2 Chronicles 7

Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

7:1-3 When the Ark was brought to its place (see 5:13-14), the glorious presence of the Lord descended on the Temple. The divine glory remained in the Temple, preventing the priests from entering to perform their service (see “The Glory of God” Theme Note and “God’s Glory with His People” Theme Note).

Verse 4

7:4-6 The offering of sacrifices was essential to dedicate the dwelling of the Most High on earth; the sacrifices also provided food for the people during the fifteen days of celebration. The numbers of animals sacrificed match those found in 1 Kgs 8:63.

Verse 8

7:8-10 Lebo-hamath in the north and the Brook of Egypt in the south marked the boundaries of Israel as promised to the patriarchs (Gen 15:18; Num 34:5, 8; Josh 15:4). The Temple dedication festival preceded the annual Festival of Shelters, which ended on the twenty-second day of the month.

Verse 13

7:13-15 These verses refer directly to Solomon’s prayer (see 6:26, 28, 40). God outlined for Solomon the requirements for rescue from judgment. In Solomon’s prayer, each case had been addressed separately; in the Lord’s answer, the required response is developed more generally and comprehensively. The people need humility, repentance, seeking the Lord, and prayer in order to be healed from their distresses.

Verse 17

7:17-18 God declared to Solomon that God’s Kingdom is eternal. Where 1 Kgs 9:5 states that one of his descendants will always be on the throne of Israel, the Chronicler says, One of your descendants will always rule over Israel. In the days of the Chronicler there was no throne in Israel, so his statement alludes to the Messiah (cp. Mic 5:2).

Verse 19

7:19-22 Despite its magnificence, the Temple did become an object of mockery and ridicule when the people of Israel turned away from the Lord; the Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC.