What does 2 Chronicles 6:28 mean?
"¶ If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:" - 2 Chronicles 6:28
2 Chronicles 6:28 (KJV): "If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:"
In 2 Chronicles 6, King Solomon is dedicating the newly built temple to the Lord. This verse is a part of his prayer to God, in which he acknowledges the various calamities that could befall the people of Israel. Solomon's prayer shows his deep understanding of the potential hardships that the people may face, and his desire for God to be merciful and provide for them in times of trouble.
The verse is reflective of several important themes in the Bible, including the recognition of human frailty, the importance of seeking God's help in times of trouble, and the need for reliance on God in all circumstances. It also speaks to the broader biblical concept of the relationship between humanity and the natural world, as well as the presence of evil and suffering in the world.
The context of this verse is significant. Solomon's prayer is part of the dedication of the temple, a momentous occasion in Israelite history. The fact that Solomon includes these potential disasters in his prayer demonstrates his awareness of the unpredictability of life and the challenges that the people may face. By bringing these concerns before God, he is expressing his faith in God's ability to provide for and protect his people.
Symbolism abounds in this verse. The mention of "dearth" (meaning famine or scarcity) symbolizes the struggle for sustenance and the reliance on God for provision. "Pestilence" represents the fear of disease and the fragility of human life. "Blasting" and "mildew" represent the destruction of crops and livelihood, while "locusts" and "caterpillers" symbolize the devastation caused by insects. These symbols collectively reflect the hardships that can befall humanity, and the need for divine intervention to overcome them.
The mention of enemies besieging the cities of the land speaks to the threat of external forces and the vulnerability of the Israelites to attack. This symbolizes the constant struggle against evil and the need for protection from harm. Finally, the mention of "sore" and "sickness" alludes to the physical and emotional pain that can afflict individuals, emphasizing the universal nature of suffering and the need for healing.
Overall, 2 Chronicles 6:28 conveys a profound message about the human condition and the need for divine intervention in times of trouble. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the inherent vulnerabilities of humanity. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of turning to God for help and protection in the face of adversity. The verse also underscores the biblical theme of the sovereignty of God over all aspects of life, including the natural world and human affairs. Ultimately, it offers a message of hope and trust in the midst of hardship, highlighting the belief that God is capable of providing for and sustaining his people, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
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2 Chronicles 6:28 - "¶ If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:"
"¶ If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:" - 2 Chronicles 6:28
1 Chronicles 6:28 - "And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah."
2 Chronicles 28:6 - "¶ For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers."
2 Chronicles 28:3
2 Chronicles 20:28
"And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah." - 1 Chronicles 6:28
2 Chronicles 28:2 - "For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim."
2 Chronicles 20:28 - "And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 9:28 - "And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands."
1 Chronicles 2:28 - "And the sons of Onam were, Shammai, and Jada. And the sons of Shammai; Nadab, and Abishur."
2 Chronicles 28:17 - "For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives."
2 Chronicles 28:14 - "So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation."
2 Chronicles 18:28 - "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead."
2 Chronicles 28:16 - "¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him."
2 Chronicles 25:28 - "And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah."
2 Chronicles 28:20 - "And Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not."
2 Chronicles 6:13
2 Chronicles 28:22 - "¶ And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz."
2 Chronicles 28:4 - "He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."
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 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 29:28 - "And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished."
2 Chronicles 28:7 - "And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king."
2 Chronicles 6:2 - "But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever."
1 Chronicles 6:2 - "And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel."
2 Chronicles 28:26 - "¶ Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."
1 Chronicles 28:6 - "And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father."
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 28:19 - "For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD."