What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 6:36? When they sin against You “ When they sin against You…” (2 Chronicles 6:36) • Solomon assumes the reality of Israel’s future failures even as he dedicates the Temple. • The wording echoes Deuteronomy 28:15–20, where disobedience brings covenant consequences. • Sin here is rebellion against God’s revealed law (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5). • The verse reminds worshipers that relationship with God is moral and covenantal, not merely ceremonial (1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 1:11-17). Cross references woven in: Psalm 106:6-7 shows Israel confessing, “We have sinned… our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders.” For there is no one who does not sin “…for there is no one who does not sin…” • Solomon states a universal truth later expressed in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” • Ecclesiastes 7:20 affirms, “Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” • Even covenant people must acknowledge personal failure rather than rely on pedigree (Jeremiah 17:9). Application: The worshiper approaches God on the basis of mercy, never assuming personal righteousness (Luke 18:13). And You become angry with them “…and You become angry with them…” • God’s anger is righteous, not capricious (Psalm 7:11). • Anger here reflects covenant displeasure predicted in Leviticus 26:27-28—persistent disobedience arouses divine discipline. • Yet His wrath is tempered by His covenant love (Exodus 34:6-7; Psalm 103:8-10). And deliver them to an enemy “…and deliver them to an enemy…” • The Lord Himself hands His people over, underscoring His sovereignty (Judges 2:14). • Enemies function as instruments of correction (Isaiah 10:5-6; Habakkuk 1:6). • This points ahead to Assyrian and Babylonian exiles (2 Kings 17:6; 24:14). Who takes them as captives to a land far or near “…who takes them as captives to a land far or near.” • The exile motif fulfills warnings in Deuteronomy 28:36, 64. • “Far or near” shows that distance never places God’s people beyond His hearing (Psalm 139:7-10). • Captivity is not final; it sets the stage for repentance and restoration (Jeremiah 29:11-14; 2 Chronicles 6:37-38). summary 2 Chronicles 6:36 acknowledges the certainty of human sin, the inevitability of God’s righteous anger, and the severe but purposeful discipline of exile. Solomon’s prayer invites honest confession, recognizes universal guilt, and points to a God who corrects in love so that His people might seek Him even from distant lands and be restored to covenant fellowship. |
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