2 Chronicles 6:37

Yet [if] they bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn and pray unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly;

Yet if they bethink {H7725}{H3824} themselves in the land {H776} whither they are carried captive {H7617}, and turn {H7725} and pray {H2603} unto thee in the land {H776} of their captivity {H7628}, saying {H559}, We have sinned {H2398}, we have done amiss {H5753}, and have dealt wickedly {H7561};

then, if they come to their senses in the land where they have been carried away captive, turn back and make their plea to you in the land where they are being held captive, saying, 'We sinned, we acted wrongly, we behaved wickedly,'

and when they come to their senses in the land to which they were taken, and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors, saying, β€˜We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’

yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done perversely, and have dealt wickedly;

Commentary

2 Chronicles 6:37 is a prophetic verse from King Solomon's prayer of dedication for the Temple in Jerusalem. In this profound prayer, Solomon foresees a future where the people of Israel might stray from God's commands, leading to divine judgment and exile. This verse specifically addresses the condition for their restoration if they find themselves in captivity.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy and deeply significant prayer offered by King Solomon to God at the dedication of the First Temple (see 2 Chronicles 6:1-42). Solomon, standing before the altar, dedicates the magnificent structure and pleads for God's presence and responsiveness to the prayers offered there. He anticipates various scenarios of national distress, including military defeat, famine, plague, and critically, captivity in a foreign land. Verse 37 introduces the condition for God's mercy in such a dire situation: the people's genuine repentance.

Key Themes

  • Repentance and Turning Back to God: The core message emphasizes a change of heart and direction. "Bethink themselves" implies deep reflection and internal conviction, leading to a spiritual "turn" (Hebrew: shuv) back to God. This turning involves a conscious decision to abandon their wicked ways.
  • Confession of Sin: The verse outlines a specific, three-fold confession: "We have sinned, we have done amiss, and we have dealt wickedly." This indicates a thorough and honest acknowledgment of guilt, from general transgression ("sinned") to perversion ("done amiss") and outright rebellion ("dealt wickedly"). Such comprehensive confession is a prerequisite for divine forgiveness.
  • Hope in Adversity: Even in the darkest moments of exile and captivity, this verse offers a glimmer of hope. It assures that God's mercy is available to those who genuinely humble themselves and seek Him, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness despite their failings. This foreshadows the later experiences of the Jewish people during the Babylonian captivity.
  • Divine Justice and Mercy: The very possibility of captivity speaks to God's justice in holding His people accountable for their disobedience. Yet, the provision for restoration through repentance highlights His boundless mercy and desire for reconciliation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bethink themselves" translates the Hebrew verb shuv (שׁוּב), which fundamentally means "to turn," "return," or "repent." It signifies a complete turning around, a change of mind, heart, and action. The progression of sin described – "sinned," "done amiss," and "dealt wickedly" – uses distinct Hebrew terms that convey increasing degrees of moral corruption, emphasizing the depth of their confession needed for reconciliation with God.

Practical Application

This verse holds timeless relevance for individuals and communities today. It teaches us that:

  • Adversity Can Lead to Introspection: Difficult circumstances, like captivity or personal struggles, can be catalysts for self-examination and a return to God.
  • The Power of Genuine Repentance: God remains ready to forgive and restore those who genuinely confess their sins and turn back to Him, regardless of how far they have strayed (see 1 John 1:9).
  • Honest Confession is Key: A superficial acknowledgment of sin is insufficient. True repentance involves a deep, honest confession of wrongdoing and a desire to change, echoing the sentiments found in Psalm 51:17.

Solomon's prayer reminds us that God's covenant love endures, always providing a path to restoration for those who seek Him with a humble and contrite heart.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 9:5 (3 votes)

    We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:

  • Daniel 9:11 (3 votes)

    Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that [is] written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

  • Jeremiah 31:18 (3 votes)

    ΒΆ I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus]; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed [to the yoke]: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou [art] the LORD my God.

  • Jeremiah 31:20 (3 votes)

    [Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.

  • Luke 15:17 (3 votes)

    And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

  • Luke 15:19 (3 votes)

    And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

  • Isaiah 64:6 (3 votes)

    ΒΆ But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.