2 Chronicles 6:42

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful and poignant capstone of Solomon's monumental prayer of dedication for the Temple, meticulously recorded in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Following seven years of dedicated construction, the Temple was consecrated as the central, permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people. Solomon's prayer is a heartfelt and comprehensive appeal for God's attentive ear to prayers offered towards this sacred edifice, and for His continuous blessing upon the nation and the Davidic dynasty. The prayer systematically addresses a myriad of potential scenarios where the people might turn to God—ranging from military defeat and famine to plague and exile—and fervently requests divine intervention, forgiveness, and restoration. Verse 42, with its deeply personal and covenantal plea, functions as a summarizing petition, anchoring the entire dedication ceremony in God's historical faithfulness to David and His enduring covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction and subsequent dedication of the Temple represented a watershed moment in Israelite history, symbolizing the fulfillment of a long-held desire for a permanent, central sanctuary for God among His chosen people, a vision first conceived by King David. Kingship in ancient Israel was understood not merely as a political office but as a divine appointment, with the king serving as God's "anointed" representative on earth. The ritual of anointing with oil profoundly symbolized this divine selection, empowerment, and consecration. Culturally, the idiom "turning away the face" was a powerful expression signifying rejection, disfavor, or the withdrawal of blessing. Conversely, "remembering mercies" was a direct invocation of God's covenant obligations and His *chesed* (Hebrew for steadfast love, loyal kindness, or covenant faithfulness), a foundational concept defining Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh. The Davidic Covenant, meticulously detailed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), promised an eternal dynasty, a perpetual throne, and a lasting kingdom, making Solomon's appeal to "the mercies of David" a direct and potent invocation of this foundational and immutable promise.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several pivotal themes within the book of 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Favor and Election**, as Solomon humbly pleads for continued acceptance and blessing as God's chosen king, implicitly acknowledging that his authority, prosperity, and the success of his reign are entirely contingent upon divine blessing. Secondly, it highlights the **Enduring Nature of the Davidic Covenant**, serving as a poignant reminder to God of His solemn and unconditional promises to David concerning an eternal dynasty. This theme is central to the Chronicler's theological agenda, which consistently emphasizes the legitimacy, continuity, and divine sanction of the Davidic line. Thirdly, the appeal to "mercies" (Hebrew: *chesed*) brings to the forefront the overarching theme of **God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness**, demonstrating that God's immutable character and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises are the ultimate and most reliable basis for human hope, prayer, and national security. Lastly, the verse exemplifies the profound theme of **Intercessory Prayer**, showcasing a leader appealing to God on behalf of himself and his people, a prayer grounded firmly in God's revealed character and His past redemptive actions, mirroring other significant intercessions such as that of Moses in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - Moses' Intercession for Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **anointed (Hebrew, _mâshîyach'_):** This term (H4899) refers to someone divinely set apart for a special office, typically a king, priest, or prophet, through the sacred ritual of anointing with oil. In this specific context, it designates Solomon as God's chosen king, the recipient of divine favor, authority, and empowerment to rule Israel. The word carries immense theological weight, as *mashiach* is the direct root from which the title "Messiah" (Greek: *Christos*) derives, pointing forward to the ultimate, divinely appointed King and Savior.
* **turn not away the face (Hebrew, _shûwb pânîym'_):** This is a powerful idiomatic expression (H7725, H6440) signifying a fervent plea for continued divine favor, acceptance, and positive regard. To "turn away the face" implies rejection, disapproval, or the withdrawal of blessing and presence. Solomon is earnestly asking God to maintain His benevolent presence, support, and active involvement in his reign, recognizing that God's favor is absolutely essential for the success of his rule and the overall well-being of the kingdom.
* **mercies (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This is a profoundly rich and complex theological term (H2617), frequently translated as "steadfast love," "loyal love," "covenant faithfulness," or "unfailing kindness." It describes God's unwavering, persistent, and loyal commitment to His covenant promises and to His people, even when they are undeserving or unfaithful. Solomon's appeal to the "mercies of David" is a direct invocation of God's *chesed* as supremely demonstrated in the Davidic Covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")), where God unconditionally pledged an eternal dynasty to David. It emphatically underscores that God's immutable character and His fidelity to His sacred word are the ultimate, unshakeable grounds for Israel's hope and for Solomon's prayer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD God":** Solomon initiates his concluding plea with a direct, reverent, and deeply personal address to Yahweh (H3068), the covenant God of Israel, identified also as *Elohim* (H430), the supreme God. This invocation emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, His unique covenant relationship with His people, and His ultimate authority over all creation and human affairs. It immediately sets a tone for a prayer grounded in a profound personal and national relationship with the divine.
* **"turn not away the face of thine anointed":** This clause constitutes Solomon's urgent, personal plea for continued divine favor and acceptance. As the divinely appointed and consecrated king, Solomon acutely recognizes his complete dependence on God's benevolent presence, guidance, and active support. He is earnestly asking God not to withdraw His support, blessing, or approval from him, acknowledging that his reign, prosperity, and success are entirely contingent upon God's ongoing approval and gracious involvement.
* **"remember the mercies of David thy servant":** This is a profound and strategic appeal to God's covenant faithfulness and His unchanging character. Solomon is not relying on his own merits, wisdom, or the architectural grandeur of the newly dedicated Temple. Instead, he grounds his petition squarely on God's prior, unconditional promises to his father, David (H1732), whom he identifies as God's "servant" (H5650). He is reminding God of the Davidic Covenant, specifically the pledge of an eternal dynasty, and appealing to God's unwavering *chesed* (steadfast love and loyalty) to uphold those promises for David's descendants, including himself. This demonstrates a deep understanding of God's character as faithful to His word.

#### 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.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change")
* [Daniel 9:4](/daniel/9-4 "Daniel 9:4 - Daniel's Prayer of Confession to the Great God")

### 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
* **How does Solomon's appeal to God's "mercies of David" shape and inform our own prayer lives today?**
* **In what practical ways can we actively "remember" and articulate God's promises and His unchanging character when we engage in prayer?**
* **What does it truly mean for believers in the New Covenant era to be "anointed" by God, and how should that profound reality shape our daily walk and sense of purpose?**
* **How does a deeper understanding of God's *chesed* (steadfast love and covenant faithfulness) strengthen your trust in Him, especially during times of profound difficulty or uncertainty?**

### 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](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), 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](/luke/2-11 "Luke 2:11 - The Birth of the Anointed One"), the Messiah, upon whom the Holy Spirit descended without measure, anointing Him for His redemptive mission ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed by God")). 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](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Christ's Eternal Throne")). 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](/2_corinthians/1-21 "2 Corinthians 1:21 - God's Anointing")), 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](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). 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](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3 - The Throne of God and the Lamb")).

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

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.