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

2 CHRONICLES 6:35KJV
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2 Chronicles 6:35 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 6:35 mean?

2 Chronicles 6:35 is a prayer asking God to listen from heaven to the prayers and requests of His people and to support them in their cause. The verse expresses a hope that God will respond favorably when His people call out to Him, especially in times of need or conflict.

King Solomon is speaking these words during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, addressing God before the gathered Israelites. Solomon is asking God to pay attention to the prayers of the people, particularly when they are engaged in battle or facing challenges, and to act on their behalf to uphold justice or defend their position.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 6:35

  • "hear" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means to listen attentively or respond, not just to hear sounds. Solomon is asking God to be actively attentive to the people's prayers.
  • "heavens" (שָּׁמַיִם, shamayim): Refers to God's dwelling place, emphasizing that God is above and beyond the earthly realm, yet able to respond to human requests.
  • "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah) and "supplication" (תְּחִנָּה, techinnah): These words highlight both formal prayers and heartfelt pleas, showing that God is being asked to listen to every kind of request, whether structured or deeply personal.
  • "maintain" (עָשָׂה, asah) and "cause" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): "Asah" here carries the sense of acting or intervening, while "mishpat" means a legal case or just cause. Solomon is asking God to take action to uphold justice for His people.

Why 2 Chronicles 6:35 matters

  • This verse shows that Solomon sees prayer as more than ritual; it is a real appeal for God’s involvement in the lives and struggles of His people.
  • The verse connects to the larger prayer in this chapter, where Solomon asks God to respond to Israel in various situations, showing a deep trust in God's justice and care.
  • The use of both "prayer" and "supplication" emphasizes that God welcomes all kinds of communication from His people, whether formal or desperate, and is willing to act on their behalf.

Where else these words appear

“supplication” Hebrew H8467 · used in 24 verses

  • Joshua 11:20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Kings 8:54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.
  • Psalms 55:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

“prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
  • Job 16:17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.
  • Psalms 102:17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.