2 chronicles 6:29 - whatever prayer and supplication is made by any man, or by all your people Israel, who will each know his own plague and his own sorrow, and shall spread out his hands toward this house;

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 6:29

What does "2 chronicles 6:29" mean?


This verse, 2 Chronicles 6:29, is part of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It speaks to the individual and collective experiences of suffering and the proper response to them. Let's break down its meaning:

"Whatever prayer and supplication is made by any man, or by all your people Israel...": This establishes a broad scope. Solomon acknowledges that prayers and pleas will come from individuals and from the entire nation. He's not limiting God's attention to only collective petitions.

"...who will each know his own plague and his own sorrow...": This is the heart of the verse. It recognizes the individualized nature of suffering.
"His own plague": This refers to individual afflictions, diseases, hardships, or burdens that a person might carry. It could be physical, emotional, or even spiritual.
"His own sorrow": This highlights the personal grief, pain, and regret that each individual experiences uniquely. What causes sorrow for one person might not for another.
The important thing is that Solomon is aware that each person's struggles are personal and impactful, not necessarily shared by everyone. It's a recognition of the individual's inner life and the weight it carries.

"...and shall spread out his hands toward this house;": This describes the proper response to this individual suffering: turning to God in prayer at the Temple (or, by extension, to God anywhere).
"Spread out his hands": This is a common posture of prayer in ancient Israel, signifying humility, openness, and a plea for God's intervention. It's a gesture of surrender and dependence.
"Toward this house": The Temple was considered the dwelling place of God, the center of worship and the place where God's presence was especially felt. Facing the Temple symbolized directing one's prayer and devotion toward God.

In essence, the verse means:

When individuals or the entire nation of Israel face hardship and sorrow that they uniquely experience, they should turn to God in prayer, acknowledging their need for His help and mercy. By facing the Temple (God's house), they are symbolically reaching out to God for comfort, healing, and deliverance.

Significance:

Individualized Faith: The verse underscores that faith and prayer are not just collective experiences but deeply personal ones.
Recognition of Suffering: It acknowledges the reality and diversity of human suffering.
Turning to God in Trouble: It emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help in times of distress and hardship.
Hope and Accessibility: It suggests that God is accessible to all who call upon Him, regardless of their individual circumstances.
The Temple as a focal point: It highlights the Temple as a place of prayer and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

The verse is a powerful reminder that God cares about individual suffering and invites everyone to seek Him in prayer, especially when burdened by their own unique "plague and sorrow." It implies that God is a compassionate listener and is willing to respond to the sincere prayers of those who turn to Him in faith.