2 chronicles 6:21 - Listen to the petitions of your servant, and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Yes, hear from your dwelling place, even from heaven; and when you hear, forgive.

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 6:21

What does "2 chronicles 6:21" mean?


This verse, 2 Chronicles 6:21, is part of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It essentially means:

Solomon is asking God to listen to and answer the prayers offered in the Temple, specifically those directed toward it, even from a distance, and to be merciful and forgiving when people confess their sins.

Let's break it down:

"Listen to the petitions of your servant, and of your people Israel...": This is a direct plea to God to pay attention to the requests (petitions) made by Solomon (as the king, "your servant") and by the entire nation of Israel.

"...when they pray toward this place.": This is a key element. The Temple is being dedicated as the designated place for God's presence on earth. Solomon understands that people may not always be at the Temple, but they can still pray toward it. This implies that prayer offered with the Temple as its focal point would be especially heard by God. Think of it as directing their prayers towards a sacred space, a symbol of God's presence.

"Yes, hear from your dwelling place, even from heaven...": This acknowledges God's true dwelling place is in heaven, not just confined to the Temple. Solomon is asking God to "tune in" from heaven to the prayers coming from the Temple and from those directed towards the Temple.

"...and when you hear, forgive.": This is the culmination of the request. Solomon recognizes the inherent sinfulness of humanity and implores God not just to hear the prayers, but also to forgive the sins that prompt those prayers. It's an appeal for divine mercy and reconciliation.

In essence, the verse is about:

Access to God: The Temple is established as a place of special connection to God.
Direction and Focus: Prayer directed toward the Temple is believed to be more readily heard.
Forgiveness: The ultimate goal of prayer is often reconciliation with God, which requires forgiveness.
God's Omnipresence and Mercy: It acknowledges that God is in heaven, but hears prayers from earth, and that He is willing to forgive sins.

This verse and Solomon's prayer as a whole reflect the understanding that the Temple was not just a building, but a place of covenant, a focal point for worship, and a symbol of God's relationship with Israel. It offered a specific location and direction for people to seek God's presence, forgiveness, and blessing.

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