King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:41 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:41 in the King James Version says “Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God,...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.”

2 Chronicles 6:41 · KJV

StrengthSalvation

Context

39

Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee. cause: or, right

40

Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. unto: Heb. to the prayer of this place

41

Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

42

O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

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 · 16 words
וְעַתָּ֗ה1 of 16
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

קוּמָ֞ה2 of 16

“Now therefore arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְהוָ֤ה3 of 16

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהִים֙4 of 16

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְֽנוּחֶ֔ךָ5 of 16

“into thy resting”

H5118

quiet

אַתָּ֖ה6 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וַֽאֲר֣וֹן7 of 16

“place thou and the ark”

H727

a box

עֻזֶּ֑ךָ8 of 16

“of thy strength”

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

כֹּֽהֲנֶ֜יךָ9 of 16

“let thy priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

יְהוָ֤ה10 of 16

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהִים֙11 of 16

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִלְבְּשׁ֣וּ12 of 16

“be clothed”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

תְשׁוּעָ֔ה13 of 16

“with salvation”

H8668

rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

וַֽחֲסִידֶ֖יךָ14 of 16

“and let thy saints”

H2623

properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)

יִשְׂמְח֥וּ15 of 16

“rejoice”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בַטּֽוֹב׃16 of 16

“in goodness”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

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 6:41 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 6:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 28:2Isaiah 61:10Psalms 132:8-10Nehemiah 9:25Psalms 132:16Isaiah 66:1

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