How does 2 Chronicles 6:42 emphasize God's covenant with David's "anointed one"?

◄ 2 Chronicles 6:42 on God's promise to David? ►

“O LORD God, do not reject Your anointed one. Remember the loving devotion You promised to Your servant David.”

Setting of the Verse

• Solomon has finished building the temple and is concluding his lengthy dedication prayer (2 Chronicles 6:12-42).

• The prayer has asked God to hear every plea made at this temple.

• Verse 42 forms the final appeal, anchoring every request in God’s covenant loyalty to David.

Key Covenant Terms in the Verse

• “Your anointed one” (Hebrew: mashiach)

– Refers immediately to Solomon as the reigning Davidic king.

– Points forward to every Davidic heir and ultimately to the Messiah (Psalm 2:2; Isaiah 9:6-7).

• “Remember”

– A covenant word calling God to act in faithfulness (Exodus 2:24; Genesis 8:1).

• “Loving devotion” (Hebrew: chesed)

– God’s steadfast, covenant-keeping love (Psalm 89:28-29).

• “Your servant David”

– Evokes the unconditional promises God made to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16: an enduring house, throne, and kingdom.

Connection to the Davidic Covenant

• God swore that a son of David would always sit on the throne if the kings walked in obedience (2 Chronicles 7:17-18).

• Solomon appeals to that sworn word, not to human merit.

• The verse summarizes the entire prayer: God’s acceptance of temple worship rests on His loyalty to David’s line.

Immediate Implications for Solomon

• Assurance that God would hear from the temple as long as the king remained faithful (1 Kings 9:4-5).

• National security and blessing flowed through the covenant head, the anointed king (Psalm 132:10-12).

Long-Range, Messianic Trajectory

• The title “anointed one” flowers into the hope of a perfect King.

– Prophets amplify the promise: Jeremiah 23:5-6; Ezekiel 37:24-25.

– Fulfillment announced at Christ’s birth: Luke 1:32-33.

– Apostolic preaching ties Jesus to the promise: Acts 13:22-23.

• God’s remembrance of David culminates at the resurrection: Acts 2:29-36.

Encouragement for Believers Today

• The verse proves God never forgets a covenant oath.

• Every petition offered “in Jesus’ name” stands on the same foundation of divine faithfulness to David’s greater Son (2 Corinthians 1:20).

• God’s steadfast love (chesed) remains the solid ground for worship, intercession, and hope, just as it was for Solomon at the temple dedication.