2 Chronicles 6

2 Chronicles 6:1

6:1-11 Before addressing the Lord in his prayer of dedication, Solomon reminded the people how, in Israel’s earlier history, the Lord had not chosen a city as the religious capital or a man as ruler. (It is true that Samuel and others were leaders, but they did not have the power of a sovereign.) But the time came when God chose Jerusalem as His city and David as king over . . . Israel. David desired to build a temple, but his good intention was to be carried out by one of his sons. And now here stood Solomon, a testimony to the faithfulness of God. 6:12, 13 The central part of chapter 6 is Solomon’s prayer of dedication (vv. 12-42). It is the longest prayer recorded in the Bible and is full of praise and petition. Ascending a special platform in the temple court, Solomon . . . spread out his hands and prayed. He had much for which to be thankful. Emboldened by grace, he had much for which to ask. 6:14-17 First of all Solomon prayed about the throne of Israel. God had kept His word thus far concerning His promises to David. The king asked that His faithfulness might continue. 6:18-21 These four sentences contain the sum and substance of the entire prayer. All that follows is an expansion of the simple thought expressed by the verbs hear and forgive (v. 21). 6:22, 23 Next Solomon requests the Lord to hear . . . and judge oaths taken before His altar. 6:24, 25 Then he asks forgiveness for sin that might cause Israel to be defeated by her enemies. 6:26, 27 He requests rain after drought caused by sin. 6:28-31 He requests deliverance from famine or pestilence in order that the people might learn the fear of the Lord. 6:32, 33 He requests that foreigners may see God work when they come to call on His great Name. 6:34, 35 He requests victory in battle. 6:36-39 He requests deliverance from captivity once the people repent and confess their wickedness. 6:40-42 Solomon closed by requesting three things. He asked that his prayer might be accepted. He asked for grace and joy for the priests, those who serve God in His temple. He prayed for favor for himself based on God’s great love for his father David. Lest we think that this prayer consists of petitions only, let us go back through it once more. There is a great deal about the attributes of God here. Solomon mentioned God’s: uniqueness (v. 14); lovingkindness (v. 14); transcendence (v. 18); immensity (infinity) (v. 18); omnipresence (v. 18); justice (v. 23); forgiveness (vv. 25, 27, etc.); omniscience (v. 30); grace (v. 33); and mercy (vv. 38, 39). Besides all these, the Lord’s omnipotence and holiness are implied throughout.