2 Chronicles 6:9

Notwithstanding thou shalt not build the house; but thy son which shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for my name.

Notwithstanding {H7535} thou shalt not build {H1129} the house {H1004}; but thy son {H1121} which shall come forth {H3318} out of thy loins {H2504}, he shall build {H1129} the house {H1004} for my name {H8034}.

nevertheless you will not build the house. Rather, you will father a son, and it will be he who will build the house for my name.'

Nevertheless, you are not the one to build it; but your son, your own offspring, will build the house for My Name.โ€™

nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house for my name.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of King Solomon's prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. In this prayer, Solomon recounts the Lord's faithfulness and how God's promises to his father, King David, have been fulfilled. Specifically, 2 Chronicles 6:9 harks back to God's earlier declaration to David, who had a fervent desire to build a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and for God's name (2 Samuel 7:2). However, because David had been a man of war and had shed much blood (1 Chronicles 22:8), God designated his son, Solomon, to undertake this sacred task.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Timing: The verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty in choosing His instruments and orchestrating events according to His perfect timing. While David had the desire and made extensive preparations (1 Chronicles 22:5), God reserved the actual building of the Temple for Solomon. This highlights that God's plans unfold as He ordains, not merely by human will or ambition.
  • Succession and Legacy: The transfer of the momentous task from father to son underscores the theme of spiritual and generational legacy. David's legacy included preparing the way, while Solomon's was to complete the divine mandate, ensuring the continuity of God's work among His people.
  • Building "for My Name": The phrase "build the house for my name" is significant. The Temple was not merely a structure but a place consecrated to God's presence, honor, and reputation among Israel and the nations. It symbolized where God's character and authority would be acknowledged and His people could draw near to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "house" is bayith (ื‘ึทึผื™ึดืช), which in this context clearly refers to the physical Temple structure. However, bayith can also signify a dynasty or family line, highlighting God's covenant with David concerning his royal lineage (2 Samuel 7:11). The phrase "for my name" (Hebrew: lishmi, ืœึดืฉึฐืืžึดื™) emphasizes that the Temple's purpose was to glorify and honor God, serving as a focal point for His presence and worship, rather than merely being a human achievement.

Practical Application

This verse offers several valuable lessons for contemporary believers:

  • Trust God's Timing: We may have earnest desires or good intentions, but God's plan may involve different people or different seasons for fulfillment. Learning to trust His timing and methods is crucial.
  • Embrace Your Role: Not everyone is called to the same task. Some, like David, are called to prepare, lay foundations, or fight battles. Others, like Solomon, are called to build and establish. Recognizing and embracing our specific role in God's larger plan is vital.
  • Serve for God's Glory: All our efforts, whether in preparation or completion, should ultimately be "for His name"โ€”to bring glory and honor to God, rather than to ourselves. This perspective elevates our work and aligns it with divine purpose.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 17:11 (2 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go [to be] with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.

  • 1 Chronicles 17:12 (2 votes)

    He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.

  • 2 Samuel 7:12 (2 votes)

    And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

  • 2 Samuel 7:13 (2 votes)

    He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

  • 1 Chronicles 17:4 (2 votes)

    Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in: