2 Chronicles 6:18

But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.

Study Bible

But will God indeed dwell
The phrase "dwell" in Hebrew is "שָׁכַן" (shakan), which conveys the idea of settling down or residing. This word is foundational in understanding the concept of God's presence among His people, as seen in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The question posed by Solomon reflects a deep theological truth: the transcendence of God. Despite His omnipresence, God chooses to manifest His presence in specific ways and places, highlighting His immanence and desire for relationship with humanity.

with man on the earth?
The phrase "with man" emphasizes the relational aspect of God's nature. From the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve, illustrating His desire for fellowship with humanity. The earth, created by God, is the stage for this divine-human interaction. This question underscores the mystery and grace of God choosing to engage with His creation, despite the vastness of His being.

Even the heavens, the highest heavens
The "heavens" and "highest heavens" refer to the vast expanse of the universe, which in ancient Near Eastern cosmology, was seen as layers or realms above the earth. The Hebrew word for heavens is "שָׁמַיִם" (shamayim), indicating the sky, the abode of celestial bodies, and the dwelling place of God. This phrase emphasizes God's incomprehensible greatness and the inadequacy of any physical space to contain Him, pointing to His infinite nature.

cannot contain You
The word "contain" in Hebrew is "כָּלָא" (kala), meaning to hold or restrain. This highlights the futility of attempting to confine God within human constructs or understanding. God's essence transcends all creation, affirming His sovereignty and omnipotence. This truth calls believers to a posture of humility and reverence, recognizing that while God is near, He is also beyond full human comprehension.

much less this temple I have built
The "temple" refers to the magnificent structure Solomon constructed in Jerusalem, intended as a dwelling place for God's name. Despite its grandeur, Solomon acknowledges its insufficiency to house the Almighty. This humility is a reminder that while places of worship are significant, they are but symbols of a greater reality. The true temple is found in the hearts of believers, where God's Spirit dwells, as later revealed in the New Testament. Solomon's statement invites reflection on the nature of worship and the importance of a heart devoted to God over physical edifices.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who built the temple in Jerusalem. He is the speaker in this verse, offering a prayer of dedication for the temple.

2. God
The Almighty Creator, whom Solomon acknowledges as transcendent and beyond containment by any earthly structure.

3. Temple in Jerusalem
The physical structure built by Solomon as a dwelling place for God's presence among His people.

4. Heaven and the Highest Heaven
Refers to the spiritual realms, emphasizing God's omnipresence and the vastness of His creation.

5. Israel
The nation chosen by God, for whom the temple was built as a central place of worship and divine presence.

Teaching Points

God's Transcendence and Immanence
While God is beyond all creation, He chooses to be present with His people. This duality should inspire awe and gratitude.

The Purpose of the Temple
The temple serves as a symbol of God's presence and a place for His people to gather in worship, but it is not a limitation of His being.

Worship Beyond Physical Structures
True worship is not confined to a building but is a matter of the heart and spirit, aligning with God's omnipresence.

God's Desire for Relationship
Despite His vastness, God desires a personal relationship with humanity, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Humility in Prayer and Worship
Recognizing God's greatness should lead us to approach Him with humility, acknowledging our dependence on His grace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's acknowledgment of God's transcendence in 2 Chronicles 6:18 shape our understanding of worship today?

2. In what ways does the concept of God dwelling with man find its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the understanding that God cannot be contained by physical structures to our personal and communal worship practices?

4. What does Solomon's prayer teach us about the nature of God and His relationship with His creation?

5. How can we balance the recognition of God's transcendence with His immanence in our daily walk with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 8:27
This parallel passage records Solomon's prayer at the temple dedication, emphasizing God's transcendence.

Isaiah 66:1
God declares that heaven is His throne and the earth His footstool, reinforcing the idea that no temple can contain Him.

Acts 7:48-50
Stephen, in his speech, quotes Isaiah, highlighting that God does not dwell in temples made by human hands.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, showing God's willingness to be present with humanity through Jesus Christ.

Revelation 21:3
The ultimate fulfillment of God dwelling with man is seen in the new heaven and new earth.