2 Chronicles 7:1-22
Q.1. How did God convey that He was pleased with the completed Temple? What impact did God’s presence at the dedication have on the people? – (2 Chr.7:1-3)
Israel’s Temple, without the Shekinah glory, would have been like an empty shell. What an amazing event when Solomon’s prayer was blessed, as – 1 … fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house. 2 The priests could not enter into the house of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord’s house (2 Chr.7:1-2). The magnificent Temple was adorned by the glory of God. It made ministry by the priests impossible. The people in turn fell on their faces and cried – “Truly He is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting.” (2 Chr.7:3).
Q.2. What offerings did Solomon and the people make at the dedication of the Temple? Why was the middle court consecrated? Why was it such a memorable feast? – (2 Chr.7:4-10)
Solomon brought a significant offering, even for a wealthy king. It included twenty two thousand oxen and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep. It was an unforgettable celebration, as the Levites contributed their songs of praise accompanied by their instruments and trumpets. So great were the sacrifices that the middle court also had to be consecrated, since the bronze altar was not large enough. The celebrations in the seventh month included the Day of Atonement, followed by the Feast of Tabernacles. Though some years had passed, the contribution of David was not forgotten (2 Chr.7:6 & 10). The people returned home full of joy.
Q.3. What conditions did God lay down for the blessing of the Temple? How far would God’s blessing extend? What message would Israel’s exile have on the surrounding nations? – (2 Chr.7:11-22)
God further showed His approval of Solomon’s temple, by appearing to him the night after the dedication of the Temple. God acknowledged that His people would do wrong. However, He provided a way of escape – and (if) My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chr.7:14). The continuance of blessing on Solomon’s reign was conditional upon his obedience – 17 As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, even to do according to all that I have commanded you, and will keep My statutes and My ordinances, 18 then I will establish your royal throne as I covenanted with your father David, saying, `You shall not lack a man to be ruler in Israel.’ (2Chr.7:17-18). God also predicted the exile of His people from the Promised Land, as a testimony to the nations that He keeps all His promises, including those with a warning (2 Chr.7:19-22). God also revealed His heart’s desire to make Israel’s Temple His perpetual dwelling place on earth – For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that My name may be there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually (2 Chr.7:16).