What does 2 Chronicles 6:32 mean?

"¶ Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house;" - 2 Chronicles 6:32

2 Chronicles 6:32 - "¶ Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house;"

2 Chronicles 6:32 (KJV) states:

"Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house;"

2 Chronicles 6:32 speaks to the inclusivity of God's love and the universal nature of His grace. In this verse, King Solomon, the son of David, is speaking at the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. He prays for the foreigner or the stranger, who is not of the people of Israel, who has come from a distant land to pray in God's house. This prayer reflects the compassion and openness of God towards all people, regardless of their nationality or background.

The theme of inclusivity and the recognition of the diversity of God's creation is a central aspect of this verse. It emphasizes the fact that God's love extends to all people, not just to a select few. It shows that God is not limited by human boundaries or distinctions, and His love and grace are available to everyone who seeks Him. This message is particularly relevant in a world where there is often conflict and division between different ethnic and cultural groups. The verse underscores the idea that in God's eyes, there is no "us" and "them" but rather a collective humanity that is loved and cherished by the Creator.

The historical and cultural context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. During the time of King Solomon, the nation of Israel was at the peak of its prosperity and power. The construction of the temple in Jerusalem was a symbol of this strength and was intended to be a central place of worship for the Israelites. However, in his prayer, King Solomon acknowledges that the temple is not just for the people of Israel, but for all who seek God's presence. This was a radical and forward-thinking notion in a society that often viewed foreigners with suspicion and hostility. King Solomon's words reflect a more compassionate and inclusive vision of God's kingdom that transcends national boundaries and tribal affiliations.

The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The "stranger" or "foreigner" represents anyone outside of the community of Israel. This individual is coming from a distant land, seeking the presence of God in the temple. This signifies the universal longing for connection with the divine and the recognition that God's house is a place of refuge and worship for all people. The "great name" and "mighty hand" of God mentioned in the verse symbolize His power and authority, which are not limited to a specific group of people but are available to all who come to Him in faith.

In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 6:32 conveys a powerful message of inclusivity and universal love. It challenges us to embrace the diversity of God's creation and recognize that His grace extends to all people, regardless of their background or nationality. This verse serves as a reminder that in God's eyes, there are no barriers or divisions, only a shared humanity that is beloved by the Creator. It calls us to extend the same compassion and openness to others, welcoming strangers into our midst and showing them the love of God.

2 Chronicles 6:32 Artwork

2 Chronicles 32:6 - "And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,"

2 Chronicles 32:2 - "And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,"

2 Chronicles 32:32 - "Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."

2 Chronicles 32:20 - "And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven."

1 Chronicles 2:32 - "And the sons of Jada the brother of Shammai; Jether, and Jonathan: and Jether died without children."

2 Chronicles 32:16 - "And his servants spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant Hezekiah."

2 Chronicles 32:28 - "Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks."

2 Chronicles 20:32 - "And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD."

1 Chronicles 6:32 - "And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order."

2 Chronicles 32:10 - "Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem?"

2 Chronicles 32:19 - "And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, which were the work of the hands of man."

2 Chronicles 18:32 - "For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him."

2 Chronicles 32:7 - "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:"

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 34:32 - "And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers."

2 Chronicles 32:29 - "Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much."

2 Chronicles 32:24 - "¶ In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign."

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

Dan 2:32

2 Chronicles 32:18 - "Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city."

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

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 Chronicles 32:3 - "He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him."

2 Chronicles 32:1 - "After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself."

1 Chronicles 11:32 - "Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,"

2 Chronicles 32:23 - "And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth."

2 Chronicles 32:25 - "But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem."

2 Chronicles 32:22 - "Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side."