TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 7:12–22. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
That God accepted Solomon's prayer appeared by the fire from heaven. But a prayer may be accepted and yet not answered in the letter of it; and therefore God appeared to him in the night, as he did once before (Ch2 1:7), and after a day of sacrifice too, as then, and gave him a peculiar answer to his prayer. We had the substance of it before, Kg1 9:2-9.
I.He promised to own this house for a house of sacrifice to Israel and a house of prayer for all people (Isa 56:7):
My name shall be there for ever (Ch2 7:12, Ch2 7:16), that is, "There will I make myself known, and there will I be called upon."
II.He promised to answer the prayers of his people that should at any time be made in that place, Ch2 7:13-15.
National judgments are here supposed (Ch2 7:13), famine, and pestilence, and perhaps war, for by the locusts devouring the land meant enemies as greedy as locusts, and laying all waste. 2. National repentance, prayer, and reformation, are required, Ch2 7:14. God expects that his people who are called by his name, if they have dishonoured his name by their iniquity, should honour it by accepting the punishment of their iniquity. They must be humble themselves under his hand, must pray for the removal of the judgment, must seek the face and favour of God; and yet all this will not do unless they turn from their wicked ways, and return to the God from whom they have revolted. 3. National mercy is then promised, that God will forgive their sin, which brought the judgment upon them, and then heal their land, redress all their grievances. Pardoning mercy makes ways for healing mercy, Psa 103:3; Mat 9:2.
III.He promised to perpetuate Solomon's kingdom, upon condition that he persevered in his duty, Ch2 7:17, Ch2 7:18.
If he hoped for the benefit of God's covenant with David, he must imitate the example of David. But he set before him death as well as life, the curse as well as the blessing.
1.He supposed it possible that though they had this temple built to the honour of God, yet they might be drawn aside to worship other gods, Ch2 7:19. He knew their proneness to backslide into that sin.
2.He threatened it as certain that, if they did so, it would certainly be the ruin of both church and state. (1.) It would be the ruin of their state, Ch2 7:20. "Though they have taken deep root, and taken root long, in this good land, yet I will pluck them up by the roots, extirpate the whole nation, pluck them up as men pluck up weeds out of their garden, which are thrown to the dunghill." (2.) It would be the ruin of their church. This sanctuary would be no sanctuary to them, to protect them from the judgment of God, as they imagined, saying, The temple of the Lord are we, Jer 7:4. "This house which is high, not only for the magnificence of its structure, but for the designed ends and uses of it, shall be an astonishment, it shall come down wonderfully (Lam 1:9), to the amazement of all the neighbours."
Continue studying 2 Chronicles 7:13 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
2 Chronicles 7:13 presents a solemn divine declaration to King Solomon, delivered immediately following the dedication of the Temple. It outlines specific forms of judgment—drought, locust plagues, and pestilence—that God might bring upon the nation of Israel if they turned away from Him in disobedience. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the conditional nature of God's covenant with His people, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to holiness and justice, thereby establishing the grave consequences of sin before the profound promise of restoration and forgiveness in the subsequent verse.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a pivotal part of God's direct, nocturnal response to King Solomon, recorded in 2 Chronicles 7. It immediately follows Solomon's magnificent prayer of dedication for the newly built Temple (2 Chronicles 6) and the dramatic manifestation of God's glory that consumed the burnt offerings and sacrifices (2 Chronicles 7:1-3). While God has just affirmed His acceptance of the Temple and His presence among His people, 2 Chronicles 7:13 introduces the crucial conditionality of the covenant. It is a severe warning, preceding the well-known promise of healing and forgiveness found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, establishing the gravity of the consequences of sin before offering the path to restoration. This juxtaposition highlights God's justice and mercy in tandem.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, profoundly dependent on consistent rainfall for its sustenance. Drought was not merely an inconvenience but a life-threatening catastrophe, leading to famine and widespread suffering, a reality well understood by the people from their own history and the warnings in the Mosaic Law. Similarly, locust swarms were a dreaded and historically documented plague, capable of devouring all vegetation in a short period, as vividly described in the plague narratives of Exodus. Pestilence, or widespread disease, was also a common and devastating threat in ancient times, often decimating populations. These specific judgments were not arbitrary but were deeply rooted in the warnings and curses outlined in the Mosaic covenant, particularly in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. The people would have immediately recognized these threats as direct consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, underscoring God's ultimate control over the natural world and human well-being.
Key Themes
2 Chronicles 7:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty and Control, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all aspects of creation—the heavens, the creatures, and the forces of disease. These are not random occurrences but instruments in His hands, as seen throughout the prophetic books. Secondly, it underscores the Consequences of Disobedience, making it clear that calamities like drought, famine, and plague are direct results of God's people turning away from Him. They serve as a form of divine discipline, intended to bring about repentance, a recurring motif from Judges to the exilic prophets. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the Conditional Nature of the Covenant with Israel. While God's love and faithfulness are steadfast, His blessings are inextricably linked to the nation's obedience and fidelity to His commands, a principle foundational to the Deuteronomic theology. Finally, it serves as a Preparation for Repentance and Restoration, by first establishing the gravity of sin and its consequences, it lays the necessary groundwork for the profound promise of grace and healing that follows in 2 Chronicles 7:14, illustrating that God's judgment is ultimately redemptive in purpose.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, derived from a root meaning "to inclose" or "to hold back," implies an active, deliberate act of withholding or restraining. It's not merely that rain fails to come, but that God actively "shuts up" or "closes off" the heavens, preventing the life-giving rain. This emphasizes God's direct agency and control over natural phenomena, turning a natural blessing into a divine judgment.
This term highlights God's authoritative decree. He doesn't merely allow locusts; He "commands" them, indicating His absolute sovereignty even over destructive forces of nature. The locusts become instruments of His will, executing His judgment with precision and devastating effect, demonstrating that even seemingly random occurrences are under His divine orchestration.
From a root suggesting destruction, this word refers to a severe, widespread plague or epidemic, often associated with divine wrath and judgment in the Old Testament. It denotes a rapid and deadly spread of disease that decimates populations, representing a direct assault on the health and vitality of the people, a clear sign of God's displeasure and a call to repentance.
Verse Breakdown
"If I shut up heaven that there be no rain"
This clause describes a severe drought, a catastrophic event in an agrarian society like ancient Israel. God asserts His direct control over the heavens and the natural water cycle, indicating that a lack of rain is not merely a natural occurrence but a deliberate act of divine judgment. This judgment directly impacts the land's fertility, leading to famine and threatening the people's very sustenance.
"or if I command the locusts to devour the land"
Here, God declares His authority over the insect world, specifically locusts, which were a well-known and terrifying plague in the ancient Near East. To "command" them signifies God's active deployment of these destructive creatures as instruments of His will, leading to widespread famine and desolation by consuming all vegetation and crops, rendering the land barren.
"or if I send pestilence among my people"
This final clause refers to the outbreak of widespread disease or epidemic. God explicitly states His agency in "sending" pestilence, demonstrating His power over life and death and His use of disease as a form of divine discipline. This judgment directly affects the health and lives of the people, signifying a severe consequence for their unfaithfulness and a direct assault on their well-being.
Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 7:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with impactful clarity. The primary structure is a Conditional Clause ("If I..."), which establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the people's potential disobedience (implied as the context of a warning) and God's resultant disciplinary actions. This "if-then" framework underscores the covenantal nature of God's relationship with Israel, where blessings and curses are contingent upon faithfulness. The repetition of "If I" across the three distinct judgments creates a powerful form of Parallelism, specifically an anaphoric repetition that emphasizes God's singular, active agency in each calamity. This also serves as a comprehensive list of the most feared natural and biological disasters in the ancient world, highlighting the severity and scope of potential divine discipline. Furthermore, the verse uses Anthropomorphism, attributing human actions like "shutting up," "commanding," and "sending" to God. This device makes God's direct involvement and control over these events more tangible and understandable to the human audience, emphasizing His personal and active role in judgment. The cumulative effect of these three devastating judgments—drought, famine (implied by locusts), and plague—also functions as a form of Intensification, conveying the profound and comprehensive nature of the consequences for turning away from God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Chronicles 7:13 is a profound statement about God's character and His covenantal relationship with His people. It reveals a God who is not only loving and gracious but also holy, just, and utterly sovereign over all creation. The judgments described—drought, locusts, and pestilence—are not arbitrary acts of wrath but consistent forms of divine discipline outlined throughout the Old Testament, designed to call His people back to faithfulness. They underscore that sin has real, tangible consequences, and that God holds His people accountable to the terms of their covenant with Him. This verse serves as a stark reminder that while God's promises are sure, His blessings are often contingent upon obedience, and His discipline is a demonstration of His unwavering commitment to His own holiness and to the ultimate good of His people, even if it involves severe measures to prompt repentance and prevent utter destruction.
Reflection and Application
While 2 Chronicles 7:13 speaks specifically to the Mosaic covenant with ancient Israel, its underlying principles resonate deeply with believers today. It reminds us that God is holy and just, and that sin is a serious matter with profound consequences. Though we live under the New Covenant, where Christ has fulfilled the law's demands, the truth of God's sovereignty over all things—including natural events and global challenges—remains. This verse calls us to a posture of humility and self-examination, both individually and corporately. It prompts us to consider if there are areas in our lives or in our communities where we have strayed from God's will, and to recognize that God's discipline, when it comes, is often an invitation to repentance and a deeper reliance on Him. Rather than fostering paralyzing fear, this verse should cultivate a healthy reverence for God's holiness and an urgent desire to live in faithful obedience, knowing that His ultimate desire is always for our restoration and flourishing, even through difficult means.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is God still "sending" natural disasters today as punishment?
2 Chronicles 7:13 describes a direct, covenantal relationship between God and ancient Israel, where specific acts of disobedience would result in specific, divinely orchestrated judgments like drought, locusts, and pestilence. While God remains sovereign over all creation and natural events, and can certainly use them to accomplish His purposes, the direct "if...then" punitive structure described here is specific to the Mosaic covenant. In the New Covenant, believers are under grace, and God's discipline of His children takes a different form, often aimed at spiritual growth and correction, as described in Hebrews 12:5-11. However, natural disasters can still serve as general calls to repentance for humanity, reminding us of the brokenness of a fallen world and God's ultimate authority, prompting us to seek Him. It's crucial to avoid simplistic cause-and-effect explanations for individual suffering or specific disasters, as God's ways are complex and often beyond our full comprehension (Romans 11:33).
How does this verse relate to 2 Chronicles 7:14?
2 Chronicles 7:13 is the crucial backdrop and prerequisite for understanding the profound promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14. Verse 13 establishes the severe consequences of disobedience, highlighting the dire situation that would necessitate divine intervention and healing. It paints a vivid picture of a people facing drought, famine, and disease due to their unfaithfulness. This sets up the urgent need for the conditions outlined in verse 14—humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways—as the only path to God's forgiveness and the "healing" of their land. Without the gravity of verse 13, the grace and restorative power of verse 14 would lose much of its impact. Together, they form a complete picture of God's justice and mercy: He is holy and will judge sin, but He is also gracious and provides a way for repentance and restoration, demonstrating His desire for His people to return to Him.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
2 Chronicles 7:13, with its stark warnings of divine judgment through natural calamity and disease, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The curses outlined in this verse, echoing the broader Mosaic covenant, represent the just consequences of humanity's rebellion against a holy God. However, the New Testament reveals that Christ became the ultimate fulfillment of these curses. As Galatians 3:13 declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." He bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin on the cross, including the spiritual "drought," "locusts," and "pestilence" of separation from God. Furthermore, the "healing" promised in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is ultimately realized in the spiritual healing and reconciliation that Christ offers. Through His atoning sacrifice, we are restored to a right relationship with God, receiving forgiveness for our sins and deliverance from the ultimate consequences of disobedience (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Jesus, the Lord of creation, demonstrated His sovereignty over nature by calming storms and healing diseases, showing that He is the true authority over the very elements God used for judgment in the Old Testament. The call to repentance in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 finds its ultimate and most profound answer in the New Testament's call to believe in Jesus, for in Him alone is the power to turn from sin and receive eternal life and true spiritual healing (Acts 2:38).