2 Chronicles 6:30

be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart--for You alone know the hearts of men--

Study Bible

may You hear from heaven
This phrase emphasizes the transcendence and omnipresence of God. The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just auditory reception but also understanding and responding. The invocation for God to hear from "heaven" underscores His divine throne, a place of ultimate authority and purity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, heaven was seen as the realm of the divine, separate from the earthly domain, yet intimately involved with it. This reflects the belief that God is both above all creation and actively engaged with His people.

Your dwelling place
The term "dwelling place" in Hebrew is "מָעוֹן" (maon), which signifies a habitation or abode. In the context of Solomon's prayer, it refers to the heavenly temple, the true sanctuary of God. While the earthly temple in Jerusalem was a physical representation, it pointed to the greater reality of God's presence in heaven. This highlights the conservative Christian understanding that while God is omnipresent, He chooses to reveal His glory in specific ways and places, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

and may You forgive
The Hebrew word for "forgive" is "סָלַח" (salach), which conveys the idea of pardoning or sparing. Forgiveness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's mercy and grace. In the Old Testament, forgiveness was often associated with sacrificial offerings, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. This phrase underscores the need for divine forgiveness, recognizing human sinfulness and the necessity of God's intervention for reconciliation.

and repay each man according to all he does
This phrase speaks to the justice of God. The Hebrew root "שָׁלַם" (shalam) for "repay" implies making whole or restoring. It reflects the biblical principle of divine retribution, where God rewards or disciplines based on one's actions. This is consistent with the conservative Christian belief in God's righteous judgment, where He holds individuals accountable, yet offers grace through faith in Christ.

since You know his heart
The Hebrew word for "know" is "יָדַע" (yada), which implies intimate knowledge and understanding. The "heart" (לֵב, lev) in Hebrew thought represents the center of one's being, including mind, will, and emotions. This phrase acknowledges God's omniscience, His ability to see beyond outward actions to the true intentions and motivations of individuals. It reassures believers that God is just and fair, understanding the complexities of the human heart.

for You alone know the hearts of men
This final phrase reiterates God's unique ability to discern the innermost thoughts and desires of humanity. The exclusivity of "You alone" emphasizes God's unparalleled wisdom and insight. In a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the need for personal integrity and sincerity before God, who cannot be deceived. It also points to the hope found in Christ, who transforms hearts and aligns them with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. God
The omniscient and omnipresent deity who is being addressed in Solomon's prayer, recognized as the one who knows the hearts of all people.

3. The Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

4. The Israelites
The people of God who are the primary audience of Solomon's prayer, seeking God's favor and forgiveness.

5. Heaven
Described as God's dwelling place, from where He hears and responds to the prayers of His people.

Teaching Points

God's Omniscience
God alone knows the hearts of all people. This truth should lead us to live transparently before Him, knowing that nothing is hidden from His sight.

The Importance of the Heart
Our actions are important, but God looks at the heart. We should focus on cultivating a heart that is pure and aligned with God's will.

Prayer and Forgiveness
Solomon's prayer reminds us of the importance of seeking God's forgiveness. We should regularly confess our sins and seek His grace.

Divine Justice
God repays each person according to their deeds. This should encourage us to live righteously and trust in God's just nature.

The Role of the Temple
While the physical temple was central to Israelite worship, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our lives should reflect God's presence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding that God knows our hearts influence the way we pray and live our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our hearts are aligned with God's will, as Solomon emphasizes in his prayer?

3. How does the concept of divine justice, as mentioned in this verse, affect our understanding of God's character and our own actions?

4. What role does confession and seeking forgiveness play in our relationship with God, and how can we incorporate this into our spiritual practices?

5. How can we, as modern believers, embody the presence of God in our lives, knowing that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 8:39
This verse parallels 2 Chronicles 6:30, as it is part of the same prayer of dedication by Solomon, emphasizing God's knowledge of human hearts.

Jeremiah 17:10
This verse highlights God's ability to search the heart and test the mind, reinforcing the theme of divine omniscience.

Psalm 139:1-4
These verses speak to God's intimate knowledge of every individual, echoing the sentiment that God knows the hearts of all people.

Hebrews 4:13
This New Testament verse underscores that nothing is hidden from God's sight, aligning with the idea that God knows the hearts of men.