2 Chronicles 6:20

May Your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your Name, so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place.

Study Bible

May Your eyes be open
This phrase signifies a plea for God's constant attention and vigilance. In Hebrew, the word for "eyes" is "עֵינַיִם" (einaim), which often symbolizes God's awareness and care. The request for God's eyes to be "open" suggests a desire for His active engagement and protection. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern belief in the gods' presence in their temples, but here it emphasizes the unique relationship between Yahweh and His people, where God is not confined to the temple but is asked to be attentive to it.

toward this temple
The "temple" refers to the physical structure Solomon built in Jerusalem, known as the First Temple. In Hebrew, "temple" is "בַּיִת" (bayit), meaning "house." This was not just a building but the dwelling place of God's Name, representing His presence among His people. Archaeologically, the temple was the center of Israelite worship and national identity, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel.

day and night
This phrase underscores the continuous nature of the request for divine attention. In Hebrew culture, "day and night" (יוֹמָם וָלַיְלָה, yomam va-layla) signifies an unceasing, perpetual state. It reflects the understanding that God's care and the people's need for His presence are constant, not limited to specific times or rituals.

toward the place where You said You would put Your Name
The "place" refers to the temple as the designated location for God's Name, a concept rooted in Deuteronomy 12:5. The Hebrew word for "Name" is "שֵׁם" (shem), representing God's character and authority. This phrase highlights the temple as the focal point of divine-human interaction, where God's presence is uniquely manifest. Historically, this underscores the centrality of Jerusalem in Israel's religious life.

so that You will hear the prayer
The phrase "hear the prayer" indicates a request for God to be responsive to the petitions made at the temple. In Hebrew, "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just auditory reception but active response. This reflects the belief in a personal God who listens and acts on behalf of His people, contrasting with the impersonal deities of surrounding cultures.

Your servant prays
"Your servant" refers to Solomon, the king, but by extension, it includes all who approach God in humility and reverence. The Hebrew word for "servant" is "עֶבֶד" (eved), denoting one who serves and is devoted to God. This highlights the relationship between God and His people, where prayer is an act of service and submission.

toward this place
This phrase reiterates the importance of the temple as the locus of prayer and divine encounter. "This place" emphasizes the sanctity and significance of the temple in the religious life of Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's promise to dwell among His people and the privilege of approaching Him in prayer. Historically, it underscores the temple's role as a symbol of God's covenantal faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who built the temple in Jerusalem and is offering this prayer of dedication.

2. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem where God's presence was to dwell, symbolizing His covenant with Israel.

3. God
The Almighty, who is being petitioned by Solomon to be attentive to the prayers made in or toward the temple.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, for whom the temple serves as a central place of worship and divine encounter.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple is located, considered the spiritual center for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

God's Presence and Name
The temple was a physical representation of God's presence among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and God's presence dwells within us.

The Power of Prayer
Solomon's prayer highlights the importance of seeking God's attention and intervention. We are encouraged to pray with the assurance that God hears us.

The Significance of Place in Worship
While the temple was a specific place for worship, Jesus taught that true worship is in spirit and truth, transcending physical locations.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Solomon's prayer is rooted in God's promise to David. We can trust in God's faithfulness to His Word in our lives.

Intercession for the Community
Solomon's prayer was not just for himself but for the entire nation. We are called to intercede for others, lifting up our communities and nations in prayer.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's request for God's eyes to be open toward the temple reflect our need for God's attention in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we, as modern believers, ensure that our lives are a dwelling place for God's Name and presence?

3. How does the concept of the temple in the Old Testament enhance our understanding of being the temple of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

4. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's intercession for Israel that can be applied to our prayer life for our communities and nations?

5. How do the themes of God's faithfulness and the power of prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:20 connect with Jesus' teachings on prayer in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 8
This chapter parallels 2 Chronicles 6, providing another account of Solomon's prayer of dedication for the temple.

Deuteronomy 12
Discusses the place where God will choose to put His Name, which is fulfilled in the establishment of the temple in Jerusalem.

Psalm 121
Emphasizes God's watchful care, which aligns with the request for His eyes to be open toward the temple.

Daniel 6
Daniel prays toward Jerusalem, demonstrating the continued significance of the temple as a focal point for prayer even in exile.

Matthew 21
Jesus cleanses the temple, reaffirming its intended purpose as a house of prayer.