2 Chronicles 7
-We observe the Shekinah Glory coming down upon the Temple in
this very significant chapter of Scripture. When Solomon finished his beautiful
prayer in chapter 6, “fire came down from Heaven and consumed the burnt offering
and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the House (2 Chronicles 7:1).”
The Temple could not be even entered by the priests because of God’s glory possessing
it (2 Chronicles 7:2). What an incredible sight this must have been for the witnesses
there in Jerusalem! This elicited the response of worship in reverence as these
events were transpiring before them. They “bowed down on the pavement with their
faces to the ground,” praising God and exclaiming, “Truly He is good, truly His
lovingkindness is everlasting (2 Chronicles 7:3).” Then more sacrifices were offered
and the dedication was made with consecration. The feast went on at that time for
seven days, and on the eighth day they held a solemn assembly. Then on the 23rd
day of the 7th month Solomon sent the people back to their tents. They
were rejoicing and happy of heart because of God’s goodness to them and their leaders,
David and Solomon. Thus, the Temple and Solomon’s palace was completed successfully
and dedicated (2 Chronicles 7:8-11).
-Then the LORD appeared to Solomon at night (probably in a dream)
and said to him many prophetic things. God had heard his prayer and had chosen this
place for Himself as a House of sacrifice (2 Chronicles 7:12). He offers conditions
for responding to His people with forgiveness and healing when they turn from their
wicked ways and seek His face in humility (2 Chronicles 7:14). He promises that
His eyes will be open and His ears attentive to the prayer offered in this holy
place. He has consecrated and chosen it for His good pleasure forever, and His heart
will be there perpetually (2 Chronicles 7:15-16).
-As for the royal line, God offers conditional promises of ruling
and establishment if the line of David and the nation walk before Him as David walked.
However, if they turn away and forsake His statutes and commandments that have been set before
them and worship others gods they will be uprooted from their land and the House
will become cast out of His sight and a byword and proverb among all peoples (nations,
ethnic groups) to the shame of Israel. Foreigners will be astonished and say, “Why
has the LORD done thus to this land and to this House (2 Chronicles 7:17-21)?” Then
it will be known by the nations that they forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers
who were faithful and brought them from the land of Egypt, and chased after other
gods who could not save and uphold them only bringing adversity instead (2 Chronicles
7:22). These warnings came to fruition as Judah eventually collapsed until Jesus,
of the Davidic line, reestablished His righteous and perfect Kingdom, which up to
this point has been purely spiritual in nature.
-*Application* Pray for wisdom in understanding these deep and
meaningful revelations of God to His people. One day Christ Jesus (the Messiah)
will be enthroned in the Temple and reign as the ultimate Ruler, King of kings and
Lord of lords. While mankind is feeble and unfaithful to carry out God’s statutes
and commands, Christ becomes the righteous Savior and Deliverer who redeems the
mess that we’ve made. Offer Christ your life and receive His Shekinah Glory indwelt!
This is the answer! His promises and warnings endure.
Verses to Memorize: 2
Chronicles 7:1-2, 14
No comments:
Post a Comment