2 Chronicles 6:29

then may whatever prayer or petition Your people Israel make--each knowing his own afflictions and spreading out his hands toward this temple--

Study Bible

then may whatever prayer or plea Your people Israel make—
This phrase highlights the inclusivity of prayer, emphasizing that any prayer or plea from the people of Israel is heard by God. In the context of Solomon's dedication of the temple, it underscores the temple as a central place for worship and intercession. Historically, the temple in Jerusalem was the focal point of Jewish religious life, symbolizing God's presence among His people. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to hear and respond to the prayers of His people. The idea of prayer and plea is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 65:2, which refers to God as the one who hears prayer.

each knowing his own afflictions
This phrase acknowledges the personal nature of prayer, where each individual is aware of their own struggles and needs. It suggests a deep self-awareness and honesty before God, recognizing one's own sins, weaknesses, and challenges. This personal introspection is a key aspect of genuine prayer, as seen in Psalm 139:23-24, where the psalmist asks God to search and know his heart. The concept of personal affliction also connects to the broader biblical theme of human suffering and the need for divine intervention and comfort.

and spreading out his hands toward this temple—
The act of spreading out hands is a gesture of supplication and surrender, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures as a physical expression of prayer. This gesture signifies openness and a plea for divine mercy and help. The direction toward the temple indicates the significance of the temple as the dwelling place of God's name, where His presence is most intimately encountered. This act of turning toward the temple is mirrored in Daniel 6:10, where Daniel prays facing Jerusalem, despite being in exile. The temple serves as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, as seen in John 2:19-21, where Jesus refers to His body as the temple.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Temple
The house of God in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites.

3. The People of Israel
The covenant community of God, who are being addressed in Solomon's prayer.

4. God
The recipient of the prayers and petitions, who dwells in the temple and hears the cries of His people.

5. Afflictions
The personal struggles and challenges faced by individuals, which they bring before God in prayer.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Personal Prayer
Each individual is encouraged to bring their personal struggles and petitions before God. This highlights the personal relationship God desires with each believer.

The Role of the Temple
The temple serves as a physical representation of God's presence among His people. Today, believers can find comfort in knowing that God is present in their lives through the Holy Spirit.

The Gesture of Lifting Hands
Lifting hands in prayer is a biblical gesture of surrender and seeking God's intervention. It symbolizes humility and dependence on God.

God's Readiness to Hear
God is attentive to the prayers of His people. This assurance should encourage believers to approach Him with confidence and faith.

Community and Individual Needs
While the prayer is communal, it acknowledges individual needs, teaching us the balance between corporate worship and personal devotion.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:29 reflect the personal nature of our relationship with God?

2. In what ways can the temple's role in ancient Israel inform our understanding of worship and prayer today?

3. How does the act of lifting hands in prayer enhance our spiritual practice and connection with God?

4. What are some personal afflictions you can bring before God in prayer, and how does this verse encourage you to do so?

5. How can we balance our communal worship experiences with personal devotion, as seen in Solomon's prayer?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 8:38
This verse parallels 2 Chronicles 6:29, as it is part of the same prayer of dedication by Solomon, emphasizing the importance of individual prayer and the temple as a place of divine encounter.

Psalm 28:2
This Psalm reflects the act of lifting hands in prayer, a gesture of seeking God's mercy and help.

Philippians 4:6
This New Testament verse encourages believers to present their requests to God, echoing the call to prayer found in Solomon's dedication.

Hebrews 4:16
This verse invites believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, similar to how the Israelites were encouraged to bring their petitions to the temple.