2 Cronache 7:2 Commento

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 the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord,.... They went in to carry the ark thither, but not being able to stand to minister, they came out, and could not reenter: because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house; both the holy place, and the holy of holies, see Kg1 8:10.

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).

the priests could not enter--Both from awe of the miraculous fire that was burning on the altar and from the dense cloud that enveloped the sanctuary, they were unable for some time to perform their usual functions (see on Kg1 8:10). But afterwards, their courage and confidence being revived, they approached the altar and busied themselves in the offering of an immense number of sacrifices.