2 chronicles 6:36 - “If they sin against you (for there is no man who doesn’t sin), and you are angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to a land far off or near;

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 6:36

What does "2 chronicles 6:36" mean?


This verse from 2 Chronicles 6:36 is part of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple. It outlines a hypothetical scenario involving sin, divine anger, and captivity. Let's break it down:

"If they sin against you (for there is no man who doesn’t sin)...": This acknowledges the universal human condition of sin. It's a realistic and humble admission that the Israelites (and, by extension, all people) are prone to making mistakes and disobeying God's laws. The parenthetical statement underscores the inherent fallibility of humanity.

"...and you are angry with them...": This indicates that God's response to their sin is anger or displeasure. Sin has consequences, and God's righteous nature cannot simply ignore it. Divine anger is not capricious rage, but a just response to disobedience and a breach of covenant.

"...and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to a land far off or near;": This describes the consequence of God's anger: He allows their enemies to conquer them and take them into captivity. This captivity could be in a distant land or a nearby one, indicating the severity of the punishment isn't solely dependent on distance but on the act of being removed from their homeland and subjected to foreign rule. This loss of freedom and security is a direct result of their sin and God's judgment.

In essence, the verse means:

If the Israelites sin (which they inevitably will), and this provokes God's anger, God may allow them to be defeated by their enemies and taken into captivity as a consequence.

Key takeaways:

Human Fallibility: The verse acknowledges the reality of human sinfulness.
Consequences of Sin: Sin has repercussions, and God's anger is a just response.
Divine Judgment: God may allow suffering (like captivity) as a form of discipline and judgment.
Potential for Redemption: While the verse focuses on judgment, the surrounding context of Solomon's prayer highlights the potential for repentance and restoration. The entire prayer is about seeking God's forgiveness and mercy in the face of their sin.

This verse is not an endorsement of fatalism or a prediction that Israel (or any people) is doomed to sin and punishment. Rather, it serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and turning away from wrongdoing. The following verses in 2 Chronicles 6 explore the hope of repentance and restoration from exile.