2 Chronicles 6:31 – “so that they will fear you and walk in obedience to you all the time they live in the land you gave our ancestors.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Solomon is continuing his prayer during the dedication of the temple. He asks that God’s intervention in the lives of His people would lead them to fear Him and walk in obedience for the rest of their lives. The phrase “fear you” means to have a deep respect and reverence for God, understanding His power, holiness, and justice. Solomon wants the people to live in a way that acknowledges God’s authority and aligns with His commands.
The goal of Solomon’s prayer is not just for temporary forgiveness or relief from hardships but for lasting obedience. Solomon knows that a healthy fear of God—based on a deep respect and love for Him—will lead the people to live in a way that pleases God throughout their lives. Solomon is also focused on the long-term well-being of the people as they live in the Promised Land, which was given to their ancestors.
Historical Context
This verse is part of Solomon’s larger prayer during the dedication of the temple. The temple in Jerusalem was a significant moment in Israel’s history. It symbolized God’s presence with His people and served as the center of their worship. As Solomon prays, he reflects on the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The people had been given the Promised Land as part of God’s covenant with their ancestors, but that blessing was connected to their obedience to God’s commands.
Throughout Israel’s history, blessings came when the people walked in obedience to God, and difficulties came when they disobeyed. Solomon prays that the temple would serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and that the people’s response would be ongoing fear and obedience to Him. This prayer reflects the covenantal framework in which Israel lived, where their relationship with God was tied to their faithfulness to His laws.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the importance of the “fear of the Lord” in the life of God’s people. Fear, in this context, refers to a reverent awe of God that leads to obedience and a desire to live according to His will. The Bible teaches that fearing God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), and Solomon’s prayer reflects the idea that when people have a proper understanding of God’s greatness, they will naturally seek to obey Him.
Additionally, the verse shows that obedience to God is not meant to be a temporary act but a lifelong commitment. Solomon prays that the people would walk in obedience “all the time they live in the land.” This underscores the idea that following God is a journey that requires ongoing dedication. Obedience is not just about avoiding sin but about aligning one’s entire life with God’s purposes and commands.
Finally, this verse highlights the connection between God’s blessings and our response. God had given Israel the land as a blessing, but their continued enjoyment of that blessing was tied to their obedience. This reflects the biblical principle that God’s blessings are often conditional on our willingness to follow His ways.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “so that they will fear you” signals the purpose of God’s intervention: to lead the people into a relationship of reverence and respect for Him. The use of “walk in obedience” conveys a sense of continual, active effort. Walking in obedience implies a day-by-day journey of following God, not just a one-time event.
The structure of the verse connects the people’s fear of God with their obedience, showing that these two elements are inseparable. Fear of the Lord is the foundation for obedience, and obedience is the natural outcome of a life that honors God. The mention of the land “you gave our ancestors” serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises and the people’s responsibility to honor Him in the land He provided.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This shows that fearing God is foundational to living wisely and obediently.
- Deuteronomy 10:12-13 – “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands.” This passage reflects the same connection between fearing God and obeying Him.
- Psalm 128:1 – “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.” This verse echoes Solomon’s prayer, connecting the fear of God with walking in His ways.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that our relationship with God should be rooted in both reverence and obedience. While we know God’s love and grace through Jesus Christ, we should also have a deep respect for His holiness, authority, and power. This “fear of the Lord” motivates us to live in a way that pleases Him, not out of fear of punishment but out of love and respect for who He is.
This verse also challenges us to view obedience to God as a lifelong journey. It’s not about following God when it’s convenient or when we need something from Him—it’s about consistently walking in His ways every day. Our obedience is a response to God’s faithfulness and a sign of our commitment to Him.
Finally, this verse teaches us that God’s blessings are tied to our obedience. Just as Israel’s enjoyment of the Promised Land depended on their faithfulness to God, we experience the fullness of God’s blessings when we align our lives with His purposes. Obedience opens the door to a deeper relationship with God and allows us to fully experience the good things He has in store for us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in His desire for His people to walk in obedience, not just for a season but throughout their lives. God’s commands are not burdensome; they are given out of love to guide us in the right way. Solomon’s prayer reflects the heart of a loving God who wants His people to fear Him in a healthy way and to experience the blessings of obedience.
God’s love is also seen in His faithfulness. The reference to the land given to their ancestors reminds us that God keeps His promises. His desire for us to walk in obedience is not about control—it’s about helping us live in a way that brings us closer to Him and allows us to enjoy the life He has prepared for us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ perfectly models what it means to fear God and walk in obedience. Throughout His life, Jesus demonstrated a deep reverence for the Father’s will and walked in perfect obedience, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Jesus’ obedience to God’s plan opened the way for us to experience salvation and enter into a relationship with God.
Through Jesus, we are empowered to live lives of obedience. While Solomon prayed for the people to fear God and walk in His ways, Jesus provides the grace and the Holy Spirit to help us do just that. As we follow Jesus, we are led into a life of obedience that brings glory to God and leads to the fulfillment of His promises in our lives.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to cultivate a healthy fear of God in your own life?
- What does it mean to “walk in obedience” to God, and how can you make that a daily commitment?
- How has experiencing God’s faithfulness, like Israel did in receiving the Promised Land, motivated you to live a life of obedience?
- In what ways does Jesus model the perfect obedience to God that we are called to follow?
- How can you grow in both your reverence for God and your willingness to walk in His ways, no matter what challenges you face?