men. Hebrew. 'adam (with Art. = mankind). App-14 . behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 . heaven . . . heaven . . . heavens. Figure of speech Polyptoton ( App-6 ), for emphasis. how much less. Compare Acts 7:48-50 . read more
b. Solomon prays for forgiveness for himself and Israel:"But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have builded! Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Jehovah, my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee; that thine eyes be open toward this house day and night, even toward the place whereof thou hast... read more
2 Chronicles 6:18. But will God in very deed dwell with men— That God may dwell in very deed with men upon the earth: Houbigant; who supposes, that Solomon in these words refers to God's promise to David, and that he entreats in them God's continual presence and rule over the people of Israel. REFLECTIONS.—1st, For the above; see 1 Kings 8:12-53. We have only farther to observe, 1. That it is our duty to correspond with the divine appointment, and earnestly prosecute the work that God hath... read more
18-21. how much less this house which I have built! Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant—No person who entertains just and exalted views of the spiritual nature of the Divine Being will suppose that he can raise a temple for the habitation of Deity, as a man builds a house for himself. Nearly as improper and inadmissible is the idea that a temple can contribute to enhance the glory of God, as a monument may be raised in honor of a great man. Solomon described the true and proper... read more
3. Solomon’s prayer 6:12-42In his prayer, Solomon explained the significance of God coming to indwell His temple. God had come to empower, to have fellowship, and to judge, if necessary. God was present among His people, and He would hear their prayers when they obediently called out to Him.Solomon acknowledged that God had fulfilled some of the promises of the Davidic Covenant already (2 Chronicles 6:15), but he also saw that there were others yet unfulfilled. He called on God to grant them (2... read more
Solomon’s PrayerThe first 39 vv. of this chapter repeat 1 Kings 8:12-50, the conclusion of the prayer, as given in 1 Kings 8:51-61, being omitted and three additional vv. being substituted.5. Neither chose I any man] Saul, though chosen, was subsequently rejected: 1 Samuel 15:26.13. For Solomon had made, etc.] This is not mentioned in 1 Kings 8.41. Now therefore arise, etc.] The same words occur in Psalms 132:8, Psalms 132:9. Be clothed with.. goodness] i.e. enjoy victory and prosperity.42.... read more
(18) But will God in very deed.—Or, what? will God, &c.—The LXX. imitates the Hebrew ὅτι εἰ ; Vuig., “ergone credibile est ut habitet Deus?”With men.—Not in Kings. Syriac, “with his people, Israel;” Arabic, “with his people.” (Comp. Revelation 21:3.) read more
The Blessing of Unrealized Aims 2 Chronicles 6:8 According to the old story, our own Queen Mary is reported to have said to her courtiers that after her death they would find the word Calais graven upon her heart so long had she brooded upon the loss of that French sea-coast town. Had you examined King David's heart you would have found graven upon it the picture of a temple. That temple had been David's dream. In vision he had for years seen it crowning the crest of Zion. Night and day he... read more
CHAPTER 6 Solomon’s Address and Dedicatory Prayer 1. Solomon’s address to the congregation (2 Chronicles 6:1-11 ) 2. Solomon’s dedicatory prayer (2 Chronicles 6:12-42 ) The report of Solomon’s address is the same as recorded in 1 Kings 8:12-21 . The opening statement of this chapter has been well characterized as a pregnant expression of the king’s realization of the mystery of the Being of Jehovah, the all-creative God, as well as the condescension displayed in His self-limitation to... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 6:1-42
Construction of the temple (2:1-7:22)With the help of King Hiram of Tyre, Solomon prepared materials and arranged a workforce to build the planned temple (2:1-18; see notes on 1 Kings 5:1-18). Construction went on for seven years, until the temple, its furniture, its courtyard, and all other articles and decorations connected with it were completed according to plan (3:1-5:1; see notes on 1 Kings 6:1-7:51). The temple was then dedicated to God (5:2-7:22; see notes on 1 Kings 8:1-9:9). read more