What does 2 Chronicles 6:23 mean?

"Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness." - 2 Chronicles 6:23

2 Chronicles 6:23 - "Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness."

2 Chronicles 6:23 (KJV): "Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness."

The book of 2 Chronicles is a historical account of the reign of King Solomon and the building and dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. This particular verse comes from the prayer of King Solomon at the dedication of the temple, in which he seeks God's guidance, protection, and justice for his people.

In this verse, Solomon implores God to hear from heaven and take action. He asks God to "requite the wicked" and "recompense his way upon his own head," and to "justify the righteous" and "give him according to his righteousness." This verse is a plea for divine justice and a recognition that God is the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong.

The themes present in this verse are justice, righteousness, and the sovereignty of God. Solomon is acknowledging that it is God's role to judge and recompense individuals according to their actions. This idea of divine justice is a common theme in the Bible, and it underscores the belief that God is just and fair in his dealings with humanity.

The context of this verse is important to understanding its significance. King Solomon had just finished building and dedicating the temple in Jerusalem, a monumental achievement that was central to the religious and political life of Israel. The dedication of the temple was a significant event for the Israelites, and Solomon's prayer at this time reflects his desire for God's continued presence and guidance.

The symbolism in this verse is powerful and multifaceted. The image of God "requiting the wicked" and "recompensing his way upon his own head" underscores the idea of divine judgment and the consequences of one's actions. It also speaks to the idea of accountability and the belief that ultimately, everyone will be held responsible for their choices.

On the other hand, the idea of God "justifying the righteous" and "giving him according to his righteousness" speaks to the concept of divine favor and blessing. It suggests that those who are righteous and upright will be rewarded for their faithfulness.

Overall, 2 Chronicles 6:23 is a prayer for divine justice and a recognition of God's sovereignty. It reflects the belief that God is the ultimate judge and that his justice is fair and righteous. This verse is a reminder to the reader of the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting in his wisdom and justice.

2 Chronicles 6:23 Artwork

1 Chronicles 6:23 - "Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son,"

2 Chronicles 23:6 - "But let none come into the house of the LORD, save the priests, and they that minister of the Levites; they shall go in, for they are holy: but all the people shall keep the watch of the LORD."

1 Chronicles 23:6 - "And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari."

1 Chronicles 23:2 - "¶ And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites."

1 Chronicles 6:2 - "And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel."

2 Chronicles 6:2 - "But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever."

2 Chronicles 23:2 - "And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem."

2 Chronicles 11:6 - "He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,"

2 Chronicles 23:21 - "And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword."

Matthew 6:23

1 Chronicles 23:23 - "The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three."

2 Kings 8:23 - "And the rest of the acts of Joram, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"

2 Chronicles 6:35 - "Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause."

2 Chronicles 23:16 - "¶ And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people."

2 Kings 23:28 - "Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"

2 Chronicles 36:2 - "Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem."

2 Chronicles 6:6 - "But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel."

2 Samuel 6:23 - "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death."

2 Chronicles 3:6 - "And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim."

2 Chronicles 12:6 - "Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous."

2 Chronicles 23:19 - "And he set the porters at the gates of the house of the LORD, that none which was unclean in any thing should enter in."

2 Chronicles 30:23 - "And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness."

2 Chronicles 29:23 - "And they brought forth the he goats for the sin offering before the king and the congregation; and they laid their hands upon them:"

1 Chronicles 2:6 - "And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all."

2 Chronicles 18:6 - "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?"

2 Chronicles 6:1 - "Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness."

2 Chronicles 34:23 - "¶ And she answered them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me,"

1 Chronicles 8:23 - "And Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan,"

2 Chronicles 9:23 - "¶ And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart."