Definition
2 Chronicles 6 is the sixth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles, a historical book of the Hebrew Bible/Christian Old Testament. The chapter records King Solomon’s dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, including a lengthy prayer of dedication.
Overview
The chapter is part of a broader narrative (2 Chronicles 1‑7) describing the construction and consecration of the First Temple. It is composed of 42 verses in most standard biblical editions. The text can be divided into three main sections:
- Solomon’s speech and dedication (verses 1‑12) – Solomon addresses the assembled assembly, recounts the divine promise to David, and describes the offering of incense, sacrifices, and a consecrated altar.
- The prayer of dedication (verses 13‑21) – Solomon petitions God to accept the temple, to hear the prayers of Israel, and to bless the people. The prayer emphasizes themes of covenant, divine presence, and divine forgiveness.
- God’s response (verses 22‑31) – A theophanic vision, presented as a voice from heaven, assures Solomon that God has heard the prayer and will dwell among the Israelites, even when they are in exile.
- Closing remarks (verses 32‑42) – The chapter concludes with a covenant pledge, a recitation of the covenant's stipulations, and the sacrificial rites performed by Solomon and the priests.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Chronicles” derives from the Greek “Χρονικά” (Chroniká), meaning “annals” or “records of time”. The Hebrew title for the book is Divrei HaYamim (דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִין), “The Events of the Days”. Chapter numbering follows the Masoretic Text tradition, which divides the book into 36 chapters; the sixth chapter corresponds to the portion of the text traditionally associated with the dedication ceremony of the temple (cf. 1 Kings 8).
Characteristics
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Literary Form | Priestly narrative combined with a liturgical prayer; incorporates covenant language typical of Deuteronomic theology. |
| Theological Themes | Divine election of Jerusalem, the centrality of the temple as a place of divine habitation, covenant fidelity, and the universal scope of God’s mercy. |
| Structure | Parallelism between Solomon’s prayer and the divine response; use of solemn vows and blessings. |
| Historical Context | Reflects Judean religious reforms of the post‑exilic period (5th‑4th century BCE) that emphasized temple worship, though the narrative itself is set in the 10th century BCE during Solomon’s reign. |
| Liturgical Use | Portions of the prayer are recited in Jewish liturgy, notably in the Hallel and Mizmor LeDavid (Psalm 29) parallels. |
| Manuscript Evidence | Attested in the Masoretic Text, the Septuagint (Greek translation), the Dead Sea Scrolls (fragmentary), and early Christian citations (e.g., the Didascalia Apostolorum). |
Related Topics
- Second Book of Chronicles – The larger biblical work in which the chapter appears.
- Solomon – The Israelite king who built the First Temple.
- First Temple – The sacred structure in Jerusalem consecrated in 2 Chronicles 6.
- Temple Dedication Prayers – Comparative liturgical texts in ancient Near Eastern and biblical traditions.
- Divine Presence (Shekhinah) – The theological concept of God’s indwelling that is highlighted in the chapter.
- Exilic and Post‑Exilic Theology – Scholarly frameworks that examine how the text reflects later theological concerns.
Note: The above information reflects scholarly consensus based on widely recognized biblical and academic sources.