1 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.
2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house.
3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD.
5 And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.
6 And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy [endureth] for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.
7 Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that [was] before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the brasen altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, and the meat offerings, and the fat.
8 Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.
9 And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.
10 And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.
11 Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king’s house: and all that came into Solomon’s heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.
12 And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.
13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer [that is made] in this place.
16 For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.
17 And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments;
18 Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man [to be] ruler in Israel.
19 But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;
20 Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it [to be] a proverb and a byword among all nations.
21 And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house?
22 And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.
Overview of 2 Chronicles Chapter 7
2 Chronicles Chapter 7 details the completion of Solomon’s temple and the dedication ceremony, highlighting God’s response to Solomon’s prayers and the significance of the temple as a place of worship. This chapter emphasizes themes of divine approval, covenant relationship, and the importance of obedience to God’s commandments.
Key Events
- The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple
- After Solomon finishes praying, fire descends from heaven and consumes the burnt offerings and sacrifices.
- The glory of the Lord fills the temple, signifying His presence and approval.
- The priests are unable to enter the temple due to the overwhelming glory.
- The People’s Response
- All the Israelites witness the fire and the glory of the Lord, leading them to bow down and worship.
- The people express gratitude, acknowledging God’s goodness and mercy.
- The Dedication of the Temple
- Solomon offers a sacrifice of 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats, demonstrating the significance of the occasion.
- The feast lasts for seven days, followed by an assembly on the eighth day, where Solomon blesses the people.
- God’s Promise to Solomon
- God appears to Solomon at night, affirming that He has heard his prayers and chosen the temple as a place for His name to dwell.
- God promises to bless Israel, but also warns of the consequences of disobedience.
Theological Themes
- Divine Presence
The filling of the temple with God’s glory signifies His presence among His people, emphasizing the importance of the temple as a sacred space for worship.
- Worship and Sacrifice
The large sacrifices offered by Solomon reflect the seriousness of worship and the acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.
- Covenant Relationship
God’s promise to Solomon highlights the conditional nature of His blessings based on Israel’s faithfulness and obedience.
- Consequences of Disobedience
The warning about turning away from God serves as a reminder of the covenant’s stipulations and the potential consequences of unfaithfulness.
Significance of the Temple
The temple serves as a central symbol of God’s relationship with Israel, representing His dwelling among them. It is a place for sacrifice, worship, and prayer, reinforcing the idea that God desires a close relationship with His people.
Conclusion
2 Chronicles Chapter 7 encapsulates the pivotal moment of the temple’s dedication, showcasing God’s glory and His covenant with Israel. The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of worship, obedience, and the consequences of straying from God’s commandments.
