2 Chronicles 6:34-35
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Notice how the verse doesn't just say "when they go to battle," but "when your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way you shall send them." This highlights God's direct involvement, not just in their decision to fight, but in the very sending and the circumstances of the battle itself. It means even in warfare, their allegiance and prayer are meant to be directed back to Him, no matter where the fight takes them.
“If your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way you shall send them, and they pray to you toward this city that you have chosen and the house that I have built for your name, then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of Solomon's extended prayer dedicating the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. He's speaking to God, outlining various scenarios where the Israelites might need divine intervention, including when they are at war. The prayer continues to list other troubles, emphasizing the importance of facing Jerusalem and the Temple when they seek God's help.
When facing overwhelming odds, where do you naturally turn for help? Solomon points to a specific direction for prayer.
The Chosen City and House
Solomon, dedicating the magnificent Temple, acknowledges that even in times of conflict, God's people have a designated place and way to direct their prayers. This isn't about magic or superstition, but about recognizing God's dwelling place among them – Jerusalem and the Temple. It signifies acknowledging God's sovereignty and His chosen means of relating to them.
A Symbol of Faith
Praying 'toward this city' and 'the house that I have built for your name' was a visible act of faith. It meant acknowledging that their help came not from their own strength or strategy alone, but from the Lord who resided symbolically in the Temple. It was a tangible reminder of their covenant relationship with God.
War is brutal and chaotic. How does prayer find its place amidst the roar of conflict?
Faith in the Midst of Warfare
The verse places prayer directly within the context of war. This isn't a passive hope but an active seeking of God's intervention when facing enemies. It teaches that even in situations requiring human courage and action, the ultimate reliance is on God.
God's Initiative, Our Response
Solomon frames this prayer by saying, 'by whatever way you shall send them.' This implies that the conflict itself, and the journey into it, is under God's ultimate authority. Therefore, the people's response is not to despair or rely solely on might, but to pray, trusting that God hears them even as they advance.
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Understand the original words
tephillah / techinnah · Hebrew Noun
A place or act of petitioning God, acknowledging dependence upon Him and seeking His divine intervention, mercy, or guidance in times of need.
diyn · Hebrew Verb
To judge, vindicate, or execute justice on behalf of someone; maintaining a cause implies defending the righteous and ensuring their rights are upheld within the covenant relationship.
Solomon's prayer during the Temple's dedication sets the stage for understanding how God's people were meant to orient their worship and appeals towards Jerusalem, even when facing distant battles or exile.
c. 970 BC
David Plans the Temple
King David desired to build a permanent house for the Ark of the Covenant and the Lord's presence, but God assigned this task to his son Solomon.
c. 966 BC
Solomon Begins Temple Construction
Solomon commenced building the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father's vision and dedicating it to the Lord's name.
c. 959 BC— this verse
Temple Dedication and Prayer
Upon completing the Temple, Solomon led a grand dedication ceremony, offering a lengthy prayer that included specific petitions for future generations, like the one in this verse.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah (which included Jerusalem).
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its people and scattering them.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the Judean population. This event tragically highlighted the need for God's people to pray towards Jerusalem even in their distress.
This passage describes Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple, echoing the same theme of praying towards Jerusalem when going out to battle.
Psalm 20:1-5This psalm offers a prayer for deliverance and victory in battle, highlighting the importance of God's help and the people's trust when facing enemies.
Isaiah 2:1-4This prophecy speaks of a future time when nations will flow to the mountain of the Lord, where He will teach His ways, offering a broader vision of God's presence and peace connected to Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 4:14During a time of rebuilding and facing opposition, Nehemiah reminds the people to remember the Lord in battle, showing a practical application of relying on God amidst conflict.
Notice how the verse doesn't just say "when they go to battle," but "when your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way you shall send them." This highlights God's direct involvement, not just in their decision to fight, but in the very sending and the circumstances of the battle itself. It means even in warfare, their allegiance and prayer are meant to be directed back to Him, no matter where the fight takes them.
This passage is part of Solomon's extended prayer dedicating the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. He's speaking to God, outlining various scenarios where the Israelites might need divine intervention, including when they are at war. The prayer continues to list other troubles, emphasizing the importance of facing Jerusalem and the Temple when they seek God's help.
This passage is part of Solomon's extended prayer dedicating the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. He's speaking to God, outlining various scenarios where the Israelites might need divine intervention, including when they are at war. The prayer continues to list other troubles, emphasizing the importance of facing Jerusalem and the Temple when they seek God's help.
"“If your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way you shall send them, and they pray to you toward this city that you have chosen and the house that I have built for your name, then hear from heaven their prayer and t…" — Notice how the verse doesn't just say "when they go to battle," but "when your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way you shall send them." This highlights God's direct involv…
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Last reviewed October 2026
