2 Chronicles 6 35

2 Chronicles 6:35 kjv

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

2 Chronicles 6:35 nkjv

then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

2 Chronicles 6:35 niv

then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause.

2 Chronicles 6:35 esv

then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause.

2 Chronicles 6:35 nlt

then hear their prayers from heaven and uphold their cause.

2 Chronicles 6 verses

2 Chronicles 6 35 Meaning

This verse is part of Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the Temple, specifically addressing a scenario where the people of Israel engage in battle against their adversaries as commanded by God. It expresses the petition that when they go forth to war and pray toward the Temple, God would hear their prayer and plea from His dwelling place in heaven, and act to ensure their just victory or vindication in the conflict. It emphasizes dependence on divine intervention for success in battles fought under God's authorization.

2 Chronicles 6 35 Context

2 Chronicles 6:35 is situated within King Solomon's monumental prayer of dedication for the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. This prayer (2 Chron 6:12-42, paralleled in 1 Kings 8) is a central theological passage, emphasizing God's omnipresence despite the Temple being a designated place for prayer and His name. Solomon outlines various scenarios where the people of Israel might face calamity (e.g., sin, defeat in battle, famine, plague, captivity), and in each case, he petitions God to hear their prayers from heaven when they turn toward the Temple. Specifically, verses 34-39 focus on circumstances where Israel is "sent" by God into battle or exile, seeking God's intervention. This particular verse addresses the instance of righteous warfare against enemies, highlighting the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where their obedience and humble appeal to Him, even in conflict, warrants His divine intervention and justice. Historically, Israel often faced existential threats from surrounding nations, making the concept of God fighting for them a critical aspect of their national identity and faith. The Temple served as the nexus for these petitions, embodying God's commitment to His people and providing a tangible direction for their prayers.

2 Chronicles 6 35 Word analysis

• then hear (וְשָׁמַעְתָּ - və·šāmā‘tā): This form is a Qal perfect verb with a consecutive vav, conveying a contingent command or request in this context: "then may You hear" or "that You may hear." The root shama (שמע) signifies not just passive listening, but active hearing that implies attentiveness and readiness to respond, often leading to action or obedience. Here, it is an appeal for God's active, responsive listening.
• from heaven (מִן־הַשָּׁמַיִם - min haš·šāmāyim): "Min" (מן) is a preposition meaning "from" or "out of." "Ha-shamayim" (השָּׁמַיִם) is the definite plural form of "shamayim," meaning "heavens" or "sky." It refers to God's transcendent dwelling place, His throne, distinct from the earthly Temple. This phrase emphasizes God's sovereign authority and His ability to intervene from His exalted abode.
• their prayer (תְּפִלָּתָם - təp̄ilātām): From the root palal (פלל), which means "to intervene," "to interpose," or "to pray." "Tefillah" (תְּפִלָּה) denotes a formal, deliberate prayer, an act of petition and intercession. It suggests a structured or earnest request addressed to God.
• and their plea (וְתַחֲנוּנֵיהֶם - vəṯaḥănūněhem): The vav is a conjunction "and." "Taḥănūn" (תַּחֲנוּן) is a supplication, an earnest entreaty or request for favor, often from a position of need or humility. It implies a cry for grace or mercy. The pairing of "prayer" and "plea" stresses the intensity and sincerity of their humble request.
• and uphold their cause (וְעָשִׂיתָ מִשְׁפָּטָם - və‘āśîṯā mišpāṭām): "V'asita" (וְעָשִׂיתָ) is "and You shall do" or "and You shall act." "Mishpatam" (מִשְׁפָּטָם) is "their judgment" or "their justice." The word "mishpat" (מִשְׁפָּט) carries broad meaning, including justice, judgment, right, custom, or ordinance. In a legal or conflict context, "doing mishpat" implies vindication, granting a righteous outcome, or upholding their just rights against an aggressors. Here, it means God intervening to establish their victory or justice in battle, rather than simply mediating a legal dispute. It conveys active divine intervention for their defense and triumph.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "then hear... from heaven": This phrase highlights God's divine transcendence yet His immanent capability to interact with humanity. Prayers are directed toward the ultimate authority in the heavenly realm, acknowledging His supreme power and His attentiveness to His people's cries from His dwelling. It underlines that ultimate power resides with God.
• "their prayer and their plea": The combination emphasizes the earnestness, sincerity, and comprehensive nature of their entreaty. "Prayer" covers the direct petition, while "plea" adds the nuance of humility and dependence on God's mercy or favor in their dire situation. It portrays a deep and heartfelt seeking of divine assistance.
• "and uphold their cause": This concludes the petition with the desired outcome: not just hearing, but active intervention that results in their vindication or triumph. It ties divine justice (mishpat) to their success in righteous warfare, implying that their battle is considered just in God's sight. This reflects God's role as the divine Warrior who vindicates His people and fights their battles when they are in His will.

2 Chronicles 6 35 Bonus section

• Theology of Holy War: This verse fits within the broader Old Testament theology of "holy war" or herem, where Israel's battles were often seen not merely as national conflicts but as extensions of God's sovereign will and judgment against evil. Success in these wars was predicated on obedience, purity, and seeking God, rather than military might alone.
• Direction of Prayer: The emphasis on praying "towards" the Temple (or later, Jerusalem, even in exile) was not a belief that God was confined to the building, but rather that the Temple represented God's chosen place for His name to dwell, symbolizing His covenant presence and providing a concrete focus for their petitions, linking their earthly requests to a divinely consecrated space.
• Solomon's Foresight: Solomon's comprehensive prayer anticipates future national challenges, demonstrating his understanding of Israel's recurring need for divine assistance, particularly in times of conflict. It establishes a pattern of prayer for future generations to follow.
• Echoes in New Covenant: While physical battles are not the focus for the New Testament believer, the principle of calling on God from our place of spiritual struggle (against sin, temptation, or spiritual forces) and trusting Him to "uphold our cause" or grant us victory, remains paramount. Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, intercedes for us in heaven, guaranteeing that our prayers made in His name are heard and acted upon.

2 Chronicles 6 35 Commentary

2 Chronicles 6:35 reflects a fundamental aspect of Israelite faith: the absolute reliance on God for success in battle. When His people embark on wars commanded or sanctioned by Him, they are called to pray towards the Temple, signifying their dependence on His presence and covenant promises. Solomon's petition here underscores that victory is not achieved through human might or strategy alone, but by God's direct intervention from His heavenly throne. God's "hearing" means more than simple reception of sound; it implies His attentive understanding and active response, which culminates in "upholding their cause"—that is, ensuring their righteous outcome or vindication in the conflict. This verse establishes prayer as a vital and effective means of engaging divine power, reminding God's people throughout history that God fights for those who sincerely seek Him and align with His purposes.