2 Chronicles 6-9 Jehovah’s Word Is Alive

Highlights From the Book of 2 Chronicles

CHAPTER 6

POINT TMS – According to 2 Chronicles 6:29, 30, what unique ability does Jehovah possess, and why should we open our heart to him in prayer? (Ps. 55:22) [Nov. 30, w10 12/1 p. 11 par. 7]

We can draw comfort from Solomon’s prayer. Fellow humans may not fully understand our inner feelings—our “own plague” and our “own pain.” (Proverbs 14:10) But Jehovah knows our heart, and he deeply cares about us. Pouring out our heart to him in prayer can make our burdens easier to bear. “Throw all your anxiety upon him,” says the Bible, “because he cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:7.

*** w14 5/15 p. 12 par. 5 Follow the Golden Rule in Your Ministry *** 5 In our ministry, we usually speak to

individuals. Each person has his or her unique background and problems. (2 Chron. 6:29) When trying to share the good news with someone, ask yourself: ‘If our roles were reversed, how would I want this person to view me? Would I be pleased if he viewed me only as a nondescript resident of the neighborhood? Or would I prefer that he get to know me as a person?’ Considering such questions can remind us to treat each householder as an individual.

*** w12 5/15 pp. 24-25 par. 7 Are You Reflecting the Glory of Jehovah? *** 7 To be in the proper position to reflect God’s glory, we must honestly recognize our

sinful nature. (2 Chron. 6:36) We need to acknowledge our sinful inclinations and work to control them so that we can progress to the point of truly glorifying God. For example, if we have fallen into the dishonoring sin of viewing pornography, we must face the fact that we need spiritual help—and take action to get it. (Jas. 5:14, 15) This would be the first step to take in working toward a life that fully honors God. As worshippers of Jehovah, we must continually make a self-examination to determine whether we are measuring up to his righteous standards. (Prov. 28:18; 1 Cor. 10:12) Whatever the nature of our sinful tendencies, we must keep on curbing them so that we can reflect God’s glory.

*** w05 12/1 p. 19 pars. 7-9 Highlights From the Book of Second Chronicles ***

6:4. Heartfelt appreciation for Jehovah’s loving-kindness and goodness should move us to bless Jehovah—that is, praise him with affection and gratitude.

6:18-21. Though God cannot be contained in any building, the temple was to serve as the center of Jehovah’s worship. Today, Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses are centers of true worship in the community.

6:19, 22, 32. Jehovah was accessible to all—from the king to the least ones in the nation—even to a foreigner who came to him in earnest.—Psalm 65:2.

*** w06 11/1 p. 19 Unitedly Building to Praise God ***

The sacrifices and prayers offered up at the temple, as well as the ceremonies held there, allowed godly people—Jews and non-Jews—to draw close to the true God. They gained Jehovah’s friendship and protection by worshipping at his house. The prayer that Solomon offered at the temple dedication emphasizes this truth. You can read his touching expressions to God at 1 Kings 8:22-53 and 2 Chronicles 6:12-42.

That ancient house of the true God passed off the scene long ago, but God’s Word pointed to a time when people of all nations would be gathered to worship Jehovah at a far greater spiritual temple. (Isaiah 2:2) The one perfect sacrifice of God’s only-begotten Son, prefigured by the animal sacrifices offered at the temple, would be the way of approach to Jehovah. (John 14:6; Hebrews 7:27; 9:12) Jehovah’s Witnesses are now worshipping God in that superior way, and they are helping many others to do likewise.

*** w04 1/1 p. 32 Does God Care About Us? ***

DO YOU find yourself laboring under an emotional load because of problems with your family, health, work, or other weighty responsibilities? Many people do. And who today is not affected by injustice, crime, and violence? Indeed, it is just as the Bible says: “All creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together until now.” (Romans 8:22) No wonder that many people ask: ‘Does God care? Will he come to our aid?’

Wise King Solomon said to God in prayer: “You yourself alone well know the heart of the sons of mankind.” Solomon trusted that God not only knows us but also cares about us as individuals. He was able to ask God to “hear from the heavens” and to answer the prayers of each God-fearing individual who reveals to God “his own plague and his own pain.”—2 Chronicles 6:29, 30.

Today, Jehovah God still cares about us and invites us to call on him in prayer. (Psalm 50:15) He promises to respond to heartfelt prayers that are in harmony with his will. (Psalm 55:16, 22; Luke 11:5-13; 2 Corinthians 4:7) Yes, Jehovah listens to “whatever prayer, whatever request for favor there may occur on the part of any man or of all [his] people.” Hence, if we put our trust in God, pray for his help, and draw close to him, we will experience his loving care and guidance. (Proverbs 3:5, 6) The Bible writer James assures us: “Draw close

to God, and he will draw close to you.”—James 4:8.

*** w01 12/1 p. 16 par. 8 Develop Your Heart to Fear Jehovah *** 8 Wholesome fear of God not only fosters trust and confidence in him but also

motivates us to walk in his ways. When Solomon inaugurated the temple, he prayed to Jehovah: “May [Israel] fear you by walking in your ways all the days that they are alive upon the surface of the ground that you gave to our forefathers.” (2 Chronicles 6:31) Earlier, Moses urged the Israelites: “After Jehovah your God you should walk, and him you should fear, and his commandments you should keep, and to his voice you should listen, and him you should serve, and to him you should cling.” (Deuteronomy 13:4) As these verses clearly show, the desire to walk in Jehovah’s ways and to “cling” to him comes from trust and confidence in God. Yes, godly fear leads us to obey Jehovah, to serve him, and to cling to him, just as a young child may literally cling to his father in whom he has implicit trust and confidence.—Psalm 63:8; Isaiah 41:13.

*** w99 10/15 p. 13 pars. 6-7 Forgive From Your Heart *** 6 How can you—or any of us—receive forgiveness? A key is that Jehovah God is

inclined to forgive. That is characteristic of his personality. (Exodus 34:6, 7; Psalm 86:5) Understandably, God expects us to turn to him in prayer and ask his pardon, ask that he forgive us. (2 Chronicles 6:21; Psalm 103:3, 10, 14) And he has arranged a legal basis for extending such forgiveness—Jesus’ ransom sacrifice.—Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; 1 John 4:9, 14.

7 You should see in God’s willingness to forgive a pattern as to how you ought to treat other humans. Paul focused on this, writing: “Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32) There is no doubt that Paul’s point involves our learning from God’s example, for the next verse continues: “Therefore, become imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Ephesians 5:1) Do you see the link? Jehovah God forgave you, so—Paul forcefully reasons—you need to imitate Him and be “tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving” of others. But ask yourself, ‘Am I doing that? If it is not my nature, am I working in that direction, really striving to imitate God in being forgiving?’

*** w98 9/1 pp. 17-18 pars. 15-16 Stay Close to the Theocracy ***

In contrast, Solomon modestly downplayed his accomplishment, saying: “Will God truly dwell with mankind upon the earth? Look! Heaven, yes, the heaven of the heavens themselves, cannot contain you; how much less, then, this house that I have built?” (2 Chronicles 6:14, 15, 18; Psalm 127:1) Solomon did not exalt himself. He knew that he was merely a representative of Jehovah and wrote: “Has presumptuousness come? Then dishonor will come; but wisdom is with the modest ones.”—Proverbs 11:2.

16 Christian elders similarly exalt Jehovah, not themselves. They follow Peter’s counsel: “If anyone ministers, let him minister as dependent on the strength that God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:11) The apostle Paul described the “office of overseer,” not as an important position of prominence, but as “a fine work.” (1 Timothy 3:1) Elders are appointed to serve, not to rule. They are teachers and shepherds of God’s flock. (Acts 20:28; James 3:1) Humble, self-sacrificing elders are a true blessing to a congregation. (1 Peter 5:2, 3) “Keep holding men of that sort dear,” and thank Jehovah that he has provided so many qualified elders to uphold theocracy in these “last days.”—Philippians 2:29; 2 Timothy 3:1.

*** w97 4/15 p. 4 “The God of Peace” Cares for the Afflicted ***

Jehovah is not aloof concerning the adversities of his people. (Psalm 34:15) He is attentive to the needs not only of his servants as a group but also of each individual who fears him. When dedicating the temple in ancient Jerusalem, Solomon implored Jehovah to listen to “whatever prayer, whatever request for favor there may occur on the part of any man or of all your people Israel, because they know each one his own plague and his own pain.” (2 Chronicles 6:29) As Solomon acknowledged, each individual has his own unique affliction to endure. For one person it might be physical illness. For another, emotional distress. Some may be afflicted by the death of a loved one. Unemployment, economic hardship, and family problems are also common afflictions in these difficult times.

*** g 8/12 p. 14 Must You Go to a Temple, Shrine, or Church to Pray to God? ***

The faithful men of old knew that the Creator of the earth and the vast universe does not dwell in handmade structures. “Will God truly dwell with mankind upon the earth?” asked wise King Solomon. “Look! Heaven, yes, the heaven of the heavens themselves, cannot contain you,” he rightly acknowledged. (2 Chronicles 6:18) Granted, the ancient Israelites had a tabernacle and later a temple where they gathered for annual religious festivals according to God’s Law. (Exodus 23:14-17) Yet, they could pray to God at any time—when shepherding their flocks, working in their fields, spending time together as a family, or enjoying moments of solitude.—Psalm 65:2; Matthew 6:6.

Likewise, we can pray to God anywhere and anytime. Our model, Jesus Christ, often went to quiet, private places for prayer. (Mark 1:35) For example, on one occasion “he went out into the mountain to pray, and he continued the whole night in prayer to God.”—Luke 6:12.

*** g 4/11 p. 28 Is God Omnipresent? ***

The fact that Jehovah has a place of dwelling indicates that he is not in all places at all times. How, then, can he be aware of what is happening? (2 Chronicles 6:39) One way is through his holy spirit, or active force.

*** g05 3/8 p. 20 Is God Everywhere? ***

In several Bible verses, “the heavens” are mentioned as God’s “established place of dwelling.” (1 Kings 8:39, 43, 49; 2 Chronicles 6:33, 39) However, one Bible account describes the magnitude of Jehovah God with the following terms: “Will God truly dwell with mankind upon the earth? Look! Heaven, yes, the heaven of the heavens themselves, cannot contain you.”—2 Chronicles 6:18.

“God is a Spirit,” says the Bible. (John 4:24) Therefore, he resides in a spiritual realm independent of the physical universe. When the Bible refers to “the heavens” as God’s dwelling place, it is referring to the loftiness of the place where he resides in contrast with the material environment in which we reside. In any event, the Bible teaches that God’s abode is, indeed, clearly distinguished from the physical universe but is at the same time a very specific location.—Job 2:1-2.

*** g05 12/8 p. 14 Does God Favor Some Nations Above Others? ***

Second, God’s blessings were never limited to the people of Israel. He impartially opened the way for individuals of other nations to join with his chosen people in worshipping him. (2 Chronicles 6:32, 33) Many accepted that invitation and were blessed as a result. The Moabite woman Ruth was just one well-known example of such.—Ruth 1:3, 16.

*** g80 10/8 p. 9 You Can Cope With Stress—But How? ***

Many have been helped with stress by pouring out their feelings to God, who hears the entreating cries and prayers of distressed ones.—2 Chron. 6:19.

*** km 12/10 p. 3 Theocratic Ministry School Review ***

What did Solomon mean when he asked Jehovah to hear the entreaties of whoever would “pray toward this house”? (2 Chron. 6:21, 32, 33) [it-1 p. 137 par. 1]

At the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, King Solomon approached Jehovah on behalf of the nation. His prayer was that Jehovah’s eyes would prove to be opened day and night toward that house where He had placed His name and that He would hear the entreaties made by the king, the nation, and also foreigners joining themselves to Israel, whoever would “pray toward this house.” Thereby, Jehovah was accessible to all, from the king to the least person in the nation.—2Ch 6:19-42.

*** km 12/05 p. 5 Theocratic Ministry School Review ***

In his temple dedication prayer, how did Solomon acknowledge that Jehovah is not only attentive to the needs of his servants as a group but also aware of the unique situation of each individual who fears him? (2 Chron. 6:29, 30)

As Solomon acknowledged, each individual has his own unique affliction to endure. For one person it might be physical illness. For another, emotional distress. Some may be afflicted by the death of a loved one. Unemployment, economic hardship, and family problems are also common afflictions in these difficult times.

CHAPTER 7

*** w02 1/15 p. 12 par. 7 Jehovah—The Supreme Example of Goodness ***

Following Solomon’s dedication prayer, “fire itself came down from the heavens and proceeded to consume the burnt offering and the sacrifices.” At the sight of this, “all the sons of Israel . . . immediately bowed low with their faces to the earth upon the pavement and prostrated themselves and thanked Jehovah, ‘for he is good, for his loving-kindness is to time indefinite.’” (2 Chronicles 7:1-3) After a 14-day festival, the Israelites returned to their homes “joyful and feeling good at heart over the goodness that Jehovah had performed toward David and toward Solomon and toward Israel his people.”—2 Chronicles 7:10.

21 We unquestionably have many reasons for praising and thanking Jehovah for his goodness. As his servants, should we not do our utmost to display this quality? Yes, for the apostle Paul urged fellow Christians: “Become imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Ephesians 5:1) Our heavenly Father consistently displays goodness, and so should we.

*** w99 1/15 p. 17 pars. 7-8 Lift Up Loyal Hands in Prayer *** 7 Whether we are praying publicly or privately, an important Scriptural principle to keep

in mind is that we should display a humble attitude in our prayers. (2 Chronicles 7:13, 14) King Solomon manifested humility in his public prayer at the dedication of Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem. Solomon had just completed one of the most magnificent buildings ever constructed on the earth. Yet, he humbly prayed: “Will God truly dwell upon the earth? Look! The heavens, yes, the heaven of the heavens, themselves cannot contain you; how much less, then, this house that I have built!”—1 Kings 8:27.

8 Like Solomon, we should be humble when representing others in public prayer. Although we should avoid sounding sanctimonious, humility can be shown by our tone of voice. Humble prayers are not bombastic or melodramatic. They draw attention, not to the person praying, but to the One addressed. (Matthew 6:5) Humility is also shown by what we say in prayer. If we pray humbly, we will not sound as though we are demanding that God do certain things our way. Rather, we will petition Jehovah to act in a manner that harmonizes with his sacred will. The psalmist exemplified the proper attitude when he pleaded: “Ah, now, Jehovah, do save, please! Ah, now, Jehovah, do grant success, please!”—Psalm 118:25; Luke 18:9-14.

*** w98 1/15 pp. 13-14 par. 2 Keep On Walking With God *** 2 When saying that these men of faith “walked” with God, the Bible is using the term in

a metaphoric sense. It means that Enoch and Noah conducted themselves in a way that gave evidence of strong faith in God. They did what Jehovah commanded them and regulated their lives in harmony with what they knew about him from his dealings with humankind. (Compare 2 Chronicles 7:17.) Not only did they express mental agreement with what God said and did but they acted on everything he required—not just some of it but all of it to the extent possible for them as imperfect humans. Thus Noah, for example, did exactly what God commanded him. (Genesis 6:22) Noah was not running ahead of the directions given to him, and he was not negligently lagging behind. As one who enjoyed intimacy with Jehovah, feeling free to pray to God and cherishing divine direction, he was walking with God.

*** w86 5/15 p. 21 Praying Before Others With a Humble Heart ***

One such principle is that Jehovah listens to prayers offered by humble people. (2 Chronicles 7:13, 14) The psalmist tells us: “For Jehovah is high, and yet the humble one he sees; but the lofty one he knows only from a distance.” (Psalm 138:6) As an example of this, consider the humility of King Solomon in his public prayer at the dedication of the temple. He had just completed construction of one of the most magnificent buildings ever to be seen on this earth, but this did not make him haughty. Rather, he prayed: “Will God truly dwell with mankind upon the earth? Look! Heaven, yes, the heaven of the heavens themselves, cannot contain you; how much less, then, this house that I have built?”—2 Chronicles 6:18.

We too should be humble, especially when praying on behalf of others. In part, humility is shown by the tone of voice. Of course, Christians should avoid false humility or sanctimoniousness. But humble prayers do not sound bombastic or theatrical. (Matthew 6:5) Humility is shown, too, by what we say. If we pray in humility, we will not demand that Jehovah do certain things. Rather, we will petition that he consent to act in a certain way in harmony with his will.—Compare Psalm 118:25.

*** g74 1/8 p. 9 What Do You Know About Prayer? ***

The Bible shows that God is approachable by man. We should expect God to listen to proper prayers, for he himself tells his people to pray, and his Word gives many examples of acceptable prayers. (2 Chron. 7:12-16)

CHAPTER 8

*** w13 12/15 p. 18 pars. 6-7 ‘This Is to Be a Memorial for You’ *** 6 That is what happened, and the

Israelites were to remember their liberation in the years to come. God told them: “This day must serve as a memorial for you, and you must celebrate it as a festival to Jehovah throughout your generations. As a statute to time indefinite you should celebrate it.” The celebration on the 14th was to be followed by a seven-day festival. Nisan 14 was the day of the actual Passover, but the name Passover could be applied to all eight days of the festival. (Ex. 12:14-17; Luke 22:1; John 18:28; 19:14) The Passover was one of the appointed festivals (“anniversaries,” The Bible in

Living English) that the Hebrews were to celebrate each year.—2 Chron. 8:13. 7 As Jews under the Mosaic Law, Jesus and his apostles shared in the annual

Passover. (Matt. 26:17-19) The last time they did so, Jesus instituted a new event that his followers thereafter were to keep annually—the Lord’s Evening Meal. But on what day were they to observe it?

*** w11 12/15 p. 10 pars. 12-14 Is He a Good Example for You or a Warning? *** 12 And things definitely took a bad

turn after he became king. Solomon formed “a marriage alliance with Pharaoh the king of Egypt and [took] Pharaoh’s daughter and [brought] her to the City of David.” (1 Ki. 3:1) Did this Egyptian woman imitate Ruth by taking up true worship? Nothing indicates that she did so. Rather, in time Solomon built a house for her (and perhaps her Egyptian maids) outside the City of David. Why? The Scriptures say that he did so because it was not fitting for a false worshipper to dwell near the ark of the covenant.—2 Chron. 8:11.

13 Solomon may have seen political advantages in marrying an Egyptian princess, yet could he justify it? Long before, God had forbidden the marrying of pagan Canaanites, even listing certain peoples. (Ex. 34:11-16) Did Solomon reason that Egypt was not one of those listed nations? Even if he reasoned that way, would such rationalizing be valid? Actually, his course ignored the clear risk that Jehovah had mentioned—that of turning an Israelite from true worship to false.—Read Deuteronomy 7:1-4.

14 Will we let Solomon’s course be a warning example for us? A sister might attempt to rationalize forming a romantic link that ignores God’s directive to marry “only in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 7:39) With similar rationalizing, one might share in extracurricular sports or clubs at school, underreport taxable income, or tell untruths when asked to reveal actions that could be embarrassing. The point is, Solomon must have used imperfect reasoning to get around what God commanded, and that same danger exists for us.

CHAPTER 9

*** w12 12/15 p. 5 par. 4 Find Real Success in Life *** 4 In many ways, Solomon was exceptionally successful. Why? Because for a number

of years, he feared and obeyed Jehovah, who blessed him greatly. Recall that when Jehovah had Solomon make a request, the king asked for wisdom to guide the people. Thereupon God blessed him with both wisdom and riches. (Read 1 Kings 3:10-14.) His wisdom was “vaster than the wisdom of all the Orientals and than all the wisdom of Egypt.” Solomon’s fame came to be known “in all the nations all around.” (1 Ki. 4:30, 31) As to wealth, his annual revenue of gold alone weighed some 25 tons! (2 Chron. 9:13) He was brilliant in diplomacy, construction, and commerce. Yes, while he maintained his right standing with God, Solomon proved to be successful.—2 Chron. 9:22-24.

*** w11 3/15 pp. 19-20 You Have Cause for Rejoicing ***

Think of the queen of Sheba, who was at first skeptical of reports of Solomon’s splendid rule and great wisdom. What convinced her that the things she had heard were true? “I did not put faith in their words,” she said, “until I had come that my own eyes might see.” (2 Chron. 9:6) Yes, what we see with our “own eyes” can affect us deeply.

How can you help your children to see the wonders of Jehovah’s organization with their “own eyes”? If there is a branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses near your home, make

an effort to visit it. Mandy and Bethany, for example, grew up some 900 miles (1,500 km) from the Bethel home in their country. Yet, their parents planned frequent trips to tour its facilities, especially while their daughters were growing up. “Before we toured Bethel, we thought it was rather stiff and only for old people,” they explain. “But we met young people who were working hard for Jehovah and enjoying it! We saw that Jehovah’s organization was more than just the little area where we lived, and each visit to Bethel gave us a dose of spiritual energy.” Seeing God’s organization up close motivated Mandy and Bethany to start pioneering, and they were even invited to serve at Bethel as temporary volunteers.

We have another way to “see” Jehovah’s organization, a way that was unavailable to ancient Israel. In recent years, God’s people have received videos and DVDs that take up various features of God’s organization, such as: Jehovah’s Witnesses—Organized to Share the Good News, Our Whole Association of Brothers, To the Ends of the Earth, and United by Divine Teaching. When you and your family see the hard work of Bethelites, relief workers, missionaries, and brothers who prepare and organize conventions, appreciation for the worldwide brotherhood will surely grow in your heart.

Every congregation of God’s people plays an important role in preaching the good news and supporting Christians in its locality. However, take time with your family to remember “the entire association of your brothers in the world.” This will help you and your children to remain “solid in the faith,” recognizing that you have cause for rejoicing.—1 Pet. 5:9.

*** w08 4/15 pp. 22-23 pars. 9-10 What Makes Life Worthwhile? *** 9 Solomon was one of the richest men on earth when he wrote Ecclesiastes. (2 Chron.

9:22) He had the means to acquire anything he wanted. “Anything that my eyes asked for I did not keep away from them,” he wrote. (Eccl. 2:10) Nevertheless, he discovered that possessions do not in themselves bring satisfaction. “A mere lover of silver will not be satisfied with silver, neither any lover of wealth with income,” he concluded.—Eccl. 5:10.

10 Despite the fleeting value of possessions, wealth can still exert a powerful attraction. In a recent survey in the United States, 75 percent of all first-year university students described their principal goal in life as being “financially very well off.” Even if they reached their goal, would they be truly happy? Not necessarily. Researchers have noted that an emphasis on materialism is, in fact, a hindrance to happiness and satisfaction. A long time ago, Solomon had already reached that same conclusion. He wrote: “I

accumulated also silver and gold for myself, and property peculiar to kings . . . And, look! everything was vanity and a striving after wind.” (Eccl. 2:8, 11) In contrast, if we use our life to serve Jehovah wholeheartedly and thus receive his blessing, we will obtain true riches.—Read Proverbs 10:22.

*** w99 11/1 p. 20 When Generosity Abounds ***

The queen of Sheba was obviously a wealthy and generous woman. What is more, her generosity was returned to her. “King Solomon,” the Bible says, “gave the queen of Sheba all her delight for which she had asked, besides the value of what she brought to the king.” (2 Chronicles 9:12) True, it may have been the custom for royalty to exchange gifts; yet, the Bible specifically mentions Solomon’s “openhandedness.” (1 Kings 10:13) Solomon himself wrote: “The generous soul will itself be made fat, and the one freely watering others will himself also be freely watered.”—Proverbs 11:25.

*** g87 11/22 pp. 3-4 The Greater Happiness of Giving—Do You Experience It? ***

The giving of gifts is a custom almost as old as man himself. From earliest times it has played an important role in the lives of people. Abraham’s aged servant gave gifts of jewelry to Rebekah after seeing evidence that Jehovah had assigned her as a wife for Isaac. Also given were “choice things to her brother and to her mother.” (Genesis 24:13-22, 50-53) After the adversity suffered by Job was over, he was presented with gifts by his brothers and sisters and former acquaintances—each one giving “a piece of money and each one a gold ring.”—Job 42:10, 11.

When the unnamed queen of Sheba traveled to Jerusalem to visit King Solomon, she was moved by his God-given wisdom and pronounced his servants happy for being able to hear and benefit from this wisest of men. So moved was she that she presented Solomon with gifts of 120 talents of gold (worth about $50,000,000) as well as precious stones and much-prized balsam oil. She may have depleted her tiny kingdom’s treasury by a considerable sum, but doubtless she experienced the joy of giving. Solomon too was to experience the joy of giving, for he gave her gifts in return that apparently exceeded the value of the treasures she had given him.—2 Chronicles 9:12; American Translation, Moffatt.

The early Christians made gifts or contributions in behalf of their needy brothers. The apostle Paul wrote of the Macedonian and Achaian Christians, who, although poor, expended themselves beyond their actual ability in giving to their brothers in want in Judea. “They have been pleased to do so,” Paul said.—Romans 15:26, 27.

Today, it is obvious that gift giving continues to be a basic human way of establishing and strengthening the bond of love and friendship, to let others know that we care.

(2 Chronicles 6:29, 30) 29 whatever prayer, whatever request for favor may be made by any man or by all your people Israel (for each one knows his own plague and his own pain) when they spread out their hands toward this house, 30 then may you hear from the heavens, your dwelling place, and may you forgive; and reward each one according to all his ways, for you know his heart (you alone truly know the human heart),

(2 Chronicles 6:29) 29 whatever prayer, whatever request for favor may be made by any man or by all your people Israel (for each one knows his own plague and his own pain) when they spread out their hands toward this house. . .

(2 Chronicles 6:36) 36 “If they sin against you (for there is no man who does not sin), and you are furious with them and you abandon them to an enemy, and their captors carry them off captive to a land, far or near,

(2 Chronicles 6:4) 4 He said: “May Jehovah the God of Israel be praised, the one who by his own mouth promised my father David and by his own hands has given fulfillment, saying,

(2 Chronicles 6:18-21) 18 “But will God really dwell with mankind on the earth? Look! The heavens, yes, the heaven of the heavens, cannot contain you; how much less, then, this house that I have built! 19 Now pay attention to the prayer of your servant and to his request for favor, O Jehovah my God, and listen to the cry for help and to the prayer that your servant is praying before you. 20 May your eyes be open toward this house day and night, toward the place where you said that you would put your name, to listen to the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. 21 And listen to your servant’s pleas for help and to the pleas of your people Israel when they pray toward this place, and may you hear from your dwelling place, from the heavens; yes, may you hear and forgive.

(2 Chronicles 6:19, 22, 32) 19 Now pay attention to the prayer of your servant and to his request for favor, O Jehovah my God, and listen to the cry for help and to the prayer that your servant is praying before you.

22 “If a man sins against his fellow man and is made to take an oath and is brought under liability to the oath, and while under the oath he comes before your altar in this house,

32 “Also concerning the foreigner who is not part of your people Israel and who comes from a distant land because of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm, and he comes and prays toward this house,

(2 Chronicles 6:12-42) 12 Then he stood before the altar of Jehovah in front of all the congregation of Israel, and he spread out his hands. 13 (For Solʹo·mon had made a platform of copper and put it in the middle of the court. It was five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high; and he stood on it.) And he knelt down in front of all the congregation of Israel and spread his hands out to the heavens, 14 and he said: “O Jehovah the God of Israel, there is no God like you in the heavens or on the earth, keeping the covenant and showing loyal love to your servants who are walking before you with all their heart. 15 You have kept the promise that you made to your servant David my father. You made the promise with your own mouth, and this day you have fulfilled it with your own hand. 16 And now, O Jehovah the God of Israel, keep the promise you made to your servant David my father when you said: ‘There will never fail to be a man of your line before me to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your sons will pay attention to their way by walking in my law, just as you have walked before me.’ 17 And now, O Jehovah the God of Israel, let the promise that you made to your servant David prove trustworthy. 18 “But will God really dwell with mankind on the earth? Look! The heavens, yes, the heaven of the heavens, cannot contain you; how much less, then, this house that I have built! 19 Now pay attention to the prayer of your servant and to his request for favor, O Jehovah my God, and listen to the cry for help and to the prayer that your servant is praying before you. 20 May your eyes be open toward this house day and night, toward the place where you said that you would put your name, to listen to the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. 21 And listen to your servant’s pleas for help and to the pleas of your people Israel when they pray toward this place, and may you hear from your dwelling place, from the heavens; yes, may you hear and forgive. 22 “If a man sins against his fellow man and is made to take an oath and is brought under liability to the oath, and while under the oath he comes before your altar in this house, 23 may you then hear from the heavens and act and judge your servants by paying back the wicked one and bringing what he did on his own head and by pronouncing the righteous one innocent and rewarding him according to his own righteousness. 24 “And if your people Israel are defeated by an enemy because they kept sinning against you, and they return and glorify your name and pray and beg for favor before you in this house, 25 may you then hear from the heavens and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them back to the land that you gave to them and their forefathers. 26 “When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they kept sinning against you, and they pray toward this place and glorify your name and turn back from their sin because you humbled them, 27 may you then hear from the heavens and forgive the sin of your servants, of your people Israel, for you will instruct them about the good way in which they should walk; and bring rain on your land that you gave to your people as an inheritance. 28 “If a famine occurs in the land, or a pestilence, a scorching blight, mildew, swarming locusts, or voracious locusts or if their enemies besiege them in any of the cities of the land or if any other sort of plague or disease occurs, 29 whatever prayer, whatever request for favor may be made by any man or by all your people Israel (for each one knows his own plague and his own pain) when they spread out their hands toward this house, 30 then may you hear from the heavens, your dwelling place, and may you forgive; and reward each one according to all his ways, for you know his heart (you alone truly know the human heart), 31 so that they may fear you by walking in your ways all the days they live on the land that you gave to our forefathers. 32 “Also concerning the foreigner who is not part of your people Israel and who comes from a distant land because of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm, and he comes and prays toward this house, 33 may you then listen from the heavens, your dwelling place, and do all that the foreigner asks of you, so that all

the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as your people Israel do, and may know that your name has been called on this house that I have built. 34 “If your people go to war against their enemies in the way that you send them and they pray to you in the direction of this city that you have chosen and toward the house that I have built for your name, 35 then hear from the heavens their prayer and their request for favor and execute judgment for them. 36 “If they sin against you (for there is no man who does not sin), and you are furious with them and you abandon them to an enemy, and their captors carry them off captive to a land, far or near, 37 and they come to their senses in the land where they were carried off captive, and they return to you and beg you for favor in the land where they are captives, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’ 38 and they return to you with all their heart and all their soul in the land of their captivity where they were carried off captive, and they pray in the direction of their land that you gave to their forefathers and the city that you have chosen and the house that I have built for your name, 39 then hear from the heavens, your dwelling place, their prayer and their request for favor, and execute judgment for them and forgive your people who have sinned against you. 40 “Now, O my God, please, may your eyes be opened and your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. 41 And now go up, O Jehovah God, to your resting-place, you and the Ark of your strength. Let your priests, O Jehovah God, be clothed with salvation, and let your loyal ones rejoice in your goodness. 42 O Jehovah God, do not reject your anointed one. May you remember your loyal love to David your servant.”

(2 Chronicles 6:31) 31 so that they may fear you by walking in your ways all the days they live on the land that you gave to our forefathers.

(2 Chronicles 6:21) 21 And listen to your servant’s pleas for help and to the pleas of your people Israel when they pray toward this place, and may you hear from your dwelling place, from the heavens; yes, may you hear and forgive.

(2 Chronicles 6:14, 15, 18) 14 and he said: “O Jehovah the God of Israel, there is no God like you in the heavens or on the earth, keeping the covenant and showing loyal love to your servants who are walking before you with all their heart.

15 You have kept the promise that you made to your servant David my father. You made the promise with your own mouth, and this day you have fulfilled it with your own hand.

18 “But will God really dwell with mankind on the earth? Look! The heavens, yes, the heaven of the heavens, cannot contain you; how much less, then, this house that I have built!

(2 Chronicles 6:18) 18 “But will God really dwell with mankind on the earth? Look! The heavens, yes, the heaven of the heavens, cannot contain you; how much less, then, this house that I have built!

(2 Chronicles 6:39) 39 then hear from the heavens, your dwelling place, their prayer and their request for favor, and execute judgment for them and forgive your people who have sinned against you.

(2 Chronicles 6:33, 39) 33 may you then listen from the heavens, your dwelling place, and do all that the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as your people Israel do, and may know that your name has been called on this house that I have built.

39 then hear from the heavens, your dwelling place, their prayer and their request for favor, and execute judgment for them and forgive your people who have sinned against you.

(2 Chronicles 6:32, 33) 32 “Also concerning the foreigner who is not part of your people Israel and who comes from a distant land because of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm, and he comes and prays toward this house, 33 may you then listen from the heavens, your dwelling place, and do all that the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as your people Israel do, and may know that your name has been called on this house that I have built.

(2 Chronicles 6:19) 19 Now pay attention to the prayer of your servant and to his request for favor, O Jehovah my God, and listen to the cry for help and to the prayer that your servant is praying before you.

(2 Chronicles 6:21, 32, 33) 21 And listen to your servant’s pleas for help and to the pleas of your people Israel when they pray toward this place, and may you hear from your dwelling place, from the heavens; yes, may you hear and forgive.

32 “Also concerning the foreigner who is not part of your people Israel and who comes from a distant land because of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm, and he comes and prays toward this house, 33 may you then listen from the heavens, your dwelling place, and do all that the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as your people Israel do, and may know that your name has been called on this house that I have built.

(2 Chronicles 7:13, 14) 13 When I shut up the heavens and there is no rain and when I command the grasshoppers to devour the land and if I send a pestilence among my people, 14 if my people on whom my name has been called humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn away from their evil ways, then I will hear from the heavens and forgive their sin and heal their land.

(2 Chronicles 7:17) 17 “And you, if you walk before me as your father David walked by doing everything I have commanded you, and you obey my regulations and my judgments,

(2 Chronicles 7:12-16) 12 Jehovah then appeared to Solʹo·mon during the night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and I have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 When I shut up the heavens and there is no rain and when I command the grasshoppers to devour the land and if I send a pestilence among my people, 14 if my people on whom my name has been called humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn away from their evil ways, then I will hear from the heavens and forgive their sin and heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to prayer at this place. 16 And now I have chosen and sanctified this house so that my name may be there permanently, and my eyes and my heart will always be there.

(2 Chronicles 8:13) 13 He followed the daily routine and made offerings according to the commandment of Moses for the Sabbaths, the new moons, and the appointed festivals three times in the year—the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Booths.

(2 Chronicles 8:11) 11 Solʹo·mon also brought Pharʹaoh’s daughter up from the City of David to the house that he had built for her, for he said: “Although she is my wife, she should not dwell in the house of King David of Israel, for the places to which the Ark of Jehovah has come are holy.”

(2 Chronicles 9:13) 13 And the weight of the gold that came to Solʹo·mon in one year amounted to 666 talents of gold,

(2 Chronicles 9:22-24) 22 So King Solʹo·mon was greater than all the other kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 23 And the kings of all the earth sought an audience with Solʹo·mon to hear his wisdom that the true God had put in his heart. 24 They would each bring a gift—articles of silver, articles of gold, garments, armor, balsam oil, horses, and mules—and this continued year after year.

(2 Chronicles 9:6) 6 But I did not put faith in the reports until I had come and had seen it with my own eyes. And look! I had not been told the half of your great wisdom. You have far surpassed the report that I heard.

(2 Chronicles 9:22) 22 So King Solʹo·mon was greater than all the other kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.

(2 Chronicles 9:12) 12 King Solʹo·mon also gave the queen of Sheʹba whatever she desired and asked for, more than what she had brought to the king. Then she left and returned to her own land, together with her servants.