Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

2 CHRONICLES 6:41KJV
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2 Chronicles 6:41 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 6:41 mean?

2 Chronicles 6:41 is a prayer asking God to come into His temple and make it His resting place, along with the ark that represents His power. The verse also asks that the priests be covered with salvation and that God’s faithful people celebrate His goodness.

King Solomon is speaking during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, addressing God in front of the gathered people. Solomon’s prayer recognizes the temple as God’s chosen dwelling and asks for God’s presence to fill it. The verse expresses a desire for God’s blessing on both the priests, who serve in the temple, and the people, who are called to rejoice in God’s kindness.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 6:41

  • "arise" (קוּם, qum): This word often means to stand up or take action. Here, it is a call for God to actively enter the temple, not just to be present in spirit but to make His presence known.
  • "resting" (מְנוּחָה, menuchah): This word means a place of rest or settling down. It highlights the temple as a place where God’s presence is meant to dwell in peace, not just visit.
  • "ark" (אָרוֹן, aron): Refers to the ark of the covenant, a symbol of God’s strength (עֹז, oz) and His special relationship with Israel. Mentioning the ark emphasizes the centrality of God’s power and promises.
  • "clothed" (לָבַשׁ, lavash) and "salvation" (יֵשַׁע, yesha): To be "clothed with salvation" is a picture of the priests being covered or surrounded by God’s saving help, not just in a spiritual sense but as a mark of their role and blessing.

Why 2 Chronicles 6:41 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple was not just a building but was meant to be filled with God’s living presence, making it a true "resting place" for Him among His people.
  • The prayer for the priests to be "clothed with salvation" shows that their service depended on God’s help and blessing, not just their own efforts or rituals.
  • The focus on the people ("saints") rejoicing in goodness connects the worship of God in the temple to the joy and well-being of the whole community, not just the leaders or priests.

Where else these words appear

“resting” Hebrew H5118 · used in 4 verses

  • Esther 9:16 But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,
  • Esther 9:17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Esther 9:18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

“salvation” Hebrew H8668 · used in 32 verses

  • Judges 15:18 And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?
  • 1 Chronicles 19:12 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee.
  • Psalms 119:41 VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

“saints” Hebrew H2623 · used in 32 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:8 And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;
  • Psalms 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
  • Psalms 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

“strength” Hebrew H5797 · used in 92 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
  • Proverbs 10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.