2 Chronicles 7:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For now have I chosen {H977} and sanctified {H6942} this house {H1004}, that my name {H8034} may be there for {H5704} ever {H5769}: and mine eyes {H5869} and mine heart {H3820} shall be there perpetually {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For now I have chosen and consecrated this house, so that my name can be there forever; my eyes and heart will always be there.

Berean Standard Bible

For I have now chosen and consecrated this temple so that My Name may be there forever. My eyes and My heart will be there for all time.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse presents God's solemn declaration to King Solomon, affirming His divine selection and consecration of the newly dedicated Temple in Jerusalem. It underscores God's eternal commitment to this sacred space as the unique dwelling place for His Name—representing His presence, character, and authority—and His perpetual, loving attention ("eyes and heart") to it, signifying an enduring covenantal relationship with His people who would seek Him there.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration from God in 2 Chronicles 7:16 comes immediately after His appearance to King Solomon by night, following the magnificent dedication of the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon had just offered an extensive prayer, asking God to hear the petitions of His people from this holy place, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Following the dramatic descent of fire and the glory of the Lord filling the Temple ([2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - Fire from Heaven and God's Glory")), God appears to Solomon ([2 Chronicles 7:12](/2_chronicles/7-12 "2 Chronicles 7:12 - God Appears to Solomon")), accepting his prayer and confirming His choice of the Temple. This verse, [2 Chronicles 7:16](/2_chronicles/7-16 "2 Chronicles 7:16 - God's Choice of the Temple"), is the climax of God's affirmation, immediately preceding the conditional promises and warnings regarding Israel's obedience or disobedience ([2 Chronicles 7:17-22](/2_chronicles/7-17 "2 Chronicles 7:17-22 - God's Covenant with Solomon")). It establishes the divine foundation for the Temple's significance as the locus of God's presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was a monumental undertaking, fulfilling King David's desire and Solomon's commission, spanning seven years ([1 Kings 6:38](/1_kings/6-38 "1 Kings 6:38 - Completion of the Temple")). It was the central place of worship for ancient Israel, replacing the Tabernacle as the physical manifestation of God's dwelling among His people. Temples in the ancient Near East were often seen as residences for deities, but Israel's Temple uniquely emphasized God's transcendence while also affirming His immanence. The dedication involved elaborate rituals, sacrifices, and a national assembly, signifying the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. The Temple served as a symbol of national identity, divine favor, and the locus for atonement and prayer. Its existence was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes found throughout [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - History of the Kings of Judah") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Choice**, emphasizing that God initiates and chooses, rather than merely responding to human endeavor. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **God's Presence (Shekinah)**, where His "Name" represents His very being and authority, making the Temple a unique point of contact between the divine and human realms. This echoes the earlier command for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among Israel"). Thirdly, it speaks to **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God reaffirms His commitment to His promises made to David regarding an enduring dynasty and a perpetual dwelling place ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Finally, it reinforces **The Importance of Worship and Prayer**, as the Temple is consecrated for this purpose, with God's "eyes and heart" perpetually attentive to the petitions offered there.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bāḥar'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, sovereign act of selection, preference, and election. It emphasizes that the Temple's sacred status is not due to human merit or construction, but solely to God's initiative and divine purpose. It implies a unique relationship established by God, setting this particular house apart from all others.
* **Sanctified (Hebrew, _qādaš'_):** Meaning to make holy, consecrate, or set apart for sacred use. This act removes the Temple from common use and dedicates it exclusively to God's service and presence. It implies purity and separation, making the space fit for divine encounter and emphasizing its unique, consecrated status.
* **Perpetually (Hebrew, _tāmîd'_):** This adverb denotes continuity, constancy, and eternity. It underscores the enduring, unwavering nature of God's commitment and attention to the Temple. It's not a temporary presence but one that is forever, contingent only on Israel's faithfulness as implied in the following verses, demonstrating God's steadfastness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For now have I chosen and sanctified this house":** This opening clause asserts God's direct, sovereign action. The "house" refers specifically to the Temple Solomon has just completed and dedicated. God's choice and sanctification are not a passive acceptance but an active, divine designation, setting it apart as holy and unique among all structures. This highlights the Temple's sacredness as divinely ordained, not merely humanly constructed.
* **"that my name may be there for ever":** The purpose clause reveals God's ultimate intention. "My name" is a metonymy for God Himself—His character, authority, presence, and reputation. It signifies that the Temple is the designated place where God's unique identity and covenant presence would be perpetually manifested and invoked by His people. It is where His glory would reside, making it the central point of contact between God and Israel.
* **"and mine eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually":** This anthropomorphic expression conveys God's unwavering, affectionate, and committed attention. "Eyes" suggest watchful care, oversight, and knowledge, while "heart" implies deep affection, concern, and emotional investment. The adverb "perpetually" reiterates the enduring nature of this divine focus, signifying God's constant readiness to hear prayers and respond to His people from this sacred space, assuring them of His constant presence and care.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in "mine eyes and my heart," attributing human organs and emotions to God to convey His profound and personal engagement with the Temple and, by extension, His people. This makes an abstract divine commitment relatable and emphasizes God's immanence. **Metonymy** is used in "my name," where the "name" stands for God's entire being, character, and presence, emphasizing that the Temple is where His essence is uniquely manifested and invoked. The repetition of "for ever" and "perpetually" functions as **repetition** and **emphasis**, underscoring the eternal and unwavering nature of God's commitment to His chosen dwelling. The entire declaration serves as a **divine oracle**, a direct pronouncement from God, lending it ultimate authority and solemnity, confirming the Temple's divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This divine declaration in 2 Chronicles 7:16 establishes the Temple as the primary locus of God's covenant presence in the Old Testament, a place uniquely chosen, sanctified, and perpetually attended by God Himself. It underscores the profound theological truth that God desires to dwell among His people, to be accessible, and to hear their prayers. This commitment, while physically tied to the Temple, points to a deeper reality of God's faithfulness to His promises and His desire for intimate relationship. It highlights the sacredness of spaces and practices dedicated to God, not because of their inherent value, but because of God's sovereign choice to consecrate them for His purposes. The verse serves as a foundational statement about the nature of worship and the divine initiative in establishing a pathway for humanity to encounter the Holy. It sets the stage for understanding the conditional nature of God's blessing on the Temple and Israel, dependent on their obedience.

* [Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God Dwells Among Israel")
* [Psalm 132:13-14](/psalms/132-13 "Psalm 132:13-14 - God's Chosen Dwelling in Zion")
* [Isaiah 66:1-2](/isaiah/66-1 "Isaiah 66:1-2 - God's True Dwelling is Not Limited to a Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple no longer stands, the profound principles of God's divine choice, sanctification, and perpetual presence resonate deeply with believers today. This verse reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent; His "eyes and heart" are perpetually attentive to His people. For us, the New Testament reveals that believers, individually and corporately, are now the temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit"); [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You are God's Temple")). This transforms our understanding of sacred space from a physical building to consecrated lives and communities. We are called to live as chosen and sanctified vessels, recognizing that God's presence dwells within us and among us. This truth should inspire us to live lives of holiness, to approach God in prayer and worship with confidence, and to be mindful that our actions, words, and thoughts are lived before the perpetual gaze of His loving eyes and heart. It calls us to embody His presence in the world, making our lives a living sanctuary where His Name is honored, and where others can encounter His reality through our transformed lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I recognize and honor God's presence in my daily life, knowing that He has "chosen and sanctified" me as His dwelling?**
* **How does the concept of God's "eyes and heart" being perpetually on His people impact my approach to prayer, worship, and personal holiness?**
* **Considering that the Church is now God's temple, how can we, as a community, better manifest God's "Name" and demonstrate His "perpetual" attention to the world around us?**

### FAQ
**What does "sanctified this house" mean in practical terms for the Temple?**

Answer: "Sanctified this house" means God Himself set the Temple apart as holy, making it exclusively dedicated for His divine purposes and presence. Practically, this meant it was the unique place for sacrificial atonement, priestly service, and national worship. It was a place where God's glory could manifest, and where His people could draw near to Him through prescribed rituals. Its holiness was not inherent in its stone and wood but derived from God's sovereign choice and consecration, making it distinct from all other buildings and suitable for the dwelling of His "Name." This concept is foundational to understanding the sacredness of the tabernacle and temple throughout the Old Testament, as seen in the detailed instructions for consecration in [Exodus 40:9-11](/exodus/40-9 "Exodus 40:9-11 - Consecration of the Tabernacle").

**Did God literally have "eyes and a heart" in the Temple?**

Answer: No, this is an example of **anthropomorphism**, attributing human characteristics (eyes for seeing, heart for feeling) to God. God is Spirit and does not have a physical body ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - God is Spirit")). This language is used to convey His profound and personal engagement, His attentive oversight, His deep affection, and His unwavering commitment to the Temple and, by extension, to His people who would seek Him there. It assures Israel of His constant watchfulness and care over His chosen sanctuary and their prayers offered within it. It speaks to His immanence, His nearness, and His active involvement in their lives, making His divine attributes relatable in human terms.

**Was God's promise for the Temple to be "for ever" unconditional?**

Answer: While God's *choice* and *sanctification* of the Temple were unconditional acts of His sovereign grace, His *perpetual presence* and the *blessing* associated with it were conditional upon Israel's obedience. Immediately following [2 Chronicles 7:16](/2_chronicles/7-16 "2 Chronicles 7:16 - God's Choice of the Temple"), God outlines the conditions for continued blessing and the consequences of disobedience in [2 Chronicles 7:17-22](/2_chronicles/7-17 "2 Chronicles 7:17-22 - God's Covenant with Solomon"). He states that if Solomon and his descendants walk in integrity and keep His statutes, their throne will be established. However, if they turn away, the Temple, despite being chosen and sanctified, would be cast out of His sight, becoming a proverb and a byword among all peoples. This demonstrates that God's commitment to His covenant is steadfast, but human faithfulness is required for the full experience of His blessings and the continued manifestation of His glory in that specific location.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound declaration in [2 Chronicles 7:16](/2_chronicles/7-16 "2 Chronicles 7:16 - God's Choice of the Temple") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Temple was a physical structure where God's "Name" dwelt and His "eyes and heart" were perpetually fixed, it was a shadow 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 Predicts His Resurrection")). Christ is the true and eternal Temple, the very dwelling place of God in human flesh, in whom "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). He is the ultimate "chosen and sanctified" One, set apart by God for the redemption of humanity. Through His atoning sacrifice, He became the perfect High Priest and the perfect sacrifice, opening a new and living way for us to draw near to God directly, without the need for a physical temple ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Furthermore, through Christ, believers are incorporated into His body, becoming living stones in a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Thus, God's "eyes and heart" are perpetually fixed on Christ and, by extension, on His Church, the new temple, where His Name is now glorified in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), ushering in a new era of direct access to the Divine Presence.

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 7:15

Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer [that is made] in this place.

2 Chronicles 7:12

¶ 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.

2 Chronicles 6:5

Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel:

2 Chronicles 6:6

But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

1 Kings 9:3

And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

2 Chronicles 6:20

That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place.

John 2:19

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.