2 chronicles 6:28 - “If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there is;

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 6:28

What does "2 chronicles 6:28" mean?


This verse from 2 Chronicles 6:28 is part of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It outlines a series of potential calamities that could befall the Israelites as a consequence of their sin and disobedience to God. Let's break down the elements:

"If there is famine in the land...": This refers to a severe shortage of food, likely caused by drought or other natural disasters, leading to widespread hunger and suffering.

"if there is pestilence...": This refers to a widespread and deadly infectious disease or epidemic.

"if there is blight or mildew, locust or caterpillar...": These are all agricultural plagues. Blight and mildew are plant diseases that destroy crops. Locusts and caterpillars are insects that can swarm and devour vegetation, causing widespread crop failure.

"if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities...": This refers to military attacks and sieges by enemy nations, trapping the Israelites within their fortified cities, cutting off supplies, and leading to starvation and vulnerability.

"whatever plague or whatever sickness there is...": This serves as a catch-all phrase, encompassing any other forms of suffering or affliction that might befall the people.

Overall Meaning and Significance

The verse highlights the potential consequences of disobedience to God's covenant. Solomon is acknowledging that the people of Israel are fallible and prone to sin. He is praying that if they repent and turn back to God in the face of these hardships, God will hear their prayers and forgive them.

Consequences of Sin: The verse is a reminder that sin can have tangible consequences, affecting not only individuals but also the entire nation.
God's Judgment and Mercy: The potential calamities are seen as a form of divine judgment, but also as an opportunity for repentance and restoration. God's mercy is implied in the hope that He will hear their prayers and forgive them.
Temple as a Place of Prayer and Repentance: The verse emphasizes the importance of the Temple as a place where the Israelites can turn to God in times of need, confess their sins, and seek His forgiveness and intervention.
Conditional Blessing: The verse underscores the conditional nature of God's blessings. Prosperity and security are dependent on obedience to God's laws.
Hope for Restoration: Despite the bleak picture of potential calamities, there is an underlying message of hope. If the people repent and turn to God, He will hear their prayers and restore them.

In essence, this verse is a warning, a prayer, and a testament to the relationship between obedience, blessing, and repentance in the covenant between God and the Israelites. It reflects the theology of Deuteronomy, which emphasizes the link between covenant faithfulness and national well-being.