King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:34 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:34 in the King James Version says “If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward t...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;”

2 Chronicles 6:34 · KJV

Prayer

Context

32

Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house;

33

Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name. this: Heb. thy name is called upon this house

34

If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;

35

Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. cause: or, right

36

If they sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near; they carry them away captives: Heb. they that take them captives carry them away

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;

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 · 21 words
כִּֽי1 of 21
H3588

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

יֵצֵ֨א2 of 21

“go out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

עַמְּךָ֤3 of 21

“If thy people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לַמִּלְחָמָה֙4 of 21

“to war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

עַל5 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֹ֣יְבָ֔יו6 of 21

“against their enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

דֶּ֣רֶךְ7 of 21

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תִּשְׁלָחֵ֑ם9 of 21

“that thou shalt send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וְהִתְפַּֽלְל֣וּ10 of 21

“them and they pray”

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

אֵלֶ֗יךָ11 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דֶּ֣רֶךְ12 of 21

“by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הָעִ֤יר13 of 21

“this city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּאת֙14 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּחַ֣רְתָּ16 of 21

“which thou hast chosen”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בָּ֔הּ17 of 21
H0
וְהַבַּ֖יִת18 of 21

“and the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲשֶׁר19 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּנִ֥יתִי20 of 21

“which I have built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

לִשְׁמֶֽךָ׃21 of 21

“for thy name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

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 6:34 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 6:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 20:6-13Joshua 8:1-82 Chronicles 18:31Joshua 1:2-51 Kings 8:132 Chronicles 14:9-12

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