2 Chronicles 6:39

Then hear thou from the heavens, [even] from thy dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee.

Then hear {H8085} thou from the heavens {H8064}, even from thy dwelling {H3427} place {H4349}, their prayer {H8605} and their supplications {H8467}, and maintain {H6213} their cause {H4941}, and forgive {H5545} thy people {H5971} which have sinned {H2398} against thee.

then, from heaven, from where you live, hear their prayer and pleas, uphold their cause, and forgive your people who have sinned against you.

then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, their prayer and petition, and may You uphold their cause. May You forgive Your people who sinned against You.

then hear thou from heaven, even from thy dwelling-place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive thy people who have sinned against thee.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 6:39 is a pivotal part of King Solomon's magnificent prayer of dedication for the First Temple in Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates a profound plea for divine intervention, justice, and forgiveness, anticipating the future needs of the Israelite nation.

Context

This verse is found within the lengthy and comprehensive prayer offered by King Solomon to God at the dedication of the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. Following seven years of construction, the Temple was consecrated as the central place of worship for Israel. Solomon stands before the altar, stretching out his hands toward heaven, acknowledging God's faithfulness to His promises and articulating a series of petitions. The prayer covers various scenarios where the people might find themselves in distress, sin, or exile, and turn to God in prayer. Specifically, 2 Chronicles 6:39 belongs to a section (verses 28-40) where Solomon asks God to hear the prayers of His people when they suffer from famine, plague, war, or when they are taken captive and confess their sins. It reflects the understanding that while the Temple was a physical dwelling place for God's presence among His people, God Himself transcends any earthly structure, residing in the heavens.

Key Themes

  • Divine Accessibility and Omnipresence: The plea, "Then hear thou from the heavens, [even] from thy dwelling place," emphasizes that God is not confined to the Temple but hears prayers from His exalted throne in heaven. This highlights God's transcendence while affirming His immanent ability to respond to human cries.
  • God's Forgiveness: A central theme is the request for God to "forgive thy people which have sinned against thee." Solomon recognizes the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the necessity of divine pardon for restoration and healing. This foundational truth underscores God's merciful character.
  • Divine Justice and Advocacy: The phrase "maintain their cause" (or "uphold their right") speaks to God's role as a righteous judge and advocate for His people. It expresses a hope that God will intervene on their behalf, bringing justice and vindication when they are wronged or when they genuinely repent.
  • The Power of Prayer: The entire prayer of Solomon, and this verse in particular, underscores the critical role of prayer as the means by which humanity can connect with God, seek His intervention, confess sin, and receive His mercy. It is presented as the pathway to national and individual restoration.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew phrase for "dwelling place" (ืžึฐื›ื•ึนืŸ, mekon) refers to an established place or foundation, reinforcing the idea of God's fixed, eternal abode in the heavens, from which He exercises His sovereignty.
  • "Maintain their cause" comes from the Hebrew word mishpat (ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึธึผื˜), which broadly means "justice" or "judgment." Here, it signifies God's act of doing what is right on behalf of His people, upholding their righteous standing or intervening to correct injustice.
  • The word for "forgive" is salach (ืกึธืœึทื—), a term almost exclusively used in the Old Testament for God's forgiveness of sin. It implies a gracious act of pardon, restoring the relationship that was broken by transgression.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 6:39 offers enduring truths for believers today:

  • God Hears Prayer: Just as Solomon appealed to God in heaven, we are assured that God hears our prayers, no matter where we are or what our circumstances. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing He is attentive to our supplications, as echoed in Hebrews 4:16.
  • The Necessity of Confession and Repentance: The verse highlights the importance of acknowledging sin and turning to God for forgiveness. God's readiness to forgive is a constant theme throughout Scripture for those who genuinely repent, as seen in 1 John 1:9.
  • God as Our Advocate: We can trust that God will "maintain our cause," intervening on our behalf, bringing justice, and working things for our good according to His righteous will. This provides comfort and hope in times of struggle or injustice.
  • Prayer as a Path to Restoration: This verse reminds us that even when we have strayed or are in difficult situations, earnest prayer to God is the pathway to receiving His mercy, forgiveness, and ultimately, restoration.
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Cross-References

  • Zechariah 1:15 (2 votes)

    And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are] at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

  • Zechariah 1:16 (2 votes)

    Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

  • 2 Chronicles 6:35 (2 votes)

    Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

  • Micah 7:18 (2 votes)

    Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

  • Micah 7:20 (2 votes)

    Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, [and] the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.

  • Psalms 25:18 (2 votes)

    Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.