2 Chronicles 6:37
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Notice that their prayer of repentance begins after they've been carried away captive. It's not about avoiding hardship, but about turning back to God in the midst of it, recognizing their sin even in that desperate situation. This shows us that true repentance can emerge from the darkest places, fueled by a deep acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
yet if they turn their heart in the land to which they have been carried captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned and have acted perversely and wickedly,’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Solomon has just finished dedicating the magnificent Temple, praying for God's presence and protection over His people. This particular verse is part of a lengthy prayer where Solomon acknowledges that, despite the Temple and God's promises, Israel will inevitably fail and face exile. He's anticipating the consequences of their disobedience, outlining a path to reconciliation even when they are far from their homeland.
Imagine being far from home, in a land that isn't yours, facing the consequences of your actions. Does God even notice?
Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6 acknowledges the harsh reality of exile. The people of Israel would be taken captive to foreign lands because of their disobedience. Yet, even in this desperate situation, Solomon brings a radical message of hope: God hears.
This isn't just a casual hearing; it's an attentive, compassionate listening. God's ear is turned towards His people, even when they are at their lowest point, far from the land He gave them. This prayer reveals a God who doesn't abandon His people when they mess up, but provides a pathway back to Him, no matter how far they've strayed.
What does it really mean to 'turn your heart'? It's more than just feeling sorry; it's a deep, internal shift.
The crucial phrase here is 'if they turn their heart.' This isn't about God changing His mind about their exile; it's about His people changing their orientation towards Him. A 'turned heart' signifies a complete reorientation – a move away from sin and self and a decisive turn towards God.
This turning involves:
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This internal transformation is the key that unlocks God's compassionate response, even from the depths of their captivity.
Understand the original words
shuv · Hebrew Verb
To turn back or return; in a theological sense, it describes the act of turning away from sin and toward God, often synonymous with repentance.
shuv · Hebrew Verb
A sincere change of mind and direction toward God; it involves confession of sin, regret, and a commitment to forsake evil and follow God's ways.
avah · Hebrew Verb
To act with moral crookedness or rebellion; it denotes a willful departure from the path of righteousness and a distortion of God's intended order.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, and a significant portion of its population is exiled. This event serves as a precursor to later exiles.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon leads his first campaign against Judah, deporting some of the royal family and elite to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Babylon deports more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, and removes more treasures from Jerusalem. The kingdom is weakened significantly.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroy Jerusalem and its sacred Temple. The majority of the remaining population is exiled to Babylon, leaving Judah largely desolate.
c. 550-539 BC
Babylonian Captivity
The Judean exiles live in Babylon, maintaining their religious identity despite their displacement. This period is marked by longing for Jerusalem and repentance.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great overthrows the Babylonian Empire. This political shift paves the way for the eventual return of the exiles.
This passage beautifully echoes the same promise of return and restoration that is dependent on a sincere turning of the heart back to God, even after widespread scattering.
Nehemiah 1:6Nehemiah's prayer here directly reflects the confession of sin and wickedness made by the returned exiles, mirroring the words and heart attitude described in 2 Chronicles 6:37.
Psalm 106:6This Psalm vividly describes the Israelites' historical sinfulness and acknowledges their confession before God, aligning with the penitent spirit detailed in the verse.
Jeremiah 29:12-13This prophetic word offers a direct promise from God: when His people seek Him wholeheartedly and with repentant hearts, even from exile, they will be found.
Luke 15:18The prodigal son's realization and confession, 'I have sinned against heaven and before you,' captures the essence of the repentant heart described in this verse, returning to the Father after straying.
Notice that their prayer of repentance begins after they've been carried away captive. It's not about avoiding hardship, but about turning back to God in the midst of it, recognizing their sin even in that desperate situation. This shows us that true repentance can emerge from the darkest places, fueled by a deep acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
Solomon has just finished dedicating the magnificent Temple, praying for God's presence and protection over His people. This particular verse is part of a lengthy prayer where Solomon acknowledges that, despite the Temple and God's promises, Israel will inevitably fail and face exile. He's anticipating the consequences of their disobedience, outlining a path to reconciliation even when they are far from their homeland.
Solomon has just finished dedicating the magnificent Temple, praying for God's presence and protection over His people. This particular verse is part of a lengthy prayer where Solomon acknowledges that, despite the Temple and God's promises, Israel will inevitably fail and face exile. He's anticipating the consequences of their disobedience, outlining a path to reconciliation even when they are far from their homeland.
"yet if they turn their heart in the land to which they have been carried captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned and have acted perversely and wickedly,’" — Notice that their prayer of repentance begins after they've been carried away captive. It's not about avoiding hardship, but about turning back to God in the midst of it, recognizing their sin ev…
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Last reviewed October 2026
