2 Chronicles 6:15

You have kept Your promise to Your servant, my father David. What You spoke with Your mouth You have fulfilled with Your hand this day.

Study Bible

You have kept
The Hebrew root for "kept" is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which conveys the idea of guarding, watching over, or preserving. In the context of God's covenantal faithfulness, this word emphasizes His unwavering commitment to His promises. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of covenants as binding agreements that required absolute fidelity. God's keeping of His promise is a testament to His reliability and steadfastness, offering believers assurance that He is a God who honors His word.

Your promise
The term "promise" in Hebrew is "דָּבָר" (dabar), which can also mean "word" or "matter." This highlights the power and authority of God's spoken word. In the biblical narrative, God's promises are not mere human assurances but divine declarations that shape history. Theologically, this underscores the belief that God's word is active and effective, bringing about His divine purposes. For Christians, this is a reminder of the trustworthiness of God's promises throughout Scripture.

to Your servant
The word "servant" is translated from the Hebrew "עֶבֶד" (eved), which denotes one who serves or is in service to another. In the biblical context, being a servant of God is a position of honor and responsibility. David, referred to here, is seen as a model of faithful service despite his imperfections. This phrase invites believers to consider their own role as servants of God, called to live in obedience and devotion to Him.

my father David
David is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his heart for God and his role as the king of Israel. The mention of "my father David" connects Solomon's prayer to the Davidic covenant, where God promised David that his lineage would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). This historical context reinforces the continuity of God's plan and His faithfulness across generations. For Christians, David's lineage is significant as it leads to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the messianic promise.

What You spoke with Your mouth
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the promise. The imagery of God speaking with His mouth anthropomorphizes God, making His actions relatable to human understanding. In the ancient world, spoken words were powerful, often seen as binding and irrevocable. This highlights the authority and intentionality behind God's promises, encouraging believers to trust in the certainty of His word.

You have fulfilled with Your hand
The Hebrew word for "fulfilled" is "מָלֵא" (male), meaning to fill, complete, or accomplish. The phrase "with Your hand" signifies God's active involvement and power in bringing His promises to fruition. In biblical symbolism, the "hand of God" often represents His strength and intervention in human affairs. This assures believers that God is not distant but actively working in the world to accomplish His purposes.

this day
The phrase "this day" situates the fulfillment of God's promise in a specific historical moment, underscoring the reality and immediacy of God's actions. It serves as a reminder that God's timing is perfect, and His promises are realized in His appointed time. For believers, this encourages patience and trust in God's timing, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His word in due season.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the king of Israel who built the temple in Jerusalem. He is known for his wisdom and for fulfilling his father David's vision of constructing a house for the Lord.

2. David
The second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who desired to build a temple for the Lord but was told by God that his son would accomplish this task.

3. The Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, built by Solomon as a fulfillment of God's promise to David.

4. God's Promise
The covenant God made with David, ensuring that his lineage would continue and that his son would build the temple.

5. The Fulfillment of God's Word
The event of the temple's completion, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness
God's promises are sure and steadfast. Just as He fulfilled His word to David through Solomon, He will fulfill His promises to us. We can trust in His faithfulness.

The Importance of Obedience
Solomon's obedience in building the temple was crucial in the fulfillment of God's promise. Our obedience to God's commands can be instrumental in His plans.

Generational Blessings
David's faithfulness and relationship with God had lasting effects on his descendants. Our faithfulness can impact future generations.

The Power of God's Word
What God speaks, He accomplishes. His word is powerful and effective, and we should hold it in high regard in our lives.

The Role of Prayer and Dedication
Solomon's prayer of dedication for the temple shows the importance of seeking God's presence and blessing in our endeavors.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to David through Solomon encourage you in your personal walk with God?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate obedience to God's commands in your life, similar to Solomon's obedience in building the temple?

3. Reflect on a promise from God that you are holding onto. How does this passage strengthen your faith in that promise?

4. How can you ensure that your faithfulness to God impacts future generations in your family or community?

5. Consider the power of God's word in your life. How can you apply this understanding to a current situation you are facing?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 8:20
This verse parallels 2 Chronicles 6:15, where Solomon acknowledges the fulfillment of God's promise to David.

2 Samuel 7:12-13
God's promise to David that his offspring would build a house for His name, which is fulfilled in Solomon.

Psalm 89:34-37
A psalm that speaks of God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, emphasizing the eternal nature of His promises.

Isaiah 55:11
This verse highlights the certainty of God's word, which accomplishes what He desires and achieves the purpose for which it was sent.