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 toward this temple day and night
This phrase reflects Solomon's request for God's continual attention and presence over the temple. The temple in Jerusalem was the central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. The idea of God's "eyes" being open suggests His watchfulness and care. In biblical context, God's eyes are often associated with His omniscience and protection (Psalm 34:15). The request for day and night vigilance underscores the need for God's constant presence, echoing the promise of His perpetual covenant with Israel (Deuteronomy 11:12).

toward the place where You said You would put Your Name
The "place" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which God chose as the dwelling for His Name (Deuteronomy 12:5). In ancient Near Eastern culture, a name represented one's character and presence. By placing His Name there, God was signifying His special relationship with Israel and His commitment to dwell among them. This is a fulfillment of the promise made to David regarding a permanent house for God's Name (2 Samuel 7:13). The temple thus becomes a focal point for worship and a symbol of God's covenant faithfulness.

so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place
Solomon emphasizes the temple as a place of prayer, where God would hear the petitions of His people. The direction of prayer "toward this place" signifies the temple's role as a mediator between God and Israel. This reflects the belief that God's presence in the temple made it a conduit for divine-human interaction. The concept of praying toward a holy place is seen in Daniel 6:10, where Daniel prays facing Jerusalem. This anticipates the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the ultimate mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), where believers approach God through Christ, the true temple (John 2:19-21).

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.