2 Chronicles 6:26

Authorized King James Version

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When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them;

Original Language Analysis

בְּהֵֽעָצֵ֧ר is shut up H6113
בְּהֵֽעָצֵ֧ר is shut up
Strong's: H6113
Word #: 1 of 19
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם When the heaven H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם When the heaven
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 2 of 19
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְלֹֽא H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְיֶ֥ה H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 4 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מָטָ֖ר and there is no rain H4306
מָטָ֖ר and there is no rain
Strong's: H4306
Word #: 5 of 19
rain
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 6 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֶֽחֶטְאוּ because they have sinned H2398
יֶֽחֶטְאוּ because they have sinned
Strong's: H2398
Word #: 7 of 19
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
לָ֑ךְ H0
לָ֑ךְ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 8 of 19
וְהִֽתְפַּֽלְל֞וּ against thee yet if they pray H6419
וְהִֽתְפַּֽלְל֞וּ against thee yet if they pray
Strong's: H6419
Word #: 9 of 19
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 10 of 19
near, with or among; often in general, to
הַמָּק֤וֹם toward this place H4725
הַמָּק֤וֹם toward this place
Strong's: H4725
Word #: 11 of 19
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
הַזֶּה֙ H2088
הַזֶּה֙
Strong's: H2088
Word #: 12 of 19
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
וְהוֹד֣וּ and confess H3034
וְהוֹד֣וּ and confess
Strong's: H3034
Word #: 13 of 19
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 14 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמֶ֔ךָ thy name H8034
שְׁמֶ֔ךָ thy name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 15 of 19
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
מֵֽחַטָּאתָ֥ם from their sin H2403
מֵֽחַטָּאתָ֥ם from their sin
Strong's: H2403
Word #: 16 of 19
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
יְשׁוּב֖וּן and turn H7725
יְשׁוּב֖וּן and turn
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 17 of 19
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 18 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַֽעֲנֵֽם׃ when thou dost afflict H6031
תַֽעֲנֵֽם׃ when thou dost afflict
Strong's: H6031
Word #: 19 of 19
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

Analysis & Commentary

When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them;

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.

Historical 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.

Questions for Reflection