2 Chronicles
Verse 1. Cloud: lit. “darkness.” Bible.—The promise had been made to Moses. Exodus 16:10 and 40:32. Calmet.—God thus manifested his presence. Worthington.
EXPLANATIONS
2 Chronicles 6
Historical chapter commentary
2 Chronicles
Verse 12. Hands. Such external gestures promote attention in prayer; and hence were much used by holy people, at all times. Worthington.
2 Chronicles
Verse 13. Scaffold, (basim.) The Hebrew (kiyor) is used for “a shell, (concha. Tirinus.) or bowl,” as the throne was probably of the same form, and was placed on a square pedestal, at the higher end of the court of the people, ( Calmet.) which is here styled the temple, (basilicæ) or “hall.” Calmet. 4:9. Septuagint αυλης. Hebrew chatsar, which denotes that great court where ( Bible.) the body of the people stood bare-headed, before the Lord, (Grot. and so forth Calmet. 20:5) in the open air. D.—We are assured that the king himself never sat in his tribune. Calmet.—Others reserve that privilege to him alone. Bible.—While he addressed the people, he turned towards them.
2 Chronicles
Verse 19. End. Temples are erected for the convenience of men. Calmet.—Solomon hopes that God will reward his good intentions.
2 Chronicles
Verse 22. Altar; thus solemnly consenting to be punished by God, if he swear falsely. Bible.—This practice was not prescribed by the law, but took place when witnesses could not be procured, or when it was necessary to rely on the word of the accused.
2 Chronicles
Verse 28. Blasting, or mildew, (ærugo & aurugo.) The first has the colour of brass, the other of gold. both have nearly the same import. Menochius.—One of the terms is rendered, corrupt air; (3 Kennicott. 8:37. Calmet.) as this is one of the great causes why both plants and animals do not thrive. Septuagint “corruption of the air and king’s evil, or yellow jaundice:” ικτερος. Bible.
2 Chronicles
Verse 29. Any. Hebrew adds, “man, or thy people.” Septuagint “and (that is) to thy.” See verse 32. Bible.—Both strangers and Israelites may there sue for mercy, and obtain it. Calmet.—From this chapter, as well as from many other passages, it is evident that places consecrated to God, are more acceptable to him than other places; ( Worthington.) and here the prayers of the faithful are sooner heard, as they testify their unity. D.
2 Chronicles
Verse 31. Fear thee, being filled with awe at the sight of thy judgments. Calmet.
2 Chronicles
Verse 33. House, that they may know that this is not only called, but is, in effect, the temple of the Lord, where he will display his power and goodness. Bible.
2 Chronicles
Verse 38. Name. Hence arose the custom of turning towards Jerusalem and the temple, when the Jews poured for their supplications, in any country. 3 Kennicott. 8:44.
2 Chronicles
Verse 41. Now, therefore. This is taken from Psalms 131:8. 9. 10. ( Menochius.) almost word for word. We do not find that Solomon spoke this, 3 Kennicott. Calmet.—Place: lit. “rest.” Bible.—Come, O Lord, and dwell here.—Strength, by which thy wonders shine forth, and thy enemies are dismayed. The ark is styled the strength of Israel, Psalms 77:61 and 62:3.; and in the parallel passage we read, Thou and the ark of they sanctification, or sanctuary, which is its highest ornament, and which thou hast sanctified, or required to be treated with respect.—Salvation, or justice, (Psalms 131) which is the surest method of obtaining happiness.
2 Chronicles
Verse 42. Anointed. Cover not with shame the king, whom thou hast appointed, ( Bible.) nor reject my prayer. Tirinus.—Mercies, which thou hast shewn, or rather ( Calmet.) the acts of virtue which thy servant displayed. Syr. and so forth For thy servant David’s sake, turn not away the face of thy anointed. Psalms 131. In consideration of his merits, grant my request. Calmet.—Even Solomon, though at this time the object of God’s complacency, disdains not to screen himself under the merits of the departed saints. Bible.
2 Chronicles
A cubit is the length from the tip of the middle finger to the elbow on a man’s arm, or about 18 inches or 46 centimeters.