If My People
Passage: 2 Chronicles 7:11-22
God appears to Solomon after the temple's dedication.
Overview
'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.'
Going deeper
The promise was first to Israel and the temple. Christians apply its principle: humble repentance and prayer bring God's mercy.
Key verses (KJV)
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 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.
- 2 Chronicles 7:19 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;
From the commentaries
2Ch 7:1-3. God Gives Testimony to Solomon's Prayer; the People Worship. 1. the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering—Every act of worship was accompanied by a sacrifice. The preternatural stream of fire kindled the mass of flesh, and was a token of the divine acceptance of Solomon's prayer (see on Le 9:24; 1Ki 18:38). the glory of the Lord filled the house—The cloud, which was the symbol of God's presence and majesty, filled the interior of the temple (Ex 40:35).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871)
Application
- Which of the four actions in v14 is hardest for you?
- How should Christians apply a promise first given to Israel?
- Pray v14 for your church.