2 Chronicles 6:6

KJV

But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I have chosen {H977} Jerusalem {H3389}, that my name {H8034} might be there; and have chosen {H977} David {H1732} to be over my people {H5971} Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But now I have chosen Yerushalayim, so that my name can be there; and I have chosen David to be over my people Isra'el.'

Berean Standard Bible

But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’

American Standard Version

but I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there, and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse, part of King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the Temple, articulates God's dual, sovereign choices: Jerusalem as the designated place for His unique presence and "name," and David as the chosen king to rule over His people Israel. It underscores divine initiative in establishing both the spiritual center and the royal lineage through which God's redemptive purposes would unfold, affirming His faithfulness to the Davidic covenant and His desire to dwell among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration is embedded within King Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication") (with a parallel account in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple")). Immediately preceding this verse, Solomon recounts God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to David that his son would build a house for God's name. The verse serves as a foundational statement, highlighting God's past, deliberate actions—His divine election of both a place and a person—as the basis for the covenant relationship and the future of Israel. It sets the stage for Solomon's subsequent petitions for God's continued presence and responsiveness to the prayers offered in this newly consecrated sanctuary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction and dedication of the Temple under Solomon marked a pinnacle in Israelite history, signifying a new era of national stability and spiritual centralization. Prior to this, God's presence was primarily associated with the portable Tabernacle. The Temple, a permanent structure, represented the fulfillment of a long-held desire for a fixed dwelling place for God among His people. Jerusalem, originally a Jebusite stronghold, had been conquered and established as the political capital by King David. This verse solidifies its status as the spiritual capital as well, the divinely chosen site for the Temple. Culturally, the concept of a deity choosing a specific location for worship was common in the ancient Near East, but here, it is Yahweh, the one true God, making a sovereign and covenantal choice, distinguishing Israel's worship from that of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core theological themes. **Divine Election and Sovereignty** are paramount, emphasized by the repeated phrase "But I have chosen," which highlights God's absolute authority and deliberate selection, not based on human merit but on His divine purpose. This choice extends to both a physical location and a specific individual, demonstrating God's meticulous involvement in human history. The theme of **The Dwelling of God's Name** is central to Jerusalem's selection, as God chose it "that my name might be there." The "name" of God (Hebrew: *shem*) signifies His revealed presence, character, authority, and reputation, making the Temple in Jerusalem the unique focal point for His people to encounter Him, as foreshadowed in [Deuteronomy 12:11](/deuteronomy/12-11 "Deuteronomy 12:11 - God Choosing a Place for His Name"). Furthermore, the declaration "and have chosen David to be over my people Israel" directly reaffirms the **Davidic Covenant**, promising an enduring dynasty and a king from David's lineage who would rule over God's people, as detailed in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Enduring Davidic Covenant"). This choice establishes David's line as the divinely appointed conduit for governance and ultimately, the Messianic hope.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chosen (Hebrew, בָּחַר, _bachar'_):** This verb denotes a deliberate, purposeful selection, often implying a preferential and sovereign act. When God "chooses," it is not a casual preference but a decisive, intentional act of divine grace and will, setting apart the chosen entity for a specific, sacred purpose. In this context, it underscores God's active role in establishing Jerusalem as His dwelling place and David's lineage as the royal line.
* **Name (Hebrew, שֵׁם, _shem'_):** Far more than a mere label, "God's name" in biblical thought encompasses His entire revealed character, presence, authority, and reputation. For God's "name to be there" means that Jerusalem, and specifically the Temple within it, would be the unique place where God would manifest His presence, where He could be invoked, and where His covenant relationship with Israel would be uniquely expressed and experienced. It signifies a place of divine self-disclosure and accessibility, not a physical confinement of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I have chosen Jerusalem,"**: This clause emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in selecting the city of Jerusalem. It was not human decision or strategic advantage that made Jerusalem sacred, but God's deliberate and unmerited choice. This divine election elevates Jerusalem to a unique status among all cities.
* **"that my name might be there;"**: This phrase articulates the profound purpose behind Jerusalem's selection. The city was chosen not merely as a political capital, but as the designated place where God would uniquely make His presence known, where His character would be revealed, and where His people could worship Him and call upon His "name." It signifies the Temple as the focal point of God's covenantal presence among Israel.
* **"and have chosen David to be over my people Israel."**: This second part of the verse highlights God's parallel sovereign choice of a person—King David. This choice established the Davidic dynasty as the divinely appointed line of kings for Israel, reaffirming the foundational Davidic covenant. It underscores that both the sacred place and the royal lineage were part of God's overarching, deliberate plan for His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the repeated structure "I have chosen X... and have chosen Y...," which emphasizes the equal weight and divine initiative behind both selections—Jerusalem and David. This creates a balanced and emphatic declaration of God's dual sovereign acts. The use of "my **name**" is a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the "name" stands in for God's entire being, presence, authority, and character. It signifies God's self-revelation and the unique manifestation of His presence in the chosen place. Furthermore, the entire statement, though spoken by Solomon, is presented as a direct **Divine Declaration** ("But I have chosen..."), lending immense authority and weight to the pronouncements and rooting them firmly in God's eternal will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's active and purposeful involvement in human history, demonstrating His unwavering covenant faithfulness. The dual choices of Jerusalem and David reveal a divine strategy for establishing both a sacred place for His presence and a righteous lineage for His governance among His people. It underscores that God's redemptive plan is meticulously orchestrated, involving specific people and places, all for the ultimate purpose of making His "name" known and dwelling among humanity. This foundational truth of God's sovereign election and covenant keeping resonates throughout biblical theology, affirming that His promises are steadfast and His purposes will ultimately prevail.

* [Deuteronomy 12:11](/deuteronomy/12-11 "God's Chosen Place for His Name")
* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "The Enduring Davidic Covenant")
* [Psalm 132:13-14](/psalms/132-13 "God's Choice of Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The declaration in 2 Chronicles 6:6 serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign hand in orchestrating history for His redemptive purposes. Just as He deliberately chose Jerusalem as the place for His "name" and David as the king, God continues to work out His divine plan in the world and in our individual lives. This verse calls us to recognize and trust in His ultimate authority and wisdom, even when circumstances are unclear. For believers today, the concept of God's "name" dwelling among His people finds its ultimate fulfillment not in a physical temple, but in the person of Jesus Christ and in the Church, which is the spiritual temple where the Holy Spirit resides. We are called to live as vessels through whom God's presence and character are manifested, honoring His "name" in our daily lives, communities, and worship. Our lives, like Jerusalem and David, are to be set apart for His purposes, reflecting His glory and extending His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty in choosing Jerusalem and David impact our understanding of His ongoing work in the world and in our personal lives?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as believers, manifest God's "name" or presence in our daily lives, families, and communities?**
* **What does the fulfillment of God's promises to David and concerning Jerusalem teach us about the trustworthiness and enduring nature of His Word?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jerusalem chosen by God, and not another city in Israel?**

Answer: The Bible indicates that Jerusalem's selection was purely an act of God's sovereign will and divine purpose, rather than based on any inherent merit of the city itself or its inhabitants. While it was strategically located and became the capital under David, its ultimate significance stemmed from God's deliberate choice to make it the unique place where His "name" would dwell and where His people would worship Him. This divine election set Jerusalem apart as the spiritual heart of Israel, connecting the chosen place with the chosen king, David, who conquered it and made it his capital. This choice is echoed in passages like [Psalm 132:13-14](/psalms/132-13 "God's Choice of Zion"), which states, "For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: 'This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.'"

**What does "my name might be there" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "my name might be there" is a profound theological statement. It does not imply that God's infinite being could be physically contained within a building or a city. Rather, "God's name" (Hebrew: *shem*) represents His revealed character, His active presence, His authority, and His reputation. For His name to be "there" means that Jerusalem, and specifically the Temple within it, was the designated place where God would uniquely manifest Himself, where He would be invoked, and where His covenant presence would reside among His people. It was the focal point for His people to encounter Him, offer sacrifices, and receive His blessings. This concept is foundational to Old Testament worship, as seen in God's instruction to Israel to worship at "the place that the Lord your God will choose, to make his name dwell there" ([Deuteronomy 12:11](/deuteronomy/12-11 "God Choosing a Place for His Name")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The sovereign choices of Jerusalem and David, declared in 2 Chronicles 6:6, find their ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the true and eternal "place" where God's name, His very presence and character, dwells among humanity. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh") proclaims, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." He is the ultimate Temple, the unique manifestation of God's presence, superseding the physical structure in Jerusalem. Furthermore, Jesus is the long-awaited Son of David, the rightful heir to the throne, whose lineage is meticulously traced back to David in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:31](/luke/3-31 "Jesus' Genealogy through Nathan"). The Davidic covenant, which promised an eternal kingdom and an enduring ruler from David's line, is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, whose kingdom is everlasting and whose reign knows no end, as declared by the angel Gabriel in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Jesus' Eternal Kingdom"). Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus establishes a new spiritual temple—the Church—composed of believers, where the Holy Spirit now dwells, making every believer a part of God's spiritual dwelling place ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "Believers as God's Temple"); [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Christ as the Cornerstone")). Thus, in Christ, God's chosen place and chosen king converge, bringing about the full realization of His redemptive plan.

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 28:4

Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah [to be] the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make [me] king over all Israel:

2 Chronicles 12:13

¶ So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam [was] one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess.

Psalms 132:13

For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired [it] for his habitation.

Psalms 48:1

¶ A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.

Psalms 89:19

¶ Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon [one that is] mighty; I have exalted [one] chosen out of the people.

Psalms 89:20

I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:

Psalms 78:68

But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.