2 Chronicles 6:1-11 Click here for Bible VersesHi GAMErs,
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is 2 Chronicles 6:1-11. Let’s go!
2 Chronicles 6:1-3 (NIV)
1 Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud;
2 I have built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever.”
3 While the whole assembly of Israel was standing there, the king turned around and blessed them.
On verses 1-2: Remember that just before Solomon speaks in verse 1, to everyone’s surprise a cloud representing God’s glory has miraculously filled the temple (see 5:13-14). It’s a glorious, unexpected and possibly scary sight. As Solomon wants to continue on with the temple dedication service, his segue way is brilliant. By saying, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud” (v1), Solomon reminds the people how in famous times past God also appeared to Moses in a cloud and thick darkness (Exodus 20:21; Psalm 97:2). In this way, Solomon reassures the people that God is with them. He helps them to see that the way God is working in their midst right now is consistent with how God has worked in times past. Solomon also shows the people the significance of this present moment, as they get to dedicate a temple as God’s new dwelling place (v2).
What can we learn from this? When you and the people in your care experience something amazing, incredible, surprising or unexpected, turn it into a teachable moment. Think back to times past when God has worked in similar ways. In this way you will receive encouragement, comfort or insight for your current situation. Just as Solomon took that unexpected situation with the cloud and turned around and blessed the people (v3), take those unexpected and surprising moments and turn them around into opportunities to bless the people who are with you.
2 Chronicles 6:4-11 (NIV)
4 Then he said: “Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who with his hands has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to my father David. For he said,
5 ‘Since the day I brought my people out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel to have a temple built for my Name to be there, nor have I chosen anyone to be the leader over my people Israel.
6 But now I have chosen Jerusalem for my Name to be there, and I have chosen David to rule my people Israel.’
7 “My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
8 But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my Name, you did well to have this in your heart.
9 Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, who is your own flesh and blood–he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.’
10 “The LORD has kept the promise he made. I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the LORD promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of theLORD, the God of Israel.
11 There I have placed the ark, in which is the covenant of the LORD that he made with the people of Israel.”
On verses 4-11: Here Solomon praises God for choosing Jerusalem as his special city, for choosing David to be the ruler of His people Israel (v6), and for being faithful to His promise to have a son of David sit on David’s throne and build a temple for His name (v10).
What can we learn from this?
- Pastor Jon Courson makes an interesting note here. He notes that God chose Jerusalem even though arguably Samaria was a far prettier city. In Samaria, where King Ahab and Jezebel would later build their palace, you could look west and see the Mediterranean Sea. You could look east and see the Jordan River. You could look north and see Mount Hermon. You could look south and see Jerusalem. And yet God did not choose Samaria as the place for his dwelling. Instead, he chose Jerusalem as the place where the temple would be built. (Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Old Testament Volume 1) It reminds me of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 when he says,
27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.
In other words, God chooses ordinary people in ordinary places to do His will. So if you feel ordinary, guess what? You’re in prime position to be used by God.
- Notice how the phrase “for My Name” (or “for the Name of the Lord”) shows up in every verse from verse 5 to verse 10. At this time, Solomon’s focus is clear. He realizes that this temple and all the building, celebrating and magnificence is for God’s name alone. May we too be people who live for no other name than the name of Jesus. As the song “Take It All” by Marty Sampson and Hillsong Church says, “Jesus, we’re living for Your name. We’ll never be ashamed of You.”
- God is faithful to His promises (v4, 10-11).
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing ordinary people in ordinary places to do extraordinary things with You and for Your name. May I live for no other name than the name of Jesus. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
