The prayer that is made in this place - literally, as in the margin. The unsual phrase includes the two cases of prayers offered in 2 Chronicles 6:24 and toward 2 Chronicles 6:34, 2 Chronicles 6:38 the sanctuary. read more
2 Chronicles 7:12. The Lord appeared to Solomon, and said, I have heard thy prayer That God had accepted his prayer was shown by his sending fire from heaven. But a prayer may be accepted, and yet not answered in the letter of it. God therefore appeared to him in the night, as he had done once before, (1 Chronicles 1:7,) and gave him a particular answer to his prayer. See notes on 1 Kings 9:2-9. read more
2 Chronicles 7:13 . If I command the locusts to devour the land That is, use my authority and power over them to cause them to do so. A metaphor elsewhere used in reference to irrational animals, as 1 Kings 17:4, Amos 9:3, which are not properly capable of receiving a command, or of paying obedience to it. Other national judgments are here supposed, such as famine, war, and the ravages of savage beasts. read more
2 Chronicles 7:14. If my people shall humble themselves, and pray, &c. Thus national repentance and reformation are required. God expects, that if his people, who are called by his name, have dishonoured his name by their iniquity, they should honour it by accepting the punishment of their iniquity. They must humble themselves under his hand, must pray for the removal of the judgment, must seek his face and favour: and yet all this will not be sufficient, unless they turn from their... read more
2 Chronicles 7:15-16. My eyes shall be open, &c., unto the prayer that is made in this place Or, that shall be made in, or toward, this place; for he speaks of the answers which he would give to the prayers which should afterward be made there. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, &c. There will I make myself known, and there will I be called upon. read more
2 Chronicles 7:17-18. If thou wilt walk before me, &c. He promises to establish and perpetuate Solomon’s kingdom, on condition that he persevered in his duty; assuring him, that if he hoped for the benefit of God’s covenant with David, he must imitate the example of David. read more
2 Chronicles 7:19. But if ye turn away Thou or thy seed, and forsake my statutes, &c. Thus God sets before him death as well as life, the curse as well as the blessing. He supposes it possible, that though they had this temple built to the honour of God, yet they might be drawn aside to worship other gods. For he knew how prone they were to backslide into that sin. And he threatens, if they did so, it would certainly be the ruin of both church and state. That though they had... read more
Construction of the temple (2:1-7:22)With the help of King Hiram of Tyre, Solomon prepared materials and arranged a workforce to build the planned temple (2:1-18; see notes on 1 Kings 5:1-18). Construction went on for seven years, until the temple, its furniture, its courtyard, and all other articles and decorations connected with it were completed according to plan (3:1-5:1; see notes on 1 Kings 6:1-7:51). The temple was then dedicated to God (5:2-7:22; see notes on 1 Kings 8:1-9:9). read more
appeared to Solomon. This was thirteen years after the dedication. Compare 2 Chronicles 7:1 with 2 Chronicles 8:1 . 1 Kings 6:37 ; 1 Kings 9:1 . The fire from heaven was the immediate answer to Solomon's prayer. This later answer shows that the prayers of God's people are ever fresh before Him. read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Chronicles 7:12
An house of sacrifice - This expression does not elsewhere occur. Its meaning, however, is clear. God declares that Solomon’s Temple is the place whereunto all Israelites were commanded to bring their burnt-offerings and sacrifices (see Deuteronomy 12:5-6). read more