(41) Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place.--The two verses (2Chronicles 6:41-42) are slightly altered from Psalm 132:8-10. It would seem that the chronicler selected them as forming a more natural and appropriate conclusion to the Prayer of Dedication than that which he found in the older account. The aptness of the quotation may be admitted, without assuming that "for want of this summons to take possession of the sanctuary, the point of the whole prayer is wanting in Kings" (Z�ckler). The peroration of 1Kings 8:50-53 is quite natural, though different; the closing thoughts being a return to those with which the prayer began, so that the prayer forms a well-rounded whole, and the suggestion of a lacuna is out of place. There is no difficulty in this view; the difficulty lies rather in maintaining the originality of these verses here. (Comp. the free adaptation of several late Psalms in the Hymn of Praise in 1Chronicles 16:8, sqq.) The versification of the original psalm is neglected here, as there.

(41) Now therefore.--And now added by chronicler.

O Lord God.--Iahweh '?lohim. This rare divine title occurs thrice in these two verses, but nowhere else in the prayer. The chronicler uses it as least eight times, but it does not appear at all in the books of Kings. In the Psalm we read simply Iahweh.

Into thy resting place.--N-ah. A late word, found besides only in Esther 9:16-18 (noah). In the Psalm it is m?n-h?h, a common word.

The idea that the sanctuary is God's resting-place is not in keeping with the spirit of the prayer. (Comp. 2Chronicles 6:18; and the frequent expression, "Hear Thou from heaven thy dwelling place.")

Let thy priests, O Lord God.--Psalm 132:9. The Divine name is added here.

Salvation.--Or, prosperity. The psalm has, "with righteousness;" but the other idea occurs a little after in 2Chronicles 6:16.

Rejoice in goodness.--Be glad at the good. A paraphrase of "shout for joy" in the psalm.

6:1-42 Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple. - The order of Solomon's prayer is to be observed. First and chiefly, he prays for repentance and forgiveness, which is the chief blessing, and the only solid foundation of other mercies: he then prays for temporal mercies; thereby teaching us what things to mind and desire most in our prayers. This also Christ hath taught us in his perfect pattern and form of prayer, where there is but one prayer for outward, and all the rest are for spiritual blessings. The temple typified the human nature of Christ, in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. The ark typified his obedience and sufferings, by which repenting sinners have access to a reconciled God, and communion with him. Jehovah has made our nature his resting-place for ever, in the person of Emmanuel, and through him he dwells with, and delights in his church of redeemed sinners. May our hearts become his resting-place; may Christ dwell therein by faith, consecrating them as his temples, and shedding abroad his love therein. May the Father look upon us in and through his Anointed; and may he remember and bless us in all things, according to his mercy to sinners, in and through Christ.See Introduction to Chapter 5