2 Chronicles 6:33

then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name.

Study Bible

then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place
This phrase acknowledges God's transcendence and His heavenly abode, emphasizing His omnipresence and omniscience. In the context of Solomon's prayer, it reflects the belief that God, though dwelling in heaven, is attentive to the prayers of His people on earth. This aligns with other scriptures such as Psalm 11:4, which speaks of the Lord's throne in heaven, and Isaiah 66:1, where God declares heaven as His throne. The temple in Jerusalem, though a physical structure, is a symbolic representation of God's presence among His people.

and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You
Solomon's prayer includes a request for God to respond to the prayers of foreigners, highlighting the inclusivity of God's covenant. This reflects the Abrahamic promise in Genesis 12:3, where all nations are to be blessed through Abraham's descendants. It underscores the universal scope of God's plan, foreshadowing the New Testament revelation that salvation through Christ is available to all, Jew and Gentile alike (Galatians 3:28).

Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You
This phrase speaks to the missional aspect of Israel's identity, intended to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6). The knowledge and fear of God's name imply reverence and recognition of His sovereignty. This anticipates the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations, furthering the theme of God's desire for all people to know Him.

as do Your people Israel
Here, Solomon draws a parallel between the foreigner and Israel, suggesting that the same reverence and relationship Israel has with God should extend to all nations. This reflects the covenantal relationship established at Sinai (Exodus 19:5-6), where Israel is called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, serving as a model for others.

and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name
The temple is not just a physical structure but a testament to God's presence and His covenant with Israel. It serves as a focal point for worship and a symbol of God's name and glory. This is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), indicating that God's presence now dwells within His people, furthering the idea of the temple as a representation of God's name and presence.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Foreigner
A non-Israelite who comes to the temple to pray, seeking the God of Israel.

3. Heaven
Described as God's dwelling place, from where He hears prayers.

4. Temple in Jerusalem
The physical structure built by Solomon, dedicated to the worship of Yahweh.

5. Peoples of the Earth
Refers to all nations and ethnic groups outside of Israel.

Teaching Points

Inclusivity of God's Kingdom
God's heart is for all nations to know Him, not just Israel. This passage encourages believers to embrace and pray for the inclusion of all people in God's kingdom.

Prayer and Intercession
Solomon's prayer demonstrates the power of intercession. Believers are called to pray for others, including those outside their immediate community or faith tradition.

Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is a recurring theme, signifying reverence and awe. This passage calls believers to live in a way that reflects God's holiness, prompting others to know and fear Him.

God's Name and Glory
The temple was built for God's name and glory. Believers today are called to live as temples of the Holy Spirit, reflecting God's glory in their lives.

Mission and Evangelism
The passage underscores the mission to make God's name known among all peoples. Believers are encouraged to actively participate in evangelism and missions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's prayer for the foreigner challenge our understanding of God's inclusivity?

2. In what ways can we, as modern believers, ensure that our places of worship are welcoming to all people, regardless of their background?

3. How does the concept of fearing the Lord influence our daily decisions and interactions with others?

4. What are some practical ways we can reflect God's glory in our personal lives, as the temple did in Solomon's time?

5. How can we actively participate in God's mission to make His name known among all nations, both locally and globally?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 8:41-43
This passage parallels Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's house for all nations.

Isaiah 56:6-7
Highlights God's desire for His house to be a house of prayer for all peoples, reinforcing the theme of inclusivity.

Matthew 21:13
Jesus quotes Isaiah, affirming the temple as a house of prayer for all nations, showing continuity in God's plan.

Acts 10:34-35
Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism and accepts those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.