2 Chronicles 7:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

If my people {H5971}, which are called {H7121} by my name {H8034}, shall humble {H3665} themselves, and pray {H6419}, and seek {H1245} my face {H6440}, and turn {H7725} from their wicked {H7451} ways {H1870}; then will I hear {H8085} from heaven {H8064}, and will forgive {H5545} their sin {H2403}, and will heal {H7495} their land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then, if my people, who bear my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.

Berean Standard Bible

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, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

American Standard Version

if my people, who 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 7:14 is a pivotal promise delivered by God to Solomon following the dedication of the Temple, outlining the divine conditions for national restoration and blessing. It establishes a profound covenantal principle: if God's people, identified by His name, demonstrate genuine humility, earnest prayer, fervent seeking of His presence, and a decisive turning from sin, then God pledges to respond with attentive hearing from heaven, complete forgiveness of their transgressions, and comprehensive healing for their land. This verse serves as an enduring testament to God's faithfulness, His desire for His people's repentance, and His power to restore both spiritual and physical well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct divine response to [Solomon's magnificent prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Immediately preceding it, God's glory descends dramatically, filling the Temple and consuming the burnt offerings with fire ([2 Chronicles 7:1](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1 - Fire from Heaven")). This awe-inspiring display of God's presence is followed by the Lord's appearance to Solomon by night, where He reiterates His acceptance of the Temple as a place for His name and eyes to be perpetually present ([2 Chronicles 7:12-16](/2_chronicles/7-12 "2 Chronicles 7:12-16 - God's Response to Solomon")). Verse 14 is embedded within this divine affirmation, serving as a conditional promise that assures Israel of God's restorative power even in times of future disobedience, provided they meet the stated conditions. It is a foundational covenantal statement that underpins much of the Chronicler's theology of repentance and restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is post-Temple dedication, a high point in Israel's history under King Solomon, signifying the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people. The promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14, however, anticipates future periods of national apostasy, distress, and divine judgment, which were common occurrences in Israel's history due to their repeated failure to uphold the Mosaic Covenant. The concept of "the land" was central to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God; its health and prosperity were directly linked to the people's obedience and spiritual well-being. A "sick" or "cursed" land (e.g., through drought, famine, plague, or invasion) was understood as a consequence of national sin, as outlined in the covenant curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thus, the promise to "heal their land" was a profound assurance of national restoration and divine favor, contingent upon the people's repentance.

* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 7:14 encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the books of Chronicles and throughout the Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **covenantal relationship** between God and Israel, emphasizing their unique identity as "[my people, which are called by my name](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - Israel as God's Treasured Possession")"—a nation chosen and set apart for His purposes. Secondly, it highlights the critical theme of **repentance and restoration**, presenting a clear pathway back to God's favor when His people stray. The four conditions—humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways—form a comprehensive framework for genuine spiritual renewal. This aligns with prophetic calls to repentance found in books like [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - Call to Repentance"). Finally, the verse powerfully demonstrates God's **sovereignty and faithfulness** in hearing, forgiving, and healing, reiterating His desire for reconciliation rather than perpetual judgment, even in the face of human sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Humble (Hebrew, _kana'_):** This verb signifies "to be humbled," "to be brought low," or "to submit oneself." In this context, it denotes a voluntary act of self-abasement before God, acknowledging one's dependence, sinfulness, and unworthiness. It is the opposite of pride and self-sufficiency, a foundational prerequisite for genuine repentance and seeking divine favor. This humility is not merely outward prostration but an inward posture of the heart, recognizing God's supreme authority and one's own need for His grace.
* **Seek my face (Hebrew, _biqshu panay'_):** This is a powerful idiom that goes beyond casual prayer. The verb _biqshu_ (from _baqash_) means "to seek," "to search for," or "to earnestly desire." _Panay_ refers to God's "face" or "presence." Thus, "seeking God's face" implies an intense, personal, and persistent pursuit of God Himself, His presence, His favor, and His will. It speaks of a deep longing for intimacy and guidance, a fervent desire to encounter Him and be in right relationship with Him, as seen in [Psalm 27:8](/psalms/27-8 "Psalm 27:8 - Seeking God's Face").
* **Heal their land (Hebrew, _veraphathi et artzam'_):** The verb _rapha'_ means "to heal," "to restore," or "to make whole." While it certainly encompasses physical restoration from calamities like drought, famine, or plague, "healing the land" in this covenantal context extends far beyond mere agricultural or environmental recovery. It signifies the comprehensive restoration of national well-being, including spiritual, social, political, and economic health. A "sick" land was a manifestation of the people's spiritual sickness and broken covenant. Therefore, God's promise to heal the land implies a holistic renewal of the nation's relationship with Him, leading to peace, prosperity, and spiritual vitality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If my people, which are called by my name":** This opening clause establishes the specific recipients of the promise: Israel, God's chosen nation, uniquely identified and set apart by their covenant relationship with Him. To be "called by my name" signifies ownership, belonging, and bearing God's reputation in the world. It underscores their privileged status but also their unique responsibility.
* **"shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways":** This section outlines the four indispensable conditions for divine intervention. "Humble themselves" points to an internal attitude of submission and brokenness. "Pray" indicates direct communication and petition. "Seek my face" denotes an earnest, persistent, and intimate pursuit of God's presence and will. "Turn from their wicked ways" (Hebrew _shuv_, "to turn back") is the crucial act of repentance—a decisive turning away from sin and disobedience and a turning back towards God and His ways. These four actions represent a comprehensive and genuine spiritual transformation.
* **"then will I hear from heaven":** This is the first of God's three promised responses, contingent upon the people's fulfillment of the conditions. It assures them of God's active attention and responsiveness to their prayers. "From heaven" emphasizes God's transcendent power and His dwelling place, from which He exercises His sovereign authority.
* **"and will forgive their sin":** The second divine response, and perhaps the most crucial. God promises to pardon their transgressions, removing the guilt and consequences of their disobedience. Forgiveness is the foundation for restoring the broken covenant relationship and removing the barrier between God and His people.
* **"and will heal their land":** The third promised response, signifying comprehensive restoration. As detailed in the "Key Word Analysis," this encompasses not only physical and environmental well-being but also the holistic spiritual, social, and national health of Israel. It represents the full manifestation of God's blessing and the reversal of the curses brought about by their sin.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 7:14 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The primary structure is a clear **Conditional Promise** (or **If-Then Statement**), where God's three-fold response is entirely contingent upon the people's four-fold action. This highlights divine justice and the necessity of human responsibility in the covenant relationship. The phrase "my people, which are called by my name" employs **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "my name" stands for God's character, reputation, and ownership, emphasizing Israel's identity as His possession. The four conditions ("humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways") demonstrate a form of **Merism** or **Climax**, presenting a comprehensive and escalating pathway to repentance, moving from internal attitude to outward action and culminating in a radical reorientation of life. Similarly, the three divine responses ("hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land") form a **Climax**, progressing from divine attention to spiritual reconciliation and finally to holistic physical and national restoration. The repetition of "my" ("my people," "my name," "my face") serves as a powerful **Anaphora** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the intensely personal and relational nature of God's covenant with Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 7:14 stands as a profound theological statement on God's character and His covenantal relationship with humanity. It reveals a God who is just, demanding repentance and obedience, yet also merciful, eager to forgive and restore. The verse highlights the critical link between spiritual health and national well-being, asserting that the condition of the land and the prosperity of the people are inextricably tied to their faithfulness to God. It underscores the power of corporate repentance and prayer, demonstrating that even in the face of widespread sin, God's grace is accessible when His people genuinely turn to Him. This principle transcends its original context, offering a timeless blueprint for spiritual renewal for individuals, communities, and nations alike, emphasizing that God's desire is always for reconciliation and healing.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - Let the Wicked Forsake His Way")
* [James 4:8-10](/james/4-8 "James 4:8-10 - Draw Near to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The principles of 2 Chronicles 7:14, though initially given to ancient Israel, resonate with profound relevance for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that our relationship with God is dynamic and conditional upon our responsiveness to His call. When we, as God's people, stray from His path, whether individually or corporately, the way back is clearly marked: it begins with a humble acknowledgment of our dependence and sin, moves through earnest and persistent prayer, deepens into a fervent seeking of God's presence and will, and culminates in a decisive turning away from all that is displeasing to Him. This comprehensive process of repentance unlocks God's promised response of attentive hearing, complete forgiveness, and holistic healing—not just for our personal lives but for the communities and contexts in which we live. It calls us to examine our hearts, our prayers, and our actions, urging us to pursue genuine reconciliation with God, knowing that His desire is always to restore and bless.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community do we need to "humble ourselves" before God?**
* **Am I truly "seeking God's face" with earnestness and persistence, or is my prayer life merely routine?**
* **What "wicked ways" (attitudes, habits, or actions) do I need to decisively turn from in order to experience God's full restoration?**
* **How might the collective repentance and prayer of God's people today contribute to the "healing of our land" in a broader societal sense?**

### FAQ
**Is this promise only for the nation of Israel, or does it apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 7:14 was specifically addressed to the nation of Israel within their Old Covenant context, the underlying principles are universally applicable and timeless. The verse reveals fundamental truths about God's character (His desire for repentance, His willingness to forgive and restore) and the nature of humanity's relationship with Him. Christians, as God's "new covenant people" (1 Peter 2:9-10), can certainly apply these principles to their individual lives and to the Church corporately. The call to humility, prayer, seeking God, and turning from sin remains foundational for experiencing God's presence, forgiveness, and healing in any era. While "healing their land" might have specific national implications for ancient Israel (e.g., freedom from famine, plague, or invasion), for us today it can encompass spiritual, emotional, relational, and even societal healing, as God's kingdom principles are applied.

**What does "heal their land" mean in a contemporary context?**

Answer: In its original context, "heal their land" referred to the restoration of physical prosperity, freedom from natural disasters (like drought and famine), and protection from enemies, all of which were seen as indicators of God's blessing and the nation's covenant faithfulness. For us today, while we may not experience literal famine as a direct consequence of sin in the same way, the principle of "healing" can be understood in broader terms. It can refer to the spiritual and moral healing of a society, the restoration of justice, peace, and righteousness in a nation, or the alleviation of social ills. On a personal level, it can mean the healing of broken relationships, emotional wounds, or spiritual stagnation. Ultimately, it signifies God's comprehensive work of making things right, bringing wholeness and flourishing where there was brokenness and decay, as His people align themselves with His will and purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 7:14, with its emphasis on repentance, forgiveness, and healing, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament covenant required a cycle of human effort, repentance, and sacrifice to maintain a relationship with God, often with temporary and conditional outcomes. However, Christ's coming inaugurated a New Covenant, where the conditions for forgiveness and healing are met definitively through His perfect sacrifice. He is the ultimate "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")), making possible a complete and eternal forgiveness that the Old Covenant sacrifices could only foreshadow. The call to "humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways" is perfectly embodied in the Christian life, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a response to the grace already given through Christ. Jesus Himself taught the necessity of humility ([Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")), persistent prayer ([Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - Parable of the Persistent Widow")), and genuine repentance ([Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Luke 13:3 - Unless you Repent")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ not only offers forgiveness of sins but also provides the ultimate healing—spiritual reconciliation with God, deliverance from the power of sin, and the promise of eternal life ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). The "healing of the land" is ultimately realized in the new heavens and new earth, where Christ's reign brings complete restoration and righteousness ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")), but its principles begin to manifest in the Church today as believers live out the transformed life in Christ, bringing His light and healing to a broken world.

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.