What does 2 Chronicles 6:28 mean?
If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be: 2 Chronicles 6:28
Explanation
The verse 2 Chronicles 6:28 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reflects on the contingencies and hardships that people might face in the land. The verse is a part of King Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. He acknowledges various calamities that could befall the nation of Israel – including famine, disease, crop failure, pest infestations, and enemy sieges – and calls upon God to hear the prayers of the people in such times. The deeper meaning implies an understanding of human vulnerability and the need for divine intervention in the face of uncontrollable natural disasters and social conflicts.
Historical Context
2 Chronicles 6 is set in the period of King Solomon’s reign over Israel, which is traditionally dated to around the 10th century BCE. This chapter describes Solomon’s prayer of dedication for the newly built temple in Jerusalem – a central place of worship for the Israelites. The historical context includes the Israelites’ covenant relationship with God and their understanding that obedience to God would lead to blessings, while disobedience could bring curses, including the calamities listed in this verse.
Theological Insights
From a Judeo-Christian theological perspective, this verse signifies God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life, including disasters and suffering. It shares the view that God is attentive to the afflictions of His people and that prayer is a means of seeking God’s mercy and intervention. Some theologians may interpret these calamities as divine punishments for sin or as tests of faith, while others may understand them as natural consequences in a fallen world where God nonetheless offers restoration and support.
Practical Applications
This verse can inspire individuals to turn to prayer and to seek communal support during times of hardship. It serves as a reminder to have compassion for those who are suffering and to aid them in practical ways, recognizing that everyone is vulnerable to life’s difficulties. People are encouraged to trust in a higher power during crises and to maintain hope and solidarity among community members when facing collective challenges.
Cross-References
- Leviticus 26:3-5: “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.”
- Deuteronomy 28:38-42: Discussing the curses that will befall disobedient nations, including the takeover of crops by locusts.
- 1 Kings 8:37-40: A parallel account of Solomon’s prayer, with similar themes of pestilence, famine, and prayer for the nation.
- Psalm 91:3-6: Offers comfort in God’s protection from various terrors, including pestilence.
- James 5:13-14: Encourages prayer in times of trouble and sickness.
Language Study
The key words in the Hebrew text of this verse include:
- “Dearth” (רָעָב, ra’ab): meaning famine or hunger.
- “Pestilence” (דֶּבֶר, deber): referring to plague or disease.
- “Blasting” (שִׁדָּפוֹן, shiddaphon): possibly signifying blight or scorching winds.
- “Mildew” (יֵרָקוֹן, yerakon): a pale or yellowish discoloration, likely due to plant diseases.
- “Locusts” (אַרְבֶּה, arbe): swarming insects that can devastate crops.
- “Caterpillers” (יֶלֶק, yeleq): probably referring to a variety of destructive larval insects. Each term denotes a specific calamity that would have been of great concern in an agricultural society.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
Comparing this scripture to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, one might find similarities in how ancient cultures saw the forces of nature as being controlled by deities. For example, in ancient Mesopotamia, gods like Enlil and Hadad were believed to govern weather and fertility, and their favor or displeasure could result in plenty or disaster. In ancient Egypt, the god Osiris was associated with the flooding of the Nile, which was essential for agriculture.
Scientific Perspectives
From a modern scientific perspective, these disasters can be explained through natural phenomena and ecological understanding. Dearth can result from drought or poor soil management; pestilence could refer to infectious diseases; blasting and mildew represent agricultural diseases; locusts and caterpillars are recognized as pests that can lead to famine. While these events can now be studied and somewhat mitigated with technology, they still pose significant challenges, and humanitarian responses remain crucial.
Commentaries
Biblical commentaries offer varied perspectives on this verse:
- John Wesley’s commentary emphasizes the inclusivity of ‘whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness’ indicating that no affliction is exempt from God’s attention.
- Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests a focus on the appropriateness of going to God in times of great affliction and that national calamities should drive people to seek reconciliation with God.
- The Pulpit Commentary acknowledges the inevitability of such calamities as part of human existence and the necessity of divine assistance to overcome them. Each commentator highlights the omnipresence of God and the need for supplication as responses to human suffering and societal challenges.