2 Chronicles 6:28 – “When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come,”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Solomon continues his prayer during the dedication of the temple, listing various disasters that could afflict the people of Israel, such as famine, plague, crop failure, or attacks by enemies. Solomon is acknowledging that these calamities may occur as a result of the people’s sin or simply as part of living in a fallen world. He presents these scenarios as situations in which the people would need to turn back to God in prayer, seeking His mercy and deliverance.
Solomon is aware that hardships—whether natural disasters, agricultural crises, or military threats—are a part of life. His prayer is that when these things happen, the people will recognize their need for God and come to Him for help. This verse highlights the idea that, in times of trouble, God is the one to whom His people should turn.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, agricultural prosperity was crucial for survival. Famine, plagues, or infestations of locusts were devastating because they affected the food supply, economy, and overall well-being of the people. Blight and mildew could destroy crops, while enemy sieges could cut off access to food and water, leading to starvation. These disasters were often seen as either judgments from God due to disobedience or as tests of faith in which the people needed to rely on God for deliverance.
In the covenant God made with Israel, blessings were promised for obedience, but curses—including these kinds of disasters—were warned as consequences of disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-24). Solomon, understanding this covenantal relationship, prays that if the people face such calamities, they would turn to the temple, pray, and seek God’s mercy.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us several theological principles. First, it shows that life’s challenges and disasters can serve as reminders of our dependence on God. Whether through natural causes or the result of human sin, calamities point to the brokenness of the world and our need to turn to God for help, protection, and healing.
Second, the verse reflects the idea that sin often brings consequences, but that those consequences can lead people back to God. Throughout the Bible, we see examples where God uses hardship to wake people up to their need for repentance and to call them back into relationship with Him.
Finally, this verse shows the importance of prayer in times of crisis. Solomon’s prayer emphasizes that, no matter what disaster or hardship comes, the people’s response should be to seek God in prayer. This underscores the power and necessity of turning to God when faced with overwhelming situations.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses a list of specific disasters—famine, plague, blight, mildew, locusts, grasshoppers, and sieges—to cover a wide range of potential hardships that Israel might face. The repeated use of “or” emphasizes the various forms that adversity can take, showing that trouble can come in many forms. The phrase “whatever disaster or disease may come” serves as a summary, suggesting that no matter the specifics, the response should always be to turn to God.
The structure of the verse is forward-looking, presenting these calamities as potential events that could happen in the future. Solomon anticipates that the people will face difficulties and asks God to be merciful when they pray and seek His help.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 28:21-24 – This passage outlines some of the consequences for disobedience, including diseases, drought, blight, and mildew: “The Lord will plague you with diseases… until the sky over your head is bronze, and the earth beneath you iron.”
- Joel 1:4 – The prophet Joel describes a locust plague as a form of God’s judgment: “What the locust swarm has left, the great locusts have eaten; what the great locusts have left, the young locusts have eaten.”
- Amos 4:9 – God speaks of sending blight, mildew, and locusts to turn His people back to Him: “I struck your gardens and vineyards, I struck them with blight and mildew.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that life’s hardships, whether natural or man-made, should lead us to rely on God. When we face difficult circumstances—whether they are health crises, financial difficulties, or personal struggles—we should turn to God in prayer, seeking His help and mercy. This verse encourages us to see challenging situations as opportunities to draw closer to God, rather than relying solely on our own strength or resources.
It also teaches us that in times of trouble, repentance may be necessary. While not every hardship is the result of sin, it is always worth examining our lives and asking if there are areas where we need to turn back to God. Solomon’s prayer reflects the belief that God is always willing to forgive and restore those who seek Him with a sincere heart.
Finally, this verse emphasizes that no situation is too big or too difficult for God. Whether the problem is a natural disaster or a personal crisis, God is capable of intervening and providing the help we need.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His willingness to hear His people when they pray in times of crisis. Even when disasters strike, God does not abandon His people. Instead, He invites them to turn to Him in prayer and promises to hear them when they do. This shows that God’s love is patient and compassionate, always ready to respond when we seek Him.
God’s love is also demonstrated in the way He uses hardships to draw His people back to Him. In His love, God desires a close relationship with His people, and sometimes He allows difficulties to bring them to a place of dependence on Him. The disasters listed in this verse are not just punishments; they are opportunities for the people to realize their need for God and to turn back to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in that He is the one who ultimately brings us through life’s hardships and disasters. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the one who bears our burdens and brings us peace in the midst of trials (Matthew 11:28-30). Just as Solomon prayed for God to hear the people’s prayers in times of crisis, Jesus invites us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened, offering us rest and comfort.
Additionally, Jesus fulfills the role of the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. While Solomon prayed for God to hear the prayers of the people, Jesus is the one through whom our prayers are heard and answered (Hebrews 4:14-16). Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have access to God’s throne of grace, where we can find help in our times of need.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to turn to God in times of crisis, rather than relying on your own strength?
- What are some examples in your life where you have seen God use hardship to bring you closer to Him?
- How can you make prayer a regular part of your response to difficult circumstances, following Solomon’s example in this verse?
- In what ways does Jesus provide comfort and help in the midst of life’s “disasters” or crises?
- How can this verse inspire you to trust in God’s love and mercy, even when you are facing overwhelming challenges?