7:1–3 God responds to Solomon’s prayer of dedication (2 Chr 6:12–42) by filling the temple with His glory. His presence is signaled by fire coming down and consuming the sacrifices (compare 1 Kgs 18:38 and note). There is no indication that sacrifices have been made for the fire to consume, which suggests that 2 Chron 7:1–3 either acts as a type of preface (or summary) for the rest of the chapter or that the priests had already prepared the sacrifices. A similar event occurs in 1 Chr 21:26 and Lev 9:23–24. |
7:2 the glory of Yahweh See note on Exod 16:10.
7:3 gave thanks to Yahweh The people viewed God’s fire as evidence of His acceptance of their sacrifice. They respond by worshiping and giving Him thanks.
his loyal love is everlasting This is the same refrain that the Levitical singers sang earlier (2 Chron 5:13). It is found throughout Psalms (Pss 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 136:1).
7:4–10 This section describes the sacrifices offered by Solomon. It largely follows 1 Kgs 8:62–66, with the Chronicler inserting two verses that call attention to worship practices (2 Chr 7:6) and ceremonial rites (v. 9). |
7:6 the priests stood at their posts See 1 Chr 24:1–31 and note.
that King David had made David made instruments as part of his preparation for the temple (1 Chr 23:5).
his loyal love is everlasting See note on 2 Chron 7:3.
7:7 consecrated the middle of the courtyard To consecrate is to make holy. See note on Lev 6:18.
burnt offerings See Exod 29:36–42 and note.
the fat of the fellowship offerings See note on Lev 3:1.
7:8 held a feast at that time of seven days Refers to the Feast of Booths (see note on 2 Chron 5:3).
7:9 on the eighth day See 1 Kgs 8:66 and note.
7:11–22 Yahweh appears to Solomon and reaffirms the covenant; the parallel passage appears in 1 Kgs 9:1–9. The Chronicler adds to the 1 Kings material at 2 Chr 7:13–15: Yahweh affirms that, if the people will show humility and repentance, He will respond with forgiveness and healing. |
7:12 at night This is the second time God appears to Solomon (see 1:7–13 and note).
7:13 there is not rain Recalls Solomon’s prayer (see 6:26 and note).
I command the locust to devour the earth The account in Kings uses two different words for locust (see note on 1 Kgs 8:37). The term used here—chagav—is probably synonymous with the term arbeh used in Kings. They are used together elsewhere (Lev 11:22).
7:14 heal their land God’s response in 2 Chronicles is somewhat different from in 1 Kings. While 1 Kings focuses on the faithfulness only of Solomon (1 Kgs 9:4–5), the additional material in 2 Chronicles expresses the need for God’s people to be faithful. This call to return to Yahweh, along with His promise of restoration, would have been especially significant for the Chronicler’s audience of returned exiles.
7:16 I have chosen and consecrated See 1 Kgs 9:3 and note.
7:17 as David your father walked See 1 Kgs 9:4 and note.
7:18 A man shall not be cut off for you from ruling See note on 1 Kgs 2:4.
7:19 you turn yourselves away The “you” here is plural. God might be addressing Solomon and his descendants or perhaps Solomon and all the people of Israel.
and serve other gods The northern and southern kingdoms eventually are exiled; in both cases, the text of 2 Kings identifies idolatry as the cause (2 Kgs 17:7–23; 21:10–18).
7:20 a proverb and a taunt Refers to a taunt or mocking saying (compare Isa 14:4 and note; Jer 24:9).
7:21 Why has Yahweh done thus to this land and to this house? Echoes the curses found in Deuteronomy (see Deut 29:24–28; note on 2 Chron 29:26).
About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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