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 music 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 brazen 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 showed 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.
The book of 2 Chronicles is a historical account of the kings of Israel and Judah, written by an unknown author, most likely a Levite priest, in the 4th century BC. Chapter 7 of this book records the dedication of the temple built by King Solomon, the son of King David. This chapter is significant as it marks the completion of one of the most important projects in the history of Israel - the construction of the temple, which is often referred to as the "House of God." The events described in this chapter took place around 959 BC, and it is believed that the temple was dedicated during the Feast of Tabernacles, which was a time of great celebration and thanksgiving.
The main themes of this chapter include the glory of God, the importance of prayer, and the blessings and consequences of obedience and disobedience to God. Through the dedication of the temple, God reveals His presence and power to the people of Israel, and also establishes the importance of the temple as a place of worship and sacrifice. This chapter also emphasizes the crucial role of prayer in the relationship between God and His people, as King Solomon leads the nation in a prayer of dedication and repentance. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of obedience to God's commandments, as He promises blessings for those who follow His ways and warns of the consequences of disobedience.
The chapter begins with the completion of the temple, and the ark of the covenant being brought into the inner sanctuary. As the priests and Levites sound the trumpets and sing praises to God, His glory fills the temple, and a cloud descends upon it. This is a symbolic representation of God's presence and power among His people, and it demonstrates the importance of the temple as a place of worship and communion with God. This manifestation of God's glory also serves as a reminder of His faithfulness to the promises He made to King David, who desired to build a house for God.
Moreover, the chapter also highlights the significance of the temple as a place of sacrifice and atonement for the sins of the people. The dedication of the temple includes the offering of numerous burnt offerings and sacrifices, which symbolize the people's repentance and desire to be reconciled with God. This further emphasizes the importance of the temple as a place where God's people can come to seek forgiveness and restoration.
After the completion of the temple, King Solomon leads the people in a prayer of dedication and thanksgiving. In his prayer, he acknowledges God's greatness, mercy, and faithfulness, and asks for His continued blessings upon Israel. This prayer not only demonstrates King Solomon's humility and reverence towards God, but also serves as a model for the people to follow in their own prayers. It shows that prayer is an essential aspect of the relationship between God and His people, and that it should be a constant practice in their lives.
Furthermore, King Solomon's prayer also highlights the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. He acknowledges the sins and shortcomings of the people, and asks for God's forgiveness and mercy. This shows that prayer is not just a means of asking for blessings, but also a way to confess and seek forgiveness for one's sins. It also serves as a reminder that true repentance and humility are necessary for a fruitful relationship with God.
In his prayer, King Solomon also asks for God's blessings upon the people of Israel, and acknowledges that any prosperity they may experience is a result of God's grace and favor. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's commandments, as He promises blessings for those who follow His ways. This is also reflected in God's response to King Solomon's prayer, where He affirms His covenant with David and promises to establish his throne forever if the people remain faithful to Him.
However, God also warns of the consequences of disobedience and turning away from Him. He states that if the people forsake Him and follow after other gods, He will bring calamity upon them and destroy the temple. This serves as a reminder that God's blessings are conditional upon obedience, and that there are consequences for disobedience. This principle applies not just to the nation of Israel in the biblical context, but also to all individuals and nations who choose to follow or reject God's ways.
Chapter 7 of 2 Chronicles serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and power, and the importance of obedience, prayer, and repentance in the relationship between God and His people. The dedication of the temple symbolizes the establishment of a place where God's presence and glory can be experienced, and where His people can come to seek forgiveness and restoration. It also highlights the role of the temple as a place of sacrifice and atonement for the sins of the people.
Furthermore, this chapter emphasizes the crucial role of prayer in the relationship between God and His people. King Solomon's prayer serves as a model for believers, demonstrating the importance of humility, repentance, and seeking God's blessings and forgiveness. It also serves as a reminder that God's blessings are conditional upon obedience to His commandments, and that there are consequences for disobedience.
In a broader context, this chapter also points towards the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the temple. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world, and through Him, believers can experience the presence and glory of God. This chapter also serves as a reminder that just as the temple was dedicated and consecrated, believers are also called to dedicate and consecrate their lives to God and His service.
Chapter 7 of 2 Chronicles is a significant chapter in the biblical narrative, as it marks the completion and dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. It highlights the importance of the temple as a place of worship and sacrifice, and the crucial role of prayer, obedience, and repentance in the relationship between God and His people. This chapter also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and power, and the blessings and consequences of following or rejecting His ways. Overall, it teaches us the importance of dedicating our lives to God and seeking His presence and guidance in all aspects of our lives.
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