Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Chronicles 6:41
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.
41. Now therefore arise ] This whole ver. corresponds (with some variation of reading) with 2Ch 6:8-9 of Psalms 132.
the ark of thy strength ] This appellation of the ark perhaps refers to its use in war; cp. 1Sa 4:3 ; 1Sa 4:6-7.
with salvation ] i.e. with victory. In Psa 132:9, with righteousness. The thought in Chron. and in Psalms 132. is the same, for through victory the human victor receives salvation (i.e. deliverance from the enemy), and the Divine Giver of victory asserts His righteousness (i.e. by giving victory to the right).
thy saints ] i.e. thy people Israel; cp. Psa 79:2; Psa 149:5. So in the N.T. the Christians as a body are spoken of as “saints” and “sanctified.”
rejoice in goodness ] Render (with R.V. mg.) rejoice in good, i.e. in prosperity. In Psalms 132. shout for joy.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 41. Let thy saints rejoice in goodness] “In the abundance of the tithes and other goods which shall be given to the Levites, as their reward for keeping the ark, and singing before it.” – Jarchi.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
O thou that sittest in the heavens. arise from the throne of thy glory, and come down into this place, which thou hast appointed for thy constant and fixed habitation, from which thou wilt not remove, as formerly thou hast done, from place to place.
Thou and the ark, i.e. thou in the ark.
Of thy strength; which is the sign and instrument of thy great power put forth from time to time on the behalf of thy people.
Let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, i.e. let them be adorned and encompassed on every side with thy protection and benediction. For he seems rather to speak of the salvation afforded to the priests, than of that which by Gods blessing on the priests labours is conferred upon the people; this being a prayer for Gods blessing upon the whole community, consisting of priests and people.
Let thy saints rejoice in goodness, i.e. let them have cause of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the effects of thy goodness imparted unto them.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
41. arise, O Lord God into thyresting-placeThese words are not found in the record of thisprayer in the First Book of Kings; but they occur in Ps132:8, which is generally believed to have been composed byDavid, or rather by Solomon, in reference to this occasion. “Arise”is a very suitable expression to be used when the ark was to beremoved from the tabernacle in Zion to the temple on Mount Moriah.
into thy resting-placethetemple so called (Isa 66:1),because it was a fixed and permanent mansion (Ps132:14).
the ark of thy strengththeabode by which Thy glorious presence is symbolized, and whence Thoudost issue Thine authoritative oracles, and manifest Thy power onbehalf of Thy people when they desire and need it. It might well bedesignated the ark of God’s strength, because it was through means ofit the mighty miracles were wrought and the brilliant victories werewon, that distinguish the early annals of the Hebrew nation. Thesight of it inspired the greatest animation in the breasts of Hispeople, while it diffused terror and dismay through the ranks oftheir enemies (compare Ps 78:61).
let thy priests . . . beclothed with salvationor with righteousness (Ps132:9), that is, be equipped not only with the pure white linengarments Thou hast appointed for their robe of office, but alsoadorned with the moral beauties of true holiness, that their personand services may be accepted, both for themselves and all the people.Thus they would be “clothed with salvation,” for that isthe effect and consequence of a sanctified character.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
[See comments on 2Ch 5:1].
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(41) Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place.The two verses (2Ch. 6:41-42) are slightly altered from Psa. 132:8-10. It would seem that the chronicler selected them as forming a more natural and appropriate conclusion to the Prayer of Dedication than that which he found in the older account. The aptness of the quotation may be admitted, without assuming that for want of this summons to take possession of the sanctuary, the point of the whole prayer is wanting in Kings (Zckler). The peroration of 1Ki. 8:50-53 is quite natural, though different; the closing thoughts being a return to those with which the prayer began, so that the prayer forms a well-rounded whole, and the suggestion of a lacuna is out of place. There is no difficulty in this view; the difficulty lies rather in maintaining the originality of these verses here. (Comp. the free adaptation of several late Psalms in the Hymn of Praise in 1Ch. 16:8, sqq.) The versification of the original psalm is neglected here, as there.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
(41) Now therefore.And now added by chronicler.
O Lord God.Iahweh lhm. This rare divine title occurs thrice in these two verses, but nowhere else in the prayer. The chronicler uses it as least eight times, but it does not appear at all in the books of Kings. In the Psalm we read simply Iahweh.
Into thy resting place.Nah. A late word, found besides only in Est. 9:16-18 (nah). In the Psalm it is mnhh, a common word.
The idea that the sanctuary is Gods resting-place is not in keeping with the spirit of the prayer. (Comp. 2Ch. 6:18; and the frequent expression, Hear Thou from heaven thy dwelling place.)
Let thy priests, O Lord God.Psa. 132:9. The Divine name is added here.
Salvation.Or, prosperity. The psalm has, with righteousness; but the other idea occurs a little after in 2Ch. 6:16.
Rejoice in goodness.Be glad at the good. A paraphrase of shout for joy in the psalm.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
DISCOURSE: 398
DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE
2Ch 6:41. 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.
THE fuller account of the dedication of Solomons Temple is given us in the 8th chapter of the First Book of Kings. But in this place we have a most interesting part of Solomons prayer, which in the former place is omitted. The piety and the pathos of these concluding sentences are worthy of the highest admiration. If we were to confine our notice of them to that particular occasion, they would be found replete with instruction: but, knowing as we do the figurative nature of that whole dispensation, we must of necessity point out the bearing of these words upon our own times, and upon the Christian Church: and for that purpose we will shew,
I.
What Solomon desired as the crown of all his labours
He had built the temple, which in grandeur and beauty exceeded any structure that ever existed upon earth; and he had deposited the ark in the place prepared for it. But he was not satisfied with having executed the office which God had so graciously assigned him: he desired that God would vouchsafe his presence in the temple, and render it the means of manifesting his own glory, and of dispensing his blessings to his favoured people: and, therefore, in this concluding prayer he implored,
1.
The special presence of the Deity in the temple, as His fixed abode
[The ark had hitherto dwelt only in a tabernacle which was moved from place to place. Henceforth it was to have an abiding resting-place in the temple. But in vain would the temple have been built, and in vain the ark fixed in its place, if God himself did not accompany the ark with his special presence. It had been hitherto the ark of Gods strength; because God had, on many occasions, wrought as it were in concert with it, exerting his almighty power wherever it went: but if he should detach himself from it, the people had already seen how incapable the ark itself was of affording them protection, when it had not been able even to protect itself from the Philistine army. Therefore Solomon prayed, that God himself would, by that symbol of his presence, the cloud of fire, abide upon it; and thereby give a public testimony of his approbation of the measures which had been adopted, and a visible pledge of his continued favour to his people.]
2.
An abundant effusion of his promised blessings on all who should frequent it
[Without this, no good end would be attained. Without this, God would not be glorified, nor sinners saved. Hence Solomon prayed for all, both priests and people, that the one might be clothed with salvation, and the other rejoice in goodness. That temporal prosperity was included in his petition is probable enough [Note: Neh 9:25.]: but, doubtless, spiritual blessings were chiefly solicited, as the portion of them all. A holy priesthood is an inestimable blessing to any people: for, if they who handle the Law transgress it [Note: Jer 2:8.], and they who should be a light to others are themselves in darkness [Note: Rom 2:19-21.], what can be expected, but that a general declension should ensue? Hence he desired that the priests should be, not merely habited in white garments, but clothed with righteousness and salvation; that so they might be examples to the flock, and edify the people to whom they ministered. In behalf of the people, too, he desired that they should find a rich feast in all Gods ordinances, being abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Gods house, and drinking there of the rivers of his pleasures [Note: Psa 36:8. with Isa 25:6.]. In a word, he desired that universal piety might prevail, and that the happiness attendant on it might be universally dispensed.]
But we hasten to shew,
II.
What infinitely richer blessings we may expect under our more perfect dispensation
The temple, with every thing pertaining to it, was a figure for the time then present, a shadow of good things to come.
[Here we must view the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the true Ark, in which the tables of the Law were deposited, and on which the mercy-seat was placed, and into which the angels desired with incessant scrutiny to search [Note: Heb 9:4-5. 1Pe 1:12.]. Yes, in the verse following my text, Solomon clearly refers to him: O Lord God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David, thy servant! What was the mercy here pre-eminently referred to? It was, that God in due time would raise up unto David that august progeny, who should sit upon his throne; and of whose kingdom there should be no end [Note: Luk 1:32-33.]. The very words of Solomon are so applied by the Prophet Isaiah [Note: Isa 55:3.], and so explained by St. Peter, who both cites them, and comments on them to this precise effect [Note: Act 13:34.]. But that which throws the fullest light upon this passage, is the 132d Psalm, (probably composed by Solomon himself on this very occasion,) wherein all the same expressions are twice used; first, in a way of prayer; and next, in a way of promise: and their prophetic reference to Christ is plainly and incontrovertibly declared: Arise, O Lord, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy: for thy servant Davids sake turn not away the face of thine anointed. The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne [Note: Psa 132:8-11; Psa 132:13-16. In this Psalm the Incarnation of Christ is specified: in the two preceding passages, the Resurrection. If this subject were taken for a Christmas-day or an Easterday, those citations which are the most appropriate should, of course, be most insisted on. As applied in a general way to the reign of Christ, they are equally proper; both of them being accomplishments of the same prophecy.].
What, then, in this sense of the passage, is the desire here expressed? It is simply this: Come, O blessed Lord, and dwell in thy house, as thou hast promised! Thou hast said, Wherever two or three are met together in my name, there am I in the midst of them: and again, Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world. Let it now be seen that thou art with us: manifest thyself unto us, as thou dost not unto the world: and let it be clearly shewn, by the mighty working of thy power upon our souls, that we are indeed thy people!]
The blessings we may expect are great, in proportion to the excellency of the dispensation under which we live
[What ministers may we not hope to find in the Christian Church, instructed us they are in the great mystery of redemption, and commissioned as they are to proclaim salvation to men through the sacrifice of their incarnate God! If they who bare the vessels of the Lord, under the Jewish dispensation, were required to be clean; much more should they be holy, and clothed with righteousness, who go forth as ambassadors from God, and stand in the very place of Christ, to preach the word of reconciliation to a guilty world [Note: 2Co 5:20.]. And what ought our people to be? What may we not expect from them who are thus divinely taught, and who have all the unsearchable riches of Christ imparted to them? We are told, that, by comprehending with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height of the love of Christ, we are to be filled with all the fulness of God [Note: Eph 3:18-19.]: and therefore we may well expect that those who, through the ministry of the Gospel, are led into the knowledge of these incomprehensible mysteries, will rejoice in all this goodness, yea, rejoice in it with a joy that is unspeakable and glorified. Certainly, the fruit of the Gospel should exceed that of the Law: for so are we taught in Scripture to expect, that the light of the moon in our day should be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun seven-fold [Note: Isa 30:26.]. Behold, says God, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad, and rejoice for ever, in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy: and I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying [Note: Isa 65:17-19.]. This, then, Brethren, is the blessedness I desire for you: and I pray God that all of us, both priest and people, may so walk, as to approve ourselves to Him, who assumed our nature, and tabernacled amongst us [Note: Joh 1:14. .], and laid down his life for us.]
To improve this subject, I would add,
1.
Let us consecrate our souls to God, as his temple
[Glorious as the Temple of Solomon was, and greatly as God honoured it by his presence, I hesitate not to say, that it was contemptible, in comparison of an abode which you may offer him in a broken and contrite spirit [Note: Isa 57:15; Isa 56:1-2.] The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, will come and take up their residence within you, Brethren, if you will but open the door of your hearts, and implore of them this high honour [Note: Joh 14:23.]. And what holiness and happiness you shall then possess, I need not say. Let every one of you seek this honour; and not one of you shall be disappointed of his hope ]
2.
Let us plead with him his great and precious promises
[Solomon entreats of God to remember the mercies promised to David. Thus take you every promise contained in Gods blessed word; and spread it before him. He bids you put him in remembrance, and declare your affiance in him [Note: Isa 43:26.]. And if you do this, you shall be constrained to acknowledge, as Joshua after an experience of fourscore years acknowledged, that not one of all the things which God has promised to you has ever failed [Note: Jos 23:14.] ]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
2Ch 6:41 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.
Ver. 41. Now therefore arise, O Lord God. ] Surge, age, Summe Pater: thus he inviteth the Lord to take possession of the temple, his resting place, where his ark should be no more transported, but settled for a long season.
Let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation.
a Jun.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
arise. The following words are found in Psa 68:1; Psa 132:8, Psa 132:9, by which Solomon connects his own work with David’s.
saints = gracious ones. Hebrew “men of grace”: i.e. those who are the subjects of Jehovah’s saving grace.
goodness = prosperity, well-being, blessedness.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
arise: Psa 132:8-10, Psa 132:16
thy resting: 1Ch 28:2, Isa 66:1
the ark: Jos 3:13, Jos 6:4, Jos 6:5, Psa 110:2, Rom 1:16
thy priests: Isa 59:16-18, Isa 61:3, Isa 61:6, Isa 61:10, Rom 13:14, Gal 3:27, Eph 4:22-24, Rev 19:8, Rev 19:14
thy saints: Neh 9:25, Psa 65:4, Psa 65:11, Isa 65:18, Isa 65:19, Zec 9:17, Phi 3:3, Phi 4:4
Reciprocal: 1Ki 8:59 – let these my words 1Ch 16:11 – his strength 2Ch 7:10 – goodness Psa 16:3 – the saints Psa 21:3 – blessings Psa 68:1 – God arise Psa 78:61 – his strength Psa 105:4 – his strength Jer 31:14 – satiate Eph 3:18 – with 1Pe 5:5 – be clothed
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ch 6:41. Arise, O Lord, into thy resting-place, &c. Thus he concludes his prayer with some expressions borrowed from one of his fathers Psalms, namely, Psalms 132. The whole word of God in general, and the Psalms in particular, are of use to direct us in prayer: and how can we express ourselves in better language to God, than in that of his own Spirit? But these words were peculiarly proper and suitable to be expressed now, because they had a reference to this very occasion on which Solomon used them. And, in quoting them, he prays that God would take and keep possession of the temple for himself, and make it, as it were, his resting- place, where he would continue to dwell. Thou, and the ark of thy strength Thou, in and by the ark, which is the sign and instrument of thy great power, put forth from time to time in behalf of thy people. Let thy priests be clothed with salvation Let them be saved from their sins, restored to thy favour and image, and be encompassed on every side with thy protection and benediction. And let thy saints rejoice in goodness Let them have cause of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the effects of thy goodness imparted to them.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
6:41 Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy {l} resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with {m} salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.
(l) That is, into your temple.
(m) Let them be preserved by your power, and made virtuous and holy.