If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;

2 CHRONICLES 6:34KJV
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2 Chronicles 6:34 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 6:34 mean?

2 Chronicles 6:34 describes a situation where the people of Israel go out to fight their enemies, and if they pray to God while facing the city God has chosen and the temple built for His name, Solomon asks God to hear their prayers. The verse highlights the importance of turning to God in times of conflict, especially by focusing prayers toward Jerusalem and the temple as a central place of God's presence.

Solomon is speaking during the dedication of the temple, praying publicly to God on behalf of the people. He is asking God to listen to Israel’s prayers even when they are far from home, specifically during times of war that God Himself has sent them into. This verse is part of a longer prayer where Solomon asks God to honor the temple as a place where prayers are heard, connecting the people’s faithfulness to the physical place God chose.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 6:34

  • "people" (עָם, ʿam): This word refers to the nation or group as a whole, emphasizing that Solomon is praying for all Israel, not just individuals.
  • "pray" (פָּלַל, palal): This verb means to intercede or make a request to God, highlighting the act of seeking God’s help and favor, especially in desperate situations like war.
  • "city" (עִיר, ʿir) and "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): These words focus attention on Jerusalem and the temple, which are seen as chosen and special places where God’s presence dwells and where prayers are directed.

Why 2 Chronicles 6:34 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple and Jerusalem are not just religious symbols, but are meant to be focal points for the nation’s prayers, even when the people are far away.
  • It shows that Solomon expects God to be involved in the people’s battles, and that victory is connected to seeking God’s help, not just military strength.
  • The verse fits into Solomon’s larger prayer, which repeatedly asks God to hear and respond to prayers made toward the temple, setting a pattern for how the Israelites would seek God’s help in future generations.

Where else these words appear

“pray” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 1 Kings 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
  • Job 42:10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.