2 Crônicas 6
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Crônicas 6
Spurgeon - God sent the promise on purpose to be used. If I see a Bank of England note, it is a promise for a certain amount of money, and I take it and use it. But oh I my friend, do try and use God’s promises; nothing pleases God better than to see his promises put in circulation; he loves to see his children bring them up to him, and say, ‘LORD, do as thou hast said.’ And let me tell you that it glorifies God to use his promises.” (Spurgeon) 2 Chronicles 6:16 “Now therefore, O LORD, the God of Israel, keep with Your servant David, my father, that which You have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your sons take heed to their way, to walk in My law as you have walked before Me.’ keep (KJV): Eze 36:37 Joh 15:14,15 saying (KJV): 2Ch 7:18 2Sa 7:12-16 1Ki 2:4 6:12 Ps 132:12 There shall not fail thee a man (KJV): Heb. There shall not a man be cut off to walk (KJV): Ps 26:3 119:1 Now therefore, O LORD, the God of Israel, keep with Your servant David, my father, that which You have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your sons take heed to their way, to walk in My law as you have walked before Me - See comments on 1Ki 8:25. QUESTION -What is the Davidic covenant? ANSWER - The Davidic Covenant refers to God’s promises to David through Nathan the prophet and is found in 2 Samuel 7 and later summarized in 1 Chronicles 17:11–14 and 2 Chronicles 6:16. This is an unconditional covenant made between God and David through which God promises David and Israel that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah and would establish a kingdom that would endure forever. The Davidic Covenant is unconditional because God does not place any conditions of obedience upon its fulfillment. The surety of the promises made rests solely on God’s faithfulness and does not depend at all on David or Israel’s obedience. The Davidic Covenant centers on several key promises that are made to David. First, God reaffirms the promise of the land that He made in the first two covenants with Israel (the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants). This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:10, “I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore.” God then promises that David’s son will succeed him as king of Israel and that this son (Solomon) would build the temple. This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:12–13, " I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name.” But then the promise continues and expands: “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (verse 13), and “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (verse 16). What began as a promise that David’s son Solomon would be blessed and build the temple turns into something different—the promise of an everlasting kingdom. Another Son of David would rule forever and build a lasting House. This is a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, called the Son of David in Matthew 21:9. The promise that David’s “house,” “kingdom,” and “throne” will be established forever is significant because it shows that the Messiah will come from the lineage of David and that He will establish a kingdom from which He will reign. The covenant is summarized by the words “house,” promising a dynasty in the lineage of David; “kingdom,” referring to a people who are governed by a king; “throne,” emphasizing the authority of the king’s rule; and “forever,” emphasizing the eternal and unconditional nature of this promise to David and Israel. Other references to the Davidic Covenant are found in Jeremiah 23:5; 30:9; Isaiah 9:7; 11:1; Luke 1:32, 69; Acts 13:34; and Revelation 3:7.GotQuestions.org 2 Chronicles 6:17 “Now therefore, O LORD, the God of Israel, let Your word be confirmed which You have spoken to Your servant David. O Lord (KJV): 2Ch 6:4,14 Ex 24:10 Isa 41:17 45:3 let thy (KJV): 2Sa 7:25-29 Jer 11:5 Now therefore, O LORD, the God of Israel, let Your word be confirmed which You have spoken to Your servant David. - See comments on 1Ki 8:26. 2 Chronicles 6:18 “But will God indeed dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built. But will (KJV): Ex 29:45,46 1Ki 8:27 Ps 68:18 113:5,6 Isa 57:15 66:1 Ac 7:48,49 17:24 heaven (KJV): {Hashshamayim ooshemey hashshamayim} "the heavens and the heavens of heavens;" which words seem to imply that there are systems and systems of systems, each possessing its sun, its primary and secondary planets; all extending beyond each other in unlimited space, in the same regular and graduated order which we find to prevail in our solar system; which, probably, in its thousands of millions of miles in diameter, is, to some others, no more than the area of the lunar orbit to that of Georgium Sidus. 2Ch 2:6 Ps 139:7-10 Jer 23:24 2Co 12:2 how much (KJV): 2Ch 32:15 Job 4:19 9:14 25:4-6 Mt 7:11 But will God indeed dwell with mankind on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built. - See comments on 1Ki 8:27. Frederick Mabie: Solomon’s statement that even the highest heavens cannot hold the Creator God (v.18) underscores that although God will localize his presence and glory in the Solomonic temple, no man-made, finite structure can house the infinite God. Yet God’s ontological and epistemological accommodation to humankind in both the matter of the temple and even the matter of hearing Solomon’s prayer (v.19) emphatically showcases God’s grace and love toward his people. Don Fortner: The condescension of the eternal, almighty, holy, and sovereign God to dwell with men upon earth is an astonishing act of grace. He who came to dwell with men on the earth is… 1. The Infinite God. 2. The Incarnate God. 3. The Indwelling God. 4. The Immaculate God. NET NOTE - “Indeed, can God really live with mankind on the earth?” The rhetorical question expects the answer, “Of course not,” the force of which is reflected in the translation “God does not really live with mankind on the earth.” Praising and Asking The highest heavens...cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! -- 2 Chronicles 6:18 Today's Scripture: 2 Chronicles 6:12–21 Teen Challenge, a ministry to at-risk youth that started in New York City, was born from an unusual commitment to prayer. Its founder, David Wilkerson, sold his television set and spent his TV-watching time (two hours each night) praying. In the months that followed, he not only gained clarity about his new endeavor but he also learned about the balance between praising God and asking Him for help. King Solomon’s temple dedication prayer shows this balance. Solomon began by highlighting God’s holiness and faithfulness. Then he gave God credit for the success of the project and emphasized God’s greatness, declaring, “The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!” (2 Chr 6:18). After exalting God, Solomon asked Him to pay special attention to everything that happened inside the temple. He asked God to show mercy to the Israelites and to provide for them when they confessed their sin. How would you describe your conversations with God? What might help you grow closer to Him as you pray? Read more about talking to God at discoveryseries.org/hp135. Prayer helps us see things as God sees them. 2 Chronicles 6:19 “Yet have regard to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which Your servant prays before You; Have respect (KJV): 1Ki 8:28 Ps 74:20 130:2 Da 9:17-19 Lu 18:1-7 to hearken (KJV): Ps 4:1 5:1,2 20:1-3 Joh 17:20 Yet have regard to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which Your servant prays before You - See comments on 1Ki 8:28.
2 Crônicas 6
Spurgeon - In our highest joys we have still need to say “forgive.” Our hearts are out of order when that word does not rise to our lips. Let us plead with God to bless us throughout all our lives, and evermore to forgive John
2 Crônicas 6
Spurgeon - It is not therefore to be wondered at that, when Solomon dedicated to the Lord the temple which he had built, his great petition was that God would hear every prayer that should be uttered in that place or toward that place. He wished the temple always to be to Israel the token that God’s memorial is that he hears prayer.” 2 Chronicles 6:27 then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants and Your people Israel, indeed, teach them the good way in which they should walk. And send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people for an inheritance. when thou hast (KJV): 1Ki 8:35,36 Ps 25:4,5,8,12 94:12 119:33 Mic 4:2 Joh 6:45 good way (KJV): Isa 30:21 Jer 6:16 42:3 send rain (KJV): 1Ki 18:40-45 Job 37:11-14 Ps 68:9 Jer 5:24 14:22 Eze 34:26 Ho 2:21,22 Joe 2:23 Zec 10:1 Jas 5:17,18 then hear in heaven and forgive (salach; Lxx - be hileos - "be merciful") the sin of Your servants and of Your people Israel - Solomon continues to intercede for Israel asking for God's mercy when they face the consequences of sin. See comments on 1Ki 8:35-36. indeed, teach them the good way in which they should walk. Sin does not just require forgiveness but also transformation. Solomon prays that God would instruct Israel in righteousness, leading them on the right path so they do not fall back into disobedience. This mirrors Ps 86:11 where God's Word (truth) is the "way" to walk in: "Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth" (Psalm 86:11). And send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people for an inheritance. The rain from heaven is God's blessing for obedience. The land was Israel's inheritance, and while disobedience would result in exile, the inheritance promised to Abraham would be fulfilled (ultimately and fully in the Millennium). Utley on the good way - This good way refers to covenant obedience with a whole heart (cf. 1 Sam. 12:23; 2 Chr. 6:27; Prov. 2:20; 6:23; Psalm 1; 27:11; 139:23-24; Jer. 6:16; 31:9; Mark 6:8). Walk is biblical imagery for an obedient life. God shows His will as a clear, straight, level, unobstructed path/road (cf. Isa. 2:3; Micah 4:2). His people know exactly how they should live! They must not deviate from this clearly revealed path, to the right or to the left. F B
2 Crônicas 6
Spurgeon - It is worthy of remark concerning this prayer that it is as full and comprehensive as if it were meant to be the summary of all future prayers offered in the temple......“One is struck, moreover, with the fact that the language is far from new, and is full of quotations from the Pentateuch, some of which are almost word for word, while the sense of the whole may be found in those memorable passages in Leviticus and Deuteronomy.” J C Philpot - 2 Chronicles 6:29 Solomon comes to experience; he puts his hand upon the right spot. It is knowing his "own sore" and his "own grief." You may know another man's; that will not profit you. You may read of experience in books, love to hear experimental ministers, and will hear no others; and yet not know your "own sore," your "own grief." Like a physician who may know the symptoms of every malady, and yet not have one malady of his own; so you may hear described every symptom of every disease, and yet be untouched by one. But the man for whom Solomon's prayer is, he that knows and feels, painfully feels, his "own sore" and his "own grief," whose heart is indeed a grief to him, whose sins do indeed trouble him. How painful this sore often is! how it runs night and day! how full of ulcerous matter, and how it shrinks from the probe! Most of the Lord's family have a "sore," each some tender spot, something perhaps known to himself and to God alone, the cause of his greatest grief. It may be some secret slip he has made, some sin he has committed, some word he has spoken, or some evil thing he has done. He has been entangled, and entrapped, and cast down; and this is his grief and his sore which he feels, and that at times deeply before God. For such Solomon prays--he casts his net upon the right side of the ship; and says, "Then hear from heaven your dwelling-place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart you know; for you only know the hearts of the children of men." Yes; God alone knows the heart; he knows it completely, and sees to its very bottom. 2 Chronicles 6:30 then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men, render (KJV): Ps 18:20-26 62:12 Jer 17:10 Eze 18:30 Mt 16:27 thou only (KJV): 1Ki 8:39 1Ch 28:9 29:17 Ps 11:4,5 Joh 2:25 Heb 4:13 Rev 2:23 then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men - See comments on 1Ki 8:39. 2 Chronicles 6:31 that they may fear You, to walk in Your ways as long as they live in the land which You have given to our fathers. fear thee (KJV): Ex 20:20 1Sa 12:24 Job 28:28 Ps 128:1 130:4 Ac 9:31 so long (KJV): etc. Heb. all the days which they live upon the face of the land that they may fear You, to walk in Your ways as long as they live in the land which You have given to our fathers. 2 Chronicles 6:32 “Also concerning the foreigner who is not from Your people Israel, when he comes from a far country for Your great name’s sake and Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm, when they come and pray toward this house, the stranger (KJV): Ex 12:48,49 Ru 1:16 2:11,12 1Ki 8:41-43 10:1,2 Isa 56:3-7 Mt 2:1 8:10,11 Joh 10:16 12:20 Ac 8:27-39 10:1-4 Eph 2:12,13 is come (KJV): Ex 18:8-12 Jos 2:9 9:9 2Ki 5:3,8,15 Isa 60:1-10 Zec 8:22 Mt 12:42 thy mighty (KJV): Ex 3:19,20 13:14 Ps 89:13 if they come (KJV): Isa 66:20 Zec 14:16,17 Ac 2:10 Also concerning the foreigner (KJV - stranger) who is not from Your people Israel, when he comes from a far country for Your great name’s sake and Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm, when they come and pray toward this house - See comments on 1Ki 8:41. Believer's Study Bible - Solomon, who was always rather cosmopolitan, had an insight which may be called prophetic. He visualized men of all nations coming, because of God's great name, to worship in this temple he had built (Ps. 87; Isa. 56:6-8; Zech. 8:20-23; 14:16-21). Wycliffe Bible Commentary The Temple was to be "an house of prayer for all people" (Isa 56:6-8). Israel's very election had as its goal the universal knowledge of God (v. 33; Gen 12:3; Eph 2:11, 12). 2 Chronicles 6:33 then hear from heaven, from Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name, and fear You as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by Your name. that all people (KJV): 1Sa 17:46 2Ki 19:19 Ps 22:27 46:10 67:2 138:4,5 Isa 11:10 Isa 49:6 54:1-3 Rev 11:15 fear thee (KJV): Jer 10:7 this house (KJV): etc. Heb. they name is called upon this house, Nu 6:27 1Ki 8:16 then hear from heaven, from Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name, and fear You as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by Your name - Solomon is in essence praying for the Gentiles to come to know Jehovah as their God. See comments on 1Ki 8:43. James Smith - Stranger. Even “the stranger which is not of Thy people” finds a place in the large heart of this King of Peace. What good news it would be to the stranger who had “come from a far country,” drawn by the influence of God’s “great name” and “mighty hand,” to find that the gate of divine blessing was open for him, and that God was willing to do “according to all that the stranger called to Thee for” (2Chr 6:33). Did not the Ethiopian take advantage of this provision when he came to Jerusalem for to worship? (Acts 8:27). It is still true that those born in the far country of sin, and who are strangers to God and to His people, may have their needs supplied by calling upon the Lord. “Him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out.” “Ho! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.” “Ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the Blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13). 2 Chronicles 6:34 “When Your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way You shall send them, and they pray to You toward this city which You have chosen and the house which I have built for Your name, thy people (KJV): 2Ch 14:11,12 20:4 De 20:1-4 Jos 1:2-5 1Ki 8:44,45 by the way (KJV): Nu 31:2-6 Jos 8:1-8 Jud 1:1,2 1Sa 15:3,18 they pray (KJV): 2Ch 14:9-12 18:31 20:6-13 32:20,21 toward (KJV): 2Ch 6:6 1Ki 8:13 Isa 14:32 Da 6:10 When Your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way You shall send them, and they pray to You toward this city which You have chosen and the house which I have built for Your name - See comments on 1Ki 8:44. James Smith - Warrior. “Then if Thy people go to war … by the way that Thou shalt send them, and pray unto Thee toward this city, … then hear, and maintain their cause” (2Chr 6:34, 35). It is of the utmost importance that in going out in holy warfare we should go by the way that God has sent us. The Christian life is a warfare, but not with carnal weapons. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand. Praying always with all prayer, that “He may hear from the Heavens your prayer and supplication, and maintain your cause” (v. 35). In Solomon’s prayer, as in the work of Christ, there is provision made for certain victory in battling for the Lord. Warriors for God; keep your face towards the holy place of sacrifice and fellowship, and He will maintain your cause. 2 Chronicles 6:35 then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. hear thou (KJV): Da 9:17-19 maintain (KJV): Isa 37:21-36 cause (KJV): or, right, Ps 9:3,4 Jer 5:28 then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. See comments on 1Ki 8:45. 2 Chronicles 6:36 “When they sin against You (for there is no man who does not sin) and You are angry with them and deliver them to an enemy, so that they take them away captive to a land far off or near, they sin (KJV): 1Ki 8:46,50 for there is no man (KJV): Job 15:14-16 Ps 130:3 143:2 Pr 20:9 Ec 7:20 Jas 3:2 1Jn 1:8-10 thou be angry (KJV): Lev 26:34-44 De 4:26,27 28:36,64-68 29:24-28 2Ki 17:6,18,23 2Ki 15:21 Da 9:7-14 Lu 21:24 they carry them away captives (KJV): Heb. they that take them captives carry them away When they sin against You (for there is no man who does not sin) and You are angry with them and deliver them to an enemy, so that they take them away captive to a land far off or near - See comments on 1Ki 8:46. John Olley: The final petition (2Ch 6:36–39) is rephrased slightly in order to be relevant for the Chronicler’s hearers. No more is there any need to pray that the exiles (“captives”) might receive “compassion in the sight of those who carried them captive” (1 Kings 8:50b), for the Persians have already enabled the exiles to return. Similarly, after a brief mention of an “enemy” who carried them “captive” (2 Chron. 6:36), other references in Kings to “enemies” or “captors” are changed to the abstract “captivity” (vv. 37, 38). No longer are people who continue in the “land of their captivity” held there against their will, but it is still relevant to pray that they too would “repent” and “pray toward their land . . . , the city . . . , and the house” (2Ch 6:38). No matter where people are located, they are to pray toward the temple in Jerusalem and to look to God to “maintain their cause and forgive” them. (See ESV Expository Commentary (Volume 3): 1 Samuel–2 Chronicles) Mark Boda: The scenario makes it very clear that God’s anger had been the cause of the disaster, something that is not made clear in any of the other scenarios. Furthermore, while the second scenario mentions exile in the divine response, here the Exile is highlighted from the outset. The human action required in this scenario provides clear evidence that this scenario is the climax of the series. Not only are the human actions of repentance and prayer described twice (“turn to you in repentance and pray . . . turn to you with their whole heart and soul in the land of their captivity and pray toward the land . . . city . . . Temple”), but the actual content of the penitential prayer is offered to the reader, “We have sinned, done evil, and acted wickedly.” Here we find the three key words for sinful actions in Hebrew used together to accentuate the depth of the wickedness of the people but at the same time the thoroughness of their confession. Defender's Study Bible - Solomon recognized that it was impossible for even the best of men to live a sinless life, so all would need some means of receiving forgiveness. The universality of sin becomes a basic doctrine of New Testament revelation (Romans 3:23; 5:12; James 2:10; 4:17). Wycliffe Bible Commentary Here is expressed the consistent Biblical teaching of man's total depravity (cf. Jer 13:23; 17:9; Eph 2:3). James Smith - Captives. “If they sin against Thee, … and their enemies carry them away captives, yet if they bethink themselves … and turn and pray unto Thee, … then hear Thou, and maintain their cause, and forgive” (2Chr 6:36–39). The Lord’s people could never be taken away as captives so long as they were obedient to His will. Sin leads to separation from God, and when separated from Him we become an easy prey to the enemy. The only hope for those led captive by the Devil, or the pleasures of the world, is to bethink themselves, and turn to the Lord, saying, “We have sinned, we have done amiss.” If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive. The fire that “came down from Heaven” (2Chr 7:1) when Solomon had made an end of praying was the token that his prayer was heard, and that God was ready to do all that had been asked. The coming of the Holy Ghost from Heaven, after Christ had finished His work, is the proof to us that God is ready to fulfil to us all the desires of His heart. “If ye ask anything in My Name, I will do it.” 2 Chronicles 6:37 if they take thought in the land where they are taken captive, and repent and make supplication to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have committed iniquity and have acted wickedly’; Yet if (KJV): Lev 26:40-45 De 4:29,30 30:1-3 Lu 15:17 bethink themselves (KJV): Heb. bring back to their heart We have sinned (KJV): Ezr 9:6,7 Ne 1:6 9:26-30 Job 33:27,28 Ps 106:6 Isa 64:6-12 Jer 3:12-14 31:18-20 Da 9:5-11 Lu 15:18,19 if they take thought in the land where they are taken captive, and repent and make supplication to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have committed iniquity and have acted wickedly - See comments on 1Ki 8:47. Wycliffe Bible Commentary The exile and restoration of Israel had been predicted as early as Moses (Lev 26:44, 45); and all was fulfilled, just as Solomon had prayed (2 Chr 36:16, 22, 23). 2 Chronicles 6:38 if they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have been taken captive, and pray toward their land which You have given to their fathers and the city which You have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for Your name, return (KJV): De 30:2-6 Jer 29:12-14 Ho 14:1-4 Joe 2:12,13 pray toward (KJV): 2Ch 33:11-13 Da 9:3,4 the city (KJV): 2Ch 6:34 Da 6:10 if they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have been taken captive, and pray toward their land which You have given to their fathers and the city which You have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for Your name - See comments on 1Ki 8:48. 2 Chronicles 6:39 then hear from heaven, from Your dwelling place, their prayer and supplications, and maintain their cause and forgive Your people who have sinned against You. cause (KJV): or, right, 2Ch 6:35 Zec 1:15,16 forgive (KJV): Ps 25:18 Mic 7:18-20 then hear from heaven, from Your dwelling place, their prayer and supplications, and maintain their cause and forgive Your people who have sinned against You - See comments on 1Ki 8:49-51. 2 Chronicles 6:40 “Now, O my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. my God (KJV): Ps 7:3 13:3 22:1,2 88:1 thine eyes (KJV): 2Ch 7:15 16:9 1Ki 8:52 Ps 34:15 Isa 37:17 Da 9:16-19 thine ears (KJV): Ps 17:1 31:2 116:2 that is made in this place (KJV): Heb. of this place Now, O my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. - See comments on 1Ki 8:52. Believer's Study Bible - Whereas the Kings account (1 Kin. 8:50-53) focuses on the Mosaic covenant as the basis for Solomon's prayer, Solomon's concern for the Davidic covenant was more important to the chronicler (cf. 1 Chr. 16:8-22; Ps. 105:1-15; 132:1-10). J.A. Thompson: Verse 40 is reminiscent of 1 Kgs 8:52, although 2Ch 6:41–42 are based on Ps 132:8–10. In concluding his prayer, Solomon based his expectation of God's favorable response on the divine promises to David. In the Kings account of Solomon's prayer, the ground for God's answer is his unique relationship to Israel deriving from the exodus (1 Kgs 8:50–53). In place of a reference to the themes of election and redemption in the exodus, he finds an adequate basis of appeal to God in Ps 132:1, 8– 10. God is called upon to arise and come to his resting place. August Konkel: The prayer closes with a quotation of Psalm 132:8–10, calling attention to David’s deep passion for the restoration of the ark to its proper function. “Arise, O LORD” is a military cry given in Numbers 10:35–36 (NRSV). God arises to scatter the enemies when the people move, and returns as the Lord of Israel’s myriads of thousands when they rest. The ark is the ultimate symbol of God’s rest, his claim to the land that carries his name. David seeks a resting place for the ark, the place where the throne of God rises and he is worshiped by the hosts of Israel. The impact of Psalm 132 is increased by two changes in this citation. In 2 Chronicles 6:42 the lines from verse 10 of the psalm are reversed, placing an emphasis on the faithfulness of God. Second, part of the last line is drawn from Isaiah 55:3, which makes reference to the mercies of David. This phrase can be taken in two ways: (1) it may be the mercies David receives, or (2) it may be the mercies that God gives through David—which is meant in both Isaiah and Chronicles (NIV). The mercies of David express loyalty to a commitment made. Loyalty to promises is the best way of showing mercy. God’s loyalty through his promises to David has just been demonstrated, providing assurance that these mercies are available for Israel. (1 & 2 Chronicles) Tony Evans - How to Save a Nation in Trouble Now, O my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. 2 Chr 6:40 In 2 Chronicles 6, King Solomon had just finished building God’s temple in Jerusalem and offered up a prayer of dedication. In this prayer, Solomon affirmed that he wanted to lead his people the way God wanted him to lead. After the prayer, God’s glory filled the temple. The people offered sacrifices and held a feast. Later that night, the Lord appeared to Solomon and told him that if the people ever rejected His ways and turned away from Him but then repented, He would hear the prayers of His people. God will deal with a nation that turns its back on Him. If a culture wants to be free of God, He will let it have that freedom. But freedom from God brings dire consequences. Pagans do not normally turn to God when things get rough. But this Scripture isn’t addressing pagans; it is addressing God’s people, who are called by His name. God’s covenant people are the ones who are supposed to pray for their nation. In the Old Testament, His covenant people were the Jews. In the New Testament, the covenant people make up the church—the body of believers who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Sin-Bearer and Redeemer. God will pay attention to our prayers when we come to Him humbly, seek His face, and turn toward Him. Warren