John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 7:7-10
Moreover, Solomon hallowed the middle of the court ,.... From hence, to the end of 2 Chronicles 7:10 is the same with 1 Kings 8:64 . See Gill on 1 Kings 8:64 , 1 Kings 8:65 , 1 Kings 8:66 , only mention is made in 2 Chronicles 7:9 of the dedication of the altar, as if distinct from the dedication of the house, and hallowing the middle of the court, see Numbers 7:10 in imitation of which the Heathens dedicated their altars, in which they used ashes and water, as Pausanias F25 ... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 7:1-11
Here is, I. The gracious answer which God immediately made to Solomon's prayer: The fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, 2 Chron. 7:1. In this way God testified his acceptance of Moses (Lev. 9:24), of Gideon (Jdg. 6:21), of David (1 Chron. 21:26), of Elijah (1 Kgs. 18:38); and, in general, to accept the burnt-sacrifice is, in the Hebrew phrase, to turn it to ashes, Ps. 20:3. The fire came down here, not upon the killing of the sacrifices, but the praying of the prayer. 1.... read more