King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:28 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:28 in the King James Version says “If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if th...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be: in the cities: Heb. in the land of their gates”

2 Chronicles 6:28 · KJV

Context

26

When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them;

27

Then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance.

28

If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be: in the cities: Heb. in the land of their gates

29

Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house: in: or, toward this house

30

Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Covenant faithfulness and answered prayer. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Solomon's Dedication Prayer point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
רָעָ֞ב1 of 23

“If there be dearth”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

כִּֽי2 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִהְיֶ֣ה3 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ4 of 23

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

דֶּ֣בֶר5 of 23

“if there be pestilence”

H1698

a pestilence

כִּֽי6 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִ֠הְיֶה7 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שִׁדָּפ֨וֹן8 of 23

“if there be blasting”

H7711

blight

וְיֵֽרָק֜וֹן9 of 23

“or mildew”

H3420

paleness, whether of persons (from fright), or of plants (from drought)

אַרְבֶּ֤ה10 of 23

“locusts”

H697

a locust (from its rapid increase)

וְחָסִיל֙11 of 23

“or caterpillers”

H2625

the ravager, i.e., a locust

כִּ֣י12 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִֽהְיֶ֔ה13 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּ֧י14 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָֽצַר15 of 23

“besiege”

H6887

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

ל֛וֹ16 of 23
H0
אֹיְבָ֖יו17 of 23

“if their enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ18 of 23

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

שְׁעָרָ֑יו19 of 23

“them in the cities”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

כָּל20 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נֶ֖גַע21 of 23

“whatsoever sore”

H5061

a blow (figuratively, infliction); also (by implication) a spot (concretely, a leprous person or dress)

וְכָֽל22 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַחֲלָֽה׃23 of 23

“or whatsoever sickness”

H4245

sickness

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 6:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 6:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 5:13Ruth 1:1Revelation 9:3-11Joel 2:252 Chronicles 32:1Deuteronomy 28:21-61

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