Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary2 Chronicles 6

Then said Solomon. Chapter 6 deals with Solomon’s earnest prayer at the dedication of the Temple. There is a close agreement between the prayer as here given and the record of it in 1 Kings 1:8. The only important differences are the inclusion of the explanatory clause (v. 13), which is not found in Kings, and the closing words of the prayer, v. 40–42, which are quite different from the closing words as recorded in 1 Kings 8:50–53. See on 1 Kings 1:8. Thick darkness. Compare 1 Kings 8:12. When God drew near to His people He veiled His presence lest they be consumed by the brightness of His glory (see Ex. 20:18– 21; Deut. 4:11; Ps. 18:9, 11).

Ellen G. White

Thy dwelling for ever. It was not God’s plan that the Temple should be destroyed (see PP 46) or that the nation of Israel should come to an end. If Israel had remained true to the Lord, keeping His commandments and sharing the knowledge of God with the nations about, light would have gone out over the whole world which would have brought to all the peoples of earth an opportunity of salvation. In such a case the Temple

would have been the world center of the worship of God and Jerusalem would have become the capital and metropolis of the world (DA 577).

Neither chose I. This sentence and the first half of v. 6 are not found in the parallel account in Kings.

Chosen Jerusalem. Being at the crossroads of the world, Jerusalem was ideally situated to become the world’s leading city and a place of prayer for all men. Chosen David. David is described as a man after God’s own heart, who was chosen by God to fulfill all His will (Acts 13:22). David became king of Israel not because of personal ambition, but because of a direct call of God (1 Sam. 16:1).

In the heart of David. See on 1 Kings 8:17. There would be many more churches for the worship of God in the world today if only more of God’s people had in their hearts a desire like David’s to build stately temples for Him.

Thou didst well. See on 1 Kings 8:18.

Thou shalt not build. David did not become angry when the Lord disapproved of his purpose to build. Though disappointed, he reconciled himself to the divine purpose. Although not permitted to build the Temple himself, he continued his work of preparation as diligently as if he himself were to be the builder (see 1 Chron. 29:2–5).

The covenant. See on 2 Chron. 5:10; also on 1 Kings 8:21.

Before the altar. Solomon took his place before the altar, at first standing for the dedicatory address, but later kneeling for the consecration prayer (v. 13).

Made a brasen scaffold. This detail is not found in Kings. From this raised position Solomon would have a better view of the congregation, and the people, in turn, would have a better opportunity to view and hear their king. Kneeled down. This detail is not mentioned in the account in Kings, but at the close of the prayer the record in Kings states that Solomon arose “from kneeling on his knees” (1 Kings 8:54). Though king of Israel, Solomon reverently bowed before the heavenly King. It was a mark of both the king’s greatness and his humility thus publicly to acknowledge his lowly position before Him who is the great King of kings and Lord of lords.

Ellen G. White

Keepest covenant. Compare Deut. 7:9; Neh. 1:5; Ps. 89:2, 3; Isa. 55:3; Dan. 9:4.

Hast fulfilled it. By the time of the dedication of the Temple many of God’s promises had already been fulfilled. The Lord had promised the land of Canaan to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and now those promises were beginning to be realized. A son had been promised to David to succeed him on the throne, and now that promise had been fulfilled. The future before Israel was bright with promise and glory. God had demonstrated what He would do for His people if they would be loyal to Him.

Walk in my law. Solomon understood the importance of loyalty to God and obedience to His holy law. He knew of the glory and peace that might be if Israel remained faithful to God, and he knew also the sad results that transgression would bring. Thus Solomon’s prayer became a sermon, presenting to the people a solemn and stirring appeal ever to remember God and to walk in His ways.

Be verified. Compare the request of David in 1 Chron. 17:23.

Dwell with men. How often frail man has asked himself the question: Will the great God of heaven dwell with the peoples of earth? To Moses, God gave the promise, “Certainly I will be with thee” (Ex. 3:12). That same promise was given to Jacob (Gen. 31:3, 5; Gen. 48:15). The psalmist said with confidence, “Yea, though I walk through the

valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (Ps. 23:4). Jesus gave the promise, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20). To everyone who opens the door, God extends the promise: “I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20). In every part of the earth men have come to realize that God will indeed dwell with men. All who will, may right here in this world enjoy the companionship of Heaven. Cannot contain thee. God is greater than all the universe He has made. The heaven of heavens cannot contain Him! How much less a temple made with the hands of men! Man’s great need is to learn to be humble and still, and to walk before God in reverence and holy fear.

Thy dwelling place. Heaven is God’s true dwelling place, yet He deigned to dwell with men on earth. (Ex. 25:8). Forgive. See Ps. 103:12; Isa. 43:25; 44:22; Jer. 50:20.

Put to the worse. Those who sin against God forfeit divine protection and are at the mercy of the enemy and the forces of darkness. Moses clearly foretold that if Israel sinned they would fall before their enemies (Lev. 26:14, 17; Deut. 28:15, 25).

No rain. See on 1 Kings 8:35; cf. Joel 1:18–20.

Pestilence. See on 1 Kings 8:37, 38.

Walk in thy ways. Solomon did not pray for judgments, but if these came, he asked the Lord that they might arouse the people and turn them from their evil ways. God allows judgments to come to bring men to righteousness (see Isa. 26:9).

The stranger. Solomon prayed not only for Israel but for strangers afar. It was God’s will not only that Israel be saved but that all the peoples of the earth come to know Him and to walk in the ways of righteousness.

All people. See on v. 32.

If they sin. The nation of Israel was now young, virile, and strong. But the possibility existed that someday the people might forsake the Lord and be carried away captive into some foreign land. Solomon prayed earnestly that God would remember them at such a tragic hour.

Bethink themselves. Both the spirit of wisdom and the voice of God invite sinners to bethink themselves. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord” (Isa 1:18).

If they return. God earnestly invites those who have strayed to return to Him. There are forgiveness and life for those who accept the divine invitation to return (see Rev. 22:17).

Then hear thou. The Israelites sinned and went into captivity, but God looked upon them in mercy, and promised a restoration on the basis of their repentance.

Now, my God. Verse 40 is similar to 1 Kings 8:52, but vs. 41, 42 are not found in the parallel record in Kings. The conclusion of Solomon’s prayer reported in Chronicles is different from that reported in Kings. Evidently both writers give the prayer of dedication in a somewhat abbreviated form, probably not verbatim, but in substance.

Arise, O Lord. This was a specific invitation for God to come and take up His abode in the house that Solomon had built.