Daily reading assignment – 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136
The reign of Solomon proved to be a glorious time in Israel’s history. Evidencing humility, Solomon requested the LORD give him wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:10) and God honored his request promising him not only wisdom, but also “riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like” (1:12).
Having fulfilled his father’s desire to build a house for the LORD, Solomon dedicated the Temple and adorned it with furnishings reflecting the majesty of the LORD (2 Chronicles 2-5).
In 2 Chronicles 6 Solomon leads Israel in worshipping the LORD and affirming to the people the hand and providence of God upon them as His chosen people (6:1-11). Solomon’s prayer of dedication for the Temple is recorded in 2 Chronicles 6:12-42.
The LORD, having heard the prayer of Solomon, responded with a confirmation that was magnificent to behold (7:1-22).
2 Chronicles 7:1 – “Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.”
2 Chronicles 7:3 – “And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he [the LORD] is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.”
2 Chronicles 7:11 gives testimony of God’s grace and blessing upon Solomon in response to his prayer: “All that came into Solomon’s heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected” (7:11).
In response to Solomon’s prayer, the LORD promised:
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.”
We read three promises in God’s covenant with Israel. The first, nations will face calamitous times…drought, adversities of nature (i.e. locusts), trials and famine (7:13). The second, God hears and answers the prayers of His people when they humble themselves before Him, pray and repent of their sins (7:14a). Finally, God will forgive the sins of His people and heal the nation (7:14b).
I close acknowledging 2 Chronicles 7:14 was God’s covenant with Israel; however, those same promises represent my longing for our own nation. I pray the troubles and adversities we are facing will move us to humble ourselves before God, confess our sins, seek His forgiveness, and that He will heal our land.
Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith