far beyond his individual context, establishing timeless truths that resonate throughout biblical history. It speaks to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, the transformative power of prayer grounded in God's promises, and the profound nature of divine favor. The concept of "thine anointed" also carries a crucial prophetic dimension, pointing forward to the ultimate "Anointed One," the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Thus, it has profound implications for understanding God's relationship with His people throughout history and finds its ultimate, glorious fulfillment in Christ, the true Son of David.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 6:42, with its poignant plea for the "anointed" king and the remembrance of God's "mercies of David," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Solomon, as an "anointed" king and a direct descendant of David, served as a type, a provisional foreshadowing of the true and eternal King. Jesus is the singular, ultimate Anointed One, the Messiah, upon whom the Holy Spirit descended without measure, anointing Him for His redemptive mission (Acts 10:38). Crucially, God did not "turn away the face" of His Anointed Son; rather, in Christ, God's boundless favor, presence, and blessing are fully and eternally poured out upon humanity. Furthermore, the "mercies of David" are perfectly and eternally realized in Jesus, who is the promised Son of David, the one who establishes an eternal kingdom and an everlasting throne (Hebrews 1:8). God's chesed, His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness, culminates in Christ's atoning work on the cross, through which humanity receives ultimate mercy, forgiveness, and direct access to God's holy presence. Through Jesus, we, as believers, are also "anointed" by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21), becoming co-heirs with Christ and recipients of God's boundless favor and grace, enabling us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). The eternal reign, security, and blessings sought by Solomon are fully and eternally secured in the person and work of Jesus, the King of kings, whose kingdom has no end (Revelation 22:3).