2 Chronicles 6:2

But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever.

But I have built {H1129} an house {H1004} of habitation {H2073} for thee, and a place {H4349} for thy dwelling {H3427} for ever {H5769}.

But I have built you a magnificent house, a place where you can live forever."

and I have built You an exalted house, a place for You to dwell forever.”

But I have built thee a house of habitation, and a place for thee to dwell in for ever.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Chronicles 6:2 (KJV)

In 2 Chronicles 6:2, King Solomon addresses the Lord during the momentous dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Having just completed the magnificent structure, Solomon declares, "But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever." This verse captures the culmination of a long-held divine promise and human endeavor, signifying God's presence among His chosen people.

Context

This declaration is part of Solomon's grand prayer, following the completion of the Temple, a project initiated by his father, King David. David had a deep desire to build a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant and for God's presence, rather than the portable tabernacle that had served Israel for centuries (2 Samuel 7:2). While God initially deferred the building to Solomon, He affirmed the covenant and promised a lasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7:13). The construction of this Temple, taking seven years, was a monumental undertaking, reflecting Israel's devotion and its status as a unified kingdom under God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Immanent Presence: The primary theme is God's desire to dwell among His people. The Temple served as a physical symbol of God's commitment to Israel, a dedicated space where they could meet with Him and offer worship.
  • Fulfillment of Promise: Solomon's statement acknowledges the fulfillment of God's promise to David and the realization of the generations-long hope for a permanent central place of worship.
  • Divine Initiative: While Solomon built the Temple, the concept and divine permission originated with God. Solomon is merely the instrument in bringing God's plan to fruition.
  • "For Ever": The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew: 'olam) here signifies a lasting, enduring presence and covenant relationship, rather than the literal indestructibility of the physical building itself (which was later destroyed). It speaks to God's eternal faithfulness to His people, not the permanence of the structure.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "house of habitation" uses bayith (house) and zebul (lofty dwelling or habitation), emphasizing a settled, permanent residence. This contrasts sharply with the nomadic Tabernacle, which was a tent. The Temple was designed to be a fixed point for national worship and a symbol of God's enduring covenant with Israel.

Practical Application

While the physical Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, the spiritual reality of God dwelling among His people endures. In the New Testament, believers are taught that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and the church collectively is built into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. This verse reminds us that God desires intimacy and a dedicated space in our lives and communities. Just as Solomon built a physical house, we are called to build lives and communities that serve as a spiritual "habitation" for God through worship, obedience, and love. Even an infinite God, who cannot be contained by any structure (2 Chronicles 6:18), chooses to make His presence known and felt among His people.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 2:4 (3 votes)

    Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate [it] to him, [and] to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This [is an ordinance] for ever to Israel.

  • 2 Chronicles 2:6 (3 votes)

    But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who [am] I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?

  • John 4:21 (2 votes)

    Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

  • John 4:23 (2 votes)

    But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

  • 1 Kings 8:13 (2 votes)

    I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever.

  • 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 17:12 (2 votes)

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