2 Chronicles 6:31

That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.

That they may fear {H3372} thee, to walk {H3212} in thy ways {H1870}, so long as {H3117} they live {H2416}{H6440} in the land {H127} which thou gavest {H5414} unto our fathers {H1}.

so that they will fear you and therefore live according to your ways throughout the time they live in the land you gave our ancestors.

so that they may fear You and walk in Your ways all the days they live in the land that You gave to our fathers.

that they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 6:31 is part of King Solomon's magnificent prayer of dedication for the newly constructed Temple in Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates a fundamental aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with God: that their continued prosperity and dwelling in the promised land were contingent upon their reverence for God and obedience to His commands.

Context of Solomon's Prayer

Solomon's prayer, recorded extensively in 2 Chronicles chapter 6, is offered before the entire assembly of Israel. It is a profound plea for God's presence and attention to the prayers offered in or towards the Temple. The prayer covers various scenarios, from war and famine to individual sin, always with the hope that God would hear from heaven and forgive His people, so they might return to Him. Verse 31 specifically highlights the desired outcome of God's hearing: that the people would learn to "fear thee, to walk in thy ways."

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Fear of God: The phrase "fear thee" (Hebrew: yare') does not signify terror but a deep, profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God. It is a recognition of His supreme authority and holiness, which naturally leads to a desire to please Him. This theme is central to wisdom literature, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge."
  • Obedience and Righteous Living: To "walk in thy ways" is a common biblical idiom for living according to God's commandments and principles. It implies a lifestyle of obedience and moral integrity, reflecting the character of God. This is an active response to the reverence one has for God, as also emphasized in passages like Deuteronomy 8:6.
  • Covenant Loyalty and Land Tenure: The phrase "so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers" underscores the conditional nature of Israel's tenure in the Promised Land. God had graciously given the land to their ancestors (referencing promises like those in Genesis 12:7 to Abraham), but their continued enjoyment of it was tied directly to their faithfulness and obedience to the covenant. Disobedience would lead to exile, as tragically occurred later in Israel's history.

Practical Application

While Christians are under the New Covenant, the principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 6:31 remain profoundly relevant. For believers today, "fearing God" means holding Him in the highest esteem, acknowledging His sovereignty, and living in respectful submission to His will. This reverence should motivate us to "walk in His ways," which for Christians means living in obedience to Christ's teachings and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating love for God and neighbor (John 14:15). Our spiritual "land" or inheritance in Christ is secured by grace, but our experience of God's blessings and fellowship is deepened by our commitment to Him.

This verse reminds us that true worship leads to righteous living, and that a reverent heart is the foundation for a life pleasing to God, impacting our experience of His continued presence and provision.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 12:24 (2 votes)

    Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great [things] he hath done for you.

  • Acts 9:31 (2 votes)

    Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

  • Exodus 20:20 (2 votes)

    And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

  • Job 28:28 (2 votes)

    And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.

  • Psalms 130:4 (2 votes)

    But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

  • Psalms 128:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ A Song of degrees. Blessed [is] every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.