2 Chronicles 6:42

O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant. 2 Chronicles 6:42 (KJV)

This profound plea serves as the conclusion to King Solomon’s expansive prayer of dedication for the newly constructed temple in Jerusalem. Having laid out numerous petitions concerning the future of the nation, Solomon anchors his final request not in his own achievements or the grandeur of the temple, but in the established covenant and the steadfast mercies God had promised to his father, David.

Approaching God Through Mercy, Not Merit

This verse provides a powerful foundation for understanding how believers can approach God. Solomon recognizes that favor with God does not rest on human merit, but entirely on the divine mercy established through a covenant relationship. When Solomon asks God to "turn not away the face of thine anointed," he is seeking God's continual presence, favor, and acceptance. To have one's face turned away is to experience rejection; to be received is to experience the light of God's countenance and the assurance of His blessing.

Praying the Promises of God

The appeal to "remember the mercies of David thy servant" highlights a critical spiritual principle: our prayers are most effective when they are grounded in God's revealed character and His past promises. God had made a permanent covenant with David, promising that his throne would be established forever. Solomon leans heavily on this promise, reminding God of the steadfast love shown to his father. For the contemporary Christian, this translates into praying the promises of God back to Him. We do not approach God based on our own track record of perfection, but based on the mercies He has already established.

The Ultimate Anointed One

Furthermore, this verse carries significant Christological weight. The term "anointed" translates to "messiah" in Hebrew. While Solomon was the immediate anointed king, the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant is found in Jesus Christ, the true and final Anointed One. When we pray, we are accepted not because of our own righteousness, but because God does not turn away the face of His ultimate Anointed, Jesus Christ. We approach the Father clothed in the righteousness of the Son, relying on the mercies secured by the true Son of David.

Resting in His Steadfast Love

In practical application, this verse encourages believers to remain steadfast and hopeful, even in times of personal failure or spiritual dryness. When we feel unworthy, we can confidently ask God to remember His mercies—not because we have earned them, but because He is faithful to His covenant. We are invited to rest in the assurance that God’s steadfast love is the unshakable foundation of our relationship with Him, providing comfort, deliverance, and light in the darkest of times.