Understanding 2 Chronicles 6:19

Bible Verse: 2 Chronicles 6:19 - “Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee: "

Summary of Meaning

This verse reflects Solomon's acknowledgment of God’s attentiveness to the prayers of His people, highlighting God's responsive nature and the significance of earnest prayer. Solomon's request emphasizes the importance of divine favor and God's willingness to listen to the supplications of His chosen servants.

Commentary Insights

Public domain commentaries provide depth to the understanding of this verse. Below are some insights combined from noted sources:

• Matthew Henry: He emphasizes that Solomon, in his dedication of the temple, not only acknowledges God's greatness but also expresses a profound desire for God to hear his prayers. Henry notes that this request demonstrates the attitude of humility and dependence upon God, which is central to effective prayer.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes highlights the significance of prayer in the life of believers, underlining that God regards the prayers of His people. He points out that the specific mention of “respect” indicates God’s careful attention to the calls of His servants, which reinforces the covenant relationship between God and His people.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke explains that Solomon's prayer encapsulates a crucial aspect of worship; it acknowledges human reliance on divine grace. He also suggests that Solomon serves as a mediator, representing the people to God, which foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Christ. Clarke stresses the character of God as one who is responsive and compassionate to the cries of His creation.

Bible Verse Cross-References

To fully comprehend the themes within 2 Chronicles 6:19, we can identify several related passages that illuminate the text:

• 1 Kings 8:28-30: Solomon's similar plea for God to hear the prayers made in this temple setting.
• Psalms 34:15: The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, suggesting God's attentive nature toward prayer.
• Psalms 145:18: The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, showcasing God's nearness to those who pray.
• Jeremiah 29:12-13: God's promise to hear from His people when they pray to Him with sincerity.
• Isaiah 65:24: God’s assurance that He will answer before they call, reflecting His readiness to respond to prayer.
• Matthew 7:7: Jesus’ instruction to ask, seek, and knock, reaffirming the concept of persistence in prayer.
• James 5:16: The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, encouraging believers to pray fervently.
• 1 Peter 3:12: The Lord’s ears are open to the prayers of the righteous, indicating God’s approval of their supplications.
• Hebrews 4:16: We are invited to approach the throne of grace with confidence, which aligns with Solomon’s prayer for God’s attentiveness.
• 1 John 5:14: Assurance of God hearing our requests when we ask according to His will, relating directly to Solomon’s supplication.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

The connection between 2 Chronicles 6:19 and the aforementioned verses creates a rich tapestry of understanding regarding prayer, God’s responsiveness, and His covenant with humanity. These verses collectively reinforce the following themes:

• Divine Attention: God listens to those who earnestly seek Him.
• Covenant Relationship: A consistent theme of God’s faithfulness in hearing prayers of His covenant people.
• Importance of Prayer: Encouragement to engage in prayer, emphasized across both Testaments.
• Humility in Approach: The necessity of approaching God with the right heart posture, as seen in Solomon’s prayer.
• Mediation: The role of appointed mediators in prayer, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Inter-Biblical Dialogue

This verse also facilitates inter-Biblical dialogue about prayer and divine responsiveness, connecting Old Testament practices to New Testament teachings. These connections serve as a reminder of the continuity in God’s dealing with humanity, from the days of Solomon to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

For those interested in further exploring these connections, consider utilizing various tools such as:

• Bible concordances to find keywords and phrases.
• Bible cross-reference guides that provide thematic links.
• Cross-reference Bible study materials for in-depth analyses.

Conclusion

2 Chronicles 6:19 serves as a heartfelt reminder of the importance of prayer and God's willingness to engage with His people. By studying this verse in conjunction with related passages, believers can gain a deeper understanding of the power of prayer and the faithful character of God. For those seeking to uncover the rich tapestry of Biblical interconnections, cross-referencing can yield insights that enhance both personal study and corporate worship.