2 Chronicles 7:12

KJV

¶ And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} to Solomon {H8010} by night {H3915}, and said {H559} unto him, I have heard {H8085} thy prayer {H8605}, and have chosen {H977} this place {H4725} to myself for an house {H1004} of sacrifice {H2077}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI appeared to Shlomo by night and said to him, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice.

Berean Standard Bible

the LORD appeared to him at night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 7:12 records the Lord's direct, personal, and immediate response to King Solomon following the magnificent dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem. In a nocturnal appearance, God affirms His acceptance of Solomon's fervent prayer and explicitly designates the newly constructed Temple as His chosen dwelling, a sacred "house of sacrifice," thereby establishing its central purpose in Israelite worship and reinforcing His covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the awe-inspiring climax of the Temple dedication, described in [2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - God's Glory Fills the Temple"), where divine fire descended from heaven to consume the burnt offering and the glory of the LORD filled the newly built sanctuary. Solomon had just concluded a lengthy and fervent prayer of dedication, detailed in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"), asking God to hear the prayers offered from this sacred place and to forgive His people when they turned to Him. God's appearance to Solomon by night is thus a direct, personal, and profoundly significant confirmation of His acceptance of the Temple and His commitment to His covenant with Israel, setting the stage for the conditional promises and warnings that follow in [2 Chronicles 7:13-22](/2_chronicles/7-13 "2 Chronicles 7:13-22 - God's Promises and Warnings").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction and dedication of the First Temple represented a monumental achievement in Israel's history, fulfilling King David's long-cherished desire to build a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of God. This event marked Jerusalem as the undisputed spiritual and political capital of the united monarchy, solidifying its status as God's chosen city. The concept of God appearing "by night" was a recognized mode of divine revelation in the ancient Near East and within Israelite tradition, often signifying a direct, intimate, and authoritative communication, as seen with figures like Jacob or Samuel. The Temple's designation as a "house of sacrifice" underscores the centrality of the sacrificial system in Israelite worship, which was the prescribed means for atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with God under the Old Covenant.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Affirmation and Presence**, as "the LORD appeared to Solomon by night," signifying a profound and personal divine revelation that confirms God's engagement with Solomon and His acceptance of the Temple as a place where His tangible presence would reside among His people. Secondly, God's explicit declaration, "I have heard thy prayer," underscores the theme of **Answered Prayer and Divine Attentiveness**, affirming God's readiness to listen and respond to the petitions of His people, especially those offered in humility and repentance, thereby setting the stage for the crucial promise in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise of Healing"). Lastly, by stating, "I have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice," God asserts His **Sovereign Choice and Purpose** for Jerusalem and the Temple, designating it as the unique and sacred locus for His name, worship, and the sacrificial system, which was vital for the maintenance of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Appeared (Hebrew, _ra'ah_):** This verb often implies a visible, tangible manifestation or a direct, personal encounter, not merely a dream or vision. In this context, it signifies a profound theophany, emphasizing the reality and immediacy of God's presence and communication with Solomon, validating the entire dedication event.
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bachar_):** This word conveys the concept of divine election and sovereign selection. It emphasizes that the Temple's sanctity and its role as a dwelling place for God were not due to human ingenuity or Solomon's initiative alone, but were ultimately rooted in God's deliberate and purposeful choice, echoing earlier promises about a chosen place for His name (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:11](/deuteronomy/12-11 "Deuteronomy 12:11 - The Chosen Place for God's Name")).
* **House of sacrifice (Hebrew, _bêṯ zevaḥ_):** Literally meaning "house of slaughter" or "house of offering," this phrase precisely defines the Temple's primary function under the Old Covenant. It was the designated site where animal sacrifices—burnt offerings, sin offerings, peace offerings—were meticulously performed, serving as the central means for atonement, purification, and the maintenance of fellowship between God and His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night":** This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and the personal nature of the encounter. The timing "by night" suggests a private, intimate revelation, distinct from the public dedication ceremonies, highlighting the solemnity and directness of God's communication with the king. It underscores God's active involvement and attentiveness to the events unfolding in Israel.
* **"and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer":** This is God's direct, verbal affirmation of His attentiveness and acceptance. It validates Solomon's lengthy and heartfelt prayer of dedication (2 Chronicles 6), assuring the king that his petitions, particularly concerning God's presence in the Temple and His responsiveness to His people's prayers, have been received and acknowledged by the Almighty. This declaration is foundational for the subsequent conditional promises.
* **"and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice":** This final clause articulates God's sovereign designation of the Temple's purpose and sanctity. By "chosen this place," God confirms Jerusalem as the unique, divinely appointed center of worship. The phrase "for an house of sacrifice" explicitly defines the Temple's primary function, emphasizing its role as the central locus for the sacrificial system, which was essential for maintaining the covenant relationship, atoning for sin, and facilitating communion between God and Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Theophany**, the visible manifestation of God to humankind, indicated by "the LORD appeared to Solomon by night," which underscores the direct and personal nature of divine revelation. This is immediately followed by **Divine Speech**, where God's words are quoted directly ("I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place..."), lending immense authority and clarity to the message. The phrase "chosen this place" functions as an **Echo** or **Allusion** to earlier Mosaic covenant passages (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - The Chosen Place of Worship")), reinforcing the continuity of God's plan and promises. Furthermore, the designation of the Temple as a "house of sacrifice" serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would one day fulfill and supersede the Old Covenant sacrificial system.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 7:12 stands as a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness, His attentiveness to prayer, and His sovereign choice in establishing a dwelling place among His people. God's immediate and personal response to Solomon's dedication prayer underscores the biblical truth that God is not distant but intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, particularly those who seek Him. The Temple, confirmed by divine choice as a "house of sacrifice," became the focal point for Israel's worship, symbolizing God's presence and providing the means for atonement and reconciliation. This divine acceptance of the physical structure and its sacrificial system laid the groundwork for understanding God's desire for fellowship, a theme that would ultimately find its complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

* [Psalm 65:2](/psalms/65-2 "Psalm 65:2 - God Hears Prayer")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Exodus 29:43-45](/exodus/29-43 "Exodus 29:43-45 - God's Presence in the Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
God's appearance to Solomon and His declaration, "I have heard thy prayer," serves as an enduring encouragement to every believer regarding the efficacy and importance of prayer. Just as God listened attentively to the king's heartfelt petition for His presence and forgiveness, so too does He incline His ear to the cries of His people today. While we no longer approach God through animal sacrifices in a physical temple, the principle of seeking His presence and offering ourselves in worship remains paramount. This verse calls us to examine our own hearts: are we approaching God with sincerity and faith, trusting that He hears and responds according to His perfect will? Furthermore, recognizing God's sovereign choice of the Temple reminds us that our worship is not merely a human endeavor but a response to divine invitation. We are called to be living temples of the Holy Spirit, consecrated to God's purposes, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise, service, and obedience as our reasonable worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's direct response to Solomon encourage your own prayer life, especially when you feel your prayers are unheard?**
* **In what ways do you recognize God's "chosen place" in your life today, and how does that understanding impact your daily walk and worship?**
* **What "sacrifices" (of time, talent, resources, or personal desires) is God calling you to offer in your life as a demonstration of your devotion?**

### FAQ
**Why did God appear "by night" specifically to Solomon?**

Answer: God's appearance "by night" often carries significant symbolic weight in Scripture, frequently signifying a time of intimate, personal, and sometimes solemn divine communication. Unlike the public, awe-inspiring display of fire and glory during the day's dedication, the nocturnal appearance to Solomon highlights a private, direct, and authoritative revelation intended solely for the king. It allowed for a focused, undisturbed dialogue between God and His chosen servant, emphasizing the personal nature of God's covenant relationship with Solomon and the weightiness of the message concerning the Temple's purpose and future. This mirrors other significant divine encounters that occurred at night, such as Jacob's dream at Bethel ([Genesis 28:10-17](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-17 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")) or Samuel's call ([1 Samuel 3:1-10](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1-10 - The Lord Calls Samuel")).

**What is the significance of God choosing "this place" for a house of sacrifice?**

Answer: The declaration that God "chosen this place" carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty in establishing the center of Israelite worship. It was not merely Solomon's architectural ambition or human preference that determined the Temple's location, but divine election, echoing earlier promises that God would choose a place for His name to dwell ([Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Place God Chooses")). Designating it specifically as a "house of sacrifice" emphasizes the Temple's primary and indispensable function within the Old Covenant. It was the divinely ordained locus where the sacrificial system—crucial for atonement, purification, and the maintenance of the covenant relationship—was to be meticulously carried out. This choice affirmed the Temple's unique sanctity and its role as the singular, divinely appointed means by which Israel could approach God and find reconciliation under the Law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine affirmation of the Temple in 2 Chronicles 7:12, particularly its designation as a "house of sacrifice," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, though glorious, was a shadow and a type, pointing to a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). He is the true "chosen place" where God perfectly dwells among humanity, the very Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), Jesus is the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, whose singular offering on the cross forever atoned for sin, rendering all Old Testament animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His finished work, believers are now made "living stones" built into a spiritual house, a "holy priesthood" offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Christ ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")). The access to God, once limited to a physical structure and ritual, is now freely available to all who believe, through the new and living way opened by Christ's blood ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, the divine acceptance of Solomon's Temple foreshadowed God's ultimate dwelling among His people in Christ and through His Spirit in the church.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 1:7

In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

Genesis 17:1

¶ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

1 Kings 9:2

That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon.

2 Chronicles 7:16

For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

Deuteronomy 12:11

Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

1 John 5:14

¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1 John 5:15

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.