2 Chronicles 7:3 Kommentar

In this chapter we have God's answer to Solomon's prayer. I. His public answer by fire from heaven, which consumed the sacrifices (Ch2 7:1), with which the priests and people were much affected (Ch2 7:2, Ch2 7:3). By that token of God's acceptance they were encouraged to continue the solemnities of the feast for fourteen days, and Solomon was encouraged to pursue all his designs for the honour of God (Ch2 7:4-11). II. His private answer by word of mouth, in a dream or vision of the night (Ch2 7:12-22). Most of these things we had before, 1 Kings 8 and 9.

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 7 In this chapter is an account of the Lord's acceptance of the sacrifices offered at the dedication of the temple by fire, to the great surprise and encouragement of the people, Ch2 7:1, and of the feast kept on that account, and the feast of tabernacles, Ch2 7:8, and of the Lord's appearance to Solomon, giving an answer to his prayer, Ch2 7:13.

And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down,.... From heaven upon the sacrifice, and consumed it, which was all visible to the eye; or it may be this was a distinct fire from the former, since it seems to have come down upon the house, and so may denote a bright, shining, glorious light; the same with what follows: and the glory of the Lord upon the house; for not only the house was filled with the glory, but there was a bright stream of light and glory over it, very dazzling and surprising: they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement; of the great court, where they were assembled: and worshipped and praised the Lord: worshipped him by praising him: saying, for he is good; in his nature, promises, and blessings; is good, and does good: for his mercy endureth for ever; this was the close of their song of praise.

Solomon having ended his prayer, the fire of the Lord comes down from heaven and consumes the offerings, Ch2 7:1. The people and the priests see this, and glorify God, and offer sacrifices, Ch2 7:2-4. Solomon offers twenty-two thousand oxen, and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep; and the priests and Levites attend in their offices, Ch2 7:5, Ch2 7:6. He keeps the feast seven days, and the dedication of the altar seven days, and dismisses the people, Ch2 7:7-11. The Lord appears unto him by night, and assures him that he has heard his prayer, Ch2 7:12-16; promises him and his posterity a perpetual government, if they be obedient, Ch2 7:17, Ch2 7:18; but utter destruction should they disobey, and become idolaters, Ch2 7:19-22.

GOD GIVES TESTIMONY TO SOLOMON'S PRAYER; THE PEOPLE WORSHIP. (Ch2 7:1-3) 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 Lev 9:24; Kg1 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 (Exo 40:35).

all the children of Israel . . . bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement--This form of prostration (that of lying on one's knees with the forehead touching the earth), is the manner in which the Hebrews, and Orientals in general, express the most profound sentiments of reverence and humility. The courts of the temple were densely crowded on the occasion, and the immense multitude threw themselves on the ground. What led the Israelites suddenly to assume that prostrate attitude on the occasion referred to, was the spectacle of the symbolical cloud slowly and majestically descending upon the temple, and then entering it.