King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 6:42 Mean?

2 Chronicles 6:42 in the King James Version says “O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 6:42 · KJV

Context

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

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 · 10 words
יְהוָ֣ה1 of 10

“O LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהִ֔ים2 of 10

“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

אַל3 of 10
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תָּשֵׁ֖ב4 of 10

“turn not away”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

פְּנֵ֣י5 of 10

“the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מְשִׁיחֶ֑ךָ6 of 10

“of thine anointed”

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

זָכְרָ֕ה7 of 10

“remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

לְחַֽסְדֵ֖י8 of 10

“the mercies”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

דָּוִ֥יד9 of 10

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃10 of 10

“thy servant”

H5650

a servant

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 6:42 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 6:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 55:3Psalms 132:1Psalms 89:28Acts 13:34Psalms 2:2Psalms 89:24

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