2 Chronicles 7:14 King James Version:
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.
The broad context
- David is dead (1 Chron. 29:28)
- Solomon is ascending the throne as king of Israel (Chapter 1)
- Solomon is preparing to build a temple in Jerusalem (Chapters 2-5)
- Solomon’s prayer and dedication of the temple (Chapter 6)
- God fills the temple with His glory (chapter 7:1-11)
The immediate context
- God appears to Solomon (7:12a)
- God attends the prayer (7:12b)
- God accepts the temple (7:12c)
- God will honor the prayer (7:13-16)
Who and What
- God is speaking to Solomon.
- My people are the Jews.
- This place is the temple.
- The land is Israel.
Can America claim this promise? Not exactly; perhaps as a general principle that God responds favorably when a people turns to God and humbles themselves.
We learn that God is merciful and gracious. He desires to commune with His people. God's prescription for Israel to humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from wickedness are repeated principles for Christians in the New Testament.
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