This verse, 2 Chronicles 6:35, is part of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. He's anticipating a future where the Israelites might sin and be punished (potentially through military defeat or hardship). Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"Then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication...": This speaks to God's attentiveness and responsiveness to the Israelites, even when they are in distress due to their own wrongdoing. "Prayer" refers to a general request, while "supplication" implies a more earnest, humble, and pleading request for mercy. Solomon is asking God to listen and pay attention to their heartfelt cries for help when they repent and turn back to Him. "Hear from heaven" emphasizes God's divine perspective and authority. It shows that Solomon understands God is above them and outside of their circumstances, but still concerned with their struggles.
"...and maintain their cause.": This means that God should defend or vindicate them. It's a plea for God to intervene on their behalf, to right the wrongs they have suffered, and to restore them to a place of favor. "Maintain their cause" can encompass several things:
Justice: God should ensure that they are treated fairly.
Deliverance: God should rescue them from their enemies or difficult situations.
Restoration: God should bring them back to a state of prosperity and blessing.
In essence, the verse is a prayer for God's forgiveness, mercy, and intervention. It expresses the hope that even when the Israelites sin and face consequences, God will hear their repentance and act to defend them, deliver them, and restore their relationship with Him.
Key takeaways:
Repentance is key: The verse implicitly assumes that the Israelites will turn back to God in repentance before they pray and supplicate.
God's grace: It highlights the theme of God's grace and willingness to forgive those who sincerely seek Him.
God's role as Defender: It emphasizes God's role as the protector and advocate of His people.
This verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer, repentance, and faith in God's mercy and ability to restore us, even when we've fallen short. It's also a comforting assurance that God is always listening and willing to help those who call upon Him in sincerity and truth.
This verse, 2 Chronicles 6:35, is part of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. He's anticipating a future where the Israelites might sin and be punished (potentially through military defeat or hardship). Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"Then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication...": This speaks to God's attentiveness and responsiveness to the Israelites, even when they are in distress due to their own wrongdoing. "Prayer" refers to a general request, while "supplication" implies a more earnest, humble, and pleading request for mercy. Solomon is asking God to listen and pay attention to their heartfelt cries for help when they repent and turn back to Him. "Hear from heaven" emphasizes God's divine perspective and authority. It shows that Solomon understands God is above them and outside of their circumstances, but still concerned with their struggles.
"...and maintain their cause.": This means that God should defend or vindicate them. It's a plea for God to intervene on their behalf, to right the wrongs they have suffered, and to restore them to a place of favor. "Maintain their cause" can encompass several things:
Justice: God should ensure that they are treated fairly.
Deliverance: God should rescue them from their enemies or difficult situations.
Restoration: God should bring them back to a state of prosperity and blessing.
In essence, the verse is a prayer for God's forgiveness, mercy, and intervention. It expresses the hope that even when the Israelites sin and face consequences, God will hear their repentance and act to defend them, deliver them, and restore their relationship with Him.
Key takeaways:
Repentance is key: The verse implicitly assumes that the Israelites will turn back to God in repentance before they pray and supplicate.
God's grace: It highlights the theme of God's grace and willingness to forgive those who sincerely seek Him.
God's role as Defender: It emphasizes God's role as the protector and advocate of His people.
This verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer, repentance, and faith in God's mercy and ability to restore us, even when we've fallen short. It's also a comforting assurance that God is always listening and willing to help those who call upon Him in sincerity and truth.