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

may You hear from heaven
This phrase emphasizes the omnipresence and omnipotence of God. The Hebrew root for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but also understanding and responding. Solomon acknowledges that God’s dwelling is in heaven, a place of ultimate authority and purity. This reflects the belief that God is not confined to earthly structures but is sovereign over all creation. The plea for God to hear from heaven underscores the faith that God is attentive to the prayers of His people, regardless of their origin.

Your dwelling place
The term "dwelling place" in Hebrew is "מָעוֹן" (maon), which signifies a place of habitation or residence. In the context of ancient Israel, the temple was seen as a symbolic dwelling place of God on earth, yet Solomon recognizes that God's true dwelling is in heaven. This duality highlights the transcendence of God, who is both immanent and beyond human comprehension. The temple serves as a focal point for worship and prayer, a tangible connection between heaven and earth.

and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You
This phrase reveals the inclusivity of God’s covenant. The Hebrew word for "foreigner" is "נָכְרִי" (nokri), indicating someone who is not an Israelite. Solomon’s prayer acknowledges that God’s mercy and grace extend beyond the boundaries of Israel to all nations. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of the Gospel being available to all people. It reflects the universal scope of God’s plan for salvation and His desire for all humanity to seek Him.

so that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name
The phrase "all the peoples of the earth" underscores the universal mission of Israel to be a light to the nations. The Hebrew word for "peoples" is "עַמִּים" (amim), which refers to various ethnic groups and nations. Knowing God’s name implies understanding His character and attributes. This is a call for global recognition of God’s sovereignty and holiness, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, culminating in the Great Commission.

and fear You, as do Your people Israel
The concept of "fear" in Hebrew, "יָרֵא" (yare), encompasses reverence, awe, and respect. It is not merely about being afraid but involves a deep recognition of God’s majesty and authority. Solomon desires that all nations develop the same reverence for God that Israel has, acknowledging His power and submitting to His will. This fear of the Lord is foundational to wisdom and understanding, as stated in Proverbs.

and may know that this house I have built is called by Your Name
The "house" refers to the temple Solomon constructed, a central place of worship for Israel. The phrase "called by Your Name" signifies ownership and dedication to God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a name represented one’s identity and authority. By associating the temple with God’s name, Solomon emphasizes its purpose as a place where God’s presence is honored and His glory is manifested. This dedication is a testament to God’s covenant with Israel and His faithfulness to His promises.

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.