2 Chronicles 7:3

KJV

And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when all the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} saw {H7200} how the fire {H784} came down {H3381}, and the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} upon the house {H1004}, they bowed {H3766} themselves with their faces {H639} to the ground {H776} upon the pavement {H7531}, and worshipped {H7812}, and praised {H3034} the LORD {H3068}, saying, For he is good {H2896}; for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the people of Isra'el saw when the fire came down, and the glory of ADONAI was on the house; they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the flooring; prostrating themselves, they gave thanks to ADONAI, "for he is good, for his grace continues forever."

Berean Standard Bible

When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”

American Standard Version

And all the children of Israel looked on, when the fire came down, and the glory of Jehovah was upon the house; and they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and gave thanks unto Jehovah, saying, For he is good; for his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 7:3 vividly portrays the awe-filled response of the Israelite congregation to the dramatic manifestation of God's presence at the dedication of Solomon's Temple. As divine fire consumed the sacrifice and the glory of the LORD filled the sanctuary, the people spontaneously prostrated themselves in profound reverence, offering worship and praise, acknowledging God's inherent goodness and His eternal, steadfast love. This moment encapsulates the culmination of the Temple's consecration, affirming God's acceptance and inviting a communal response of adoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic events of [2 Chronicles 7:1-2](/2_chronicles/7-1-2 "2 Chronicles 7:1-2 - Divine Fire and Glory"). In [2 Chronicles 7:1](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1 - Fire Consumes Sacrifices"), fire descends from heaven, consuming the burnt offering and sacrifices, a clear sign of divine approval and acceptance of Solomon's dedication. Simultaneously, the glory of the LORD fills the Temple, making it impossible for the priests to enter, as described in [2 Chronicles 7:2](/2_chronicles/7-2 "2 Chronicles 7:2 - Priests Unable to Enter Due to Glory"). This divine spectacle is the direct catalyst for the people's response in [2 Chronicles 7:3](/2_chronicles/7-3 "2 Chronicles 7:3 - Israel's Response to God's Glory"), highlighting the cause-and-effect relationship between God's manifestation and human worship. The broader narrative of [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication") details Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication, setting the stage for God's powerful affirmation. The subsequent verses in [2 Chronicles 7](/2_chronicles/7 "2 Chronicles 7 - God's Response to Solomon") describe God's direct response to Solomon, including promises and warnings, further emphasizing the significance of this initial divine acceptance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of Solomon's Temple, as recorded in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple") and [2 Chronicles 5-7](/2_chronicles/5-7 "2 Chronicles 5-7 - Temple Dedication"), represents a pivotal moment in Israelite history. This event solidified Jerusalem as the religious and political center of the united monarchy under King Solomon, fulfilling David's vision to build a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of God. The public nature of the dedication, with "all the children of Israel" present, underscored its national importance. The descent of fire from heaven was a recognized sign of divine acceptance, echoing similar events like the acceptance of offerings by [Moses](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the Lord Consumes Offerings") and [Elijah](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Fire from Heaven on Mount Carmel"). The "glory of the LORD" (Hebrew: _kavod Yahweh_) filling the Temple was a tangible manifestation of God's presence, reminiscent of the cloud that filled the Tabernacle in [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - Glory Filling the Tabernacle"), signifying His indwelling among His people. Prostration ("bowed themselves with their faces to the ground") was a common and profound posture of reverence, submission, and worship in the ancient Near East, reserved for deities or powerful rulers.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Chronicles 7:3](/2_chronicles/7-3 "2 Chronicles 7:3 - Israel's Response to God's Glory") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Validation and Presence**, demonstrating God's explicit acceptance of the Temple as His dwelling place and His approval of the sacrifices offered. The visible manifestation of fire and glory serves as a tangible confirmation of His covenant faithfulness to Israel, assuring them of His active engagement. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Reverent Worship and Obedience**. The immediate and unanimous response of the people—prostration, worship, and praise—illustrates the appropriate human response to encountering God's manifest holiness and power. This spontaneous adoration is not coerced but flows from a heart of awe. Finally, the communal declaration, "For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever," reinforces the central theme of **God's Enduring Character**. This phrase, a foundational refrain in Israelite worship found frequently in the [Psalms](/psalm/136 "Psalm 136 - God's Enduring Mercy"), emphasizes God's unchanging nature of benevolent goodness and steadfast love (_hesed_), which forms the bedrock of their covenant relationship and the basis for all worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From H3519, this term properly signifies "weight," but figuratively denotes splendor, copiousness, or honor. In biblical contexts, especially concerning God, _kâbôwd_ refers to the visible, tangible manifestation of His majesty, presence, and inherent worth. Its appearance here signifies God's tangible indwelling and approval of the Temple.
* **Worshipped (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** From H7812, this primitive root means "to depress," or "to prostrate (oneself)." It describes a physical posture of deep reverence, humility, and submission before a superior being, in this case, God. It signifies an internal attitude of adoration expressed outwardly through bowing down or falling flat.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, this profoundly significant theological term is often translated as "steadfast love," "loyal love," or "covenant faithfulness." It denotes God's enduring kindness, benevolence, and active commitment to His covenant people. It goes beyond mere pity, encompassing a deep, unwavering loyalty and goodness that is foundational to God's character and relationship with Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house":** This opening clause establishes the visual and experiential basis for the people's response. The "fire came down" (from heaven, as in [2 Chronicles 7:1](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1 - Fire from Heaven")) consuming the sacrifices, and the "glory of the LORD" (God's manifest presence) visibly rested "upon the house" (the newly dedicated Temple). This dual manifestation was undeniable and overwhelming, serving as God's public affirmation of His acceptance of the Temple and the offerings.
* **"they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement":** This describes the immediate, spontaneous, and unanimous physical response of the entire congregation. Prostration, with faces pressed to the ground, is the ultimate posture of humility, reverence, and awe in the presence of overwhelming divine power and holiness. It signifies complete submission and adoration. The "pavement" indicates the courtyard where the people were gathered, emphasizing the public and communal nature of this act of worship.
* **"and worshipped, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.":** This clause details the verbal and spiritual component of their response. Their physical prostration was accompanied by heartfelt "worship" (_shâchâh_, implying adoration and homage) and "praise" (_yâdâh_, to give thanks or laud with extended hands). The content of their praise is a foundational declaration of God's character: "For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." This refrain, common in Israelite liturgy (e.g., [Psalm 136](/psalm/136 "Psalm 136 - God's Enduring Mercy")), encapsulates God's benevolent nature and His unwavering, eternal covenant faithfulness, which is the ultimate reason for their adoration.

#### Literary Devices
[2 Chronicles 7:3](/2_chronicles/7-3 "2 Chronicles 7:3 - Israel's Response to God's Glory") employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey theological truth. **Symbolism** is powerfully at play with the "fire" representing divine acceptance and judgment, and the "glory of the LORD" symbolizing God's manifest presence, holiness, and approval. The collective response of "all the children of Israel" demonstrates **Synecdoche**, where a part (the visible congregation) stands for the whole (the entire nation), emphasizing the widespread and unified nature of their awe and worship. The repeated phrase "For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever" functions as a **Refrain** or **Liturgical Formula**, grounding the spontaneous praise in established theological truth and highlighting its importance through repetition. This also serves as a form of **Call and Response** within the broader narrative of Israelite worship, echoing a common antiphonal practice. The vivid imagery of fire descending and glory filling the house, followed by the people prostrating themselves, creates a highly **Dramatic** scene, underscoring the profound impact of God's direct intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The events of [2 Chronicles 7:3](/2_chronicles/7-3 "2 Chronicles 7:3 - Israel's Response to God's Glory") are deeply theological, affirming God's active presence and His desire to dwell among His people. The visible descent of fire and the filling of the Temple with glory signify God's covenant faithfulness and His validation of human efforts to honor Him. This moment establishes the Temple not merely as a building, but as the consecrated space where heaven and earth meet, where God's holiness is encountered, and where His people can approach Him. The people's response—prostration, worship, and praise rooted in God's goodness and enduring mercy—models the appropriate human posture before divine majesty. It underscores that true worship is a response to who God is and what He has done, characterized by humility, awe, and joyful adoration of His unchanging character. This scene serves as a theological anchor, reminding future generations of Israel (and us) that God is present, He is good, and His steadfast love endureth forever, forming the basis for all hope and worship.

* [Psalm 136:1](/psalm/136-1 "Psalm 136:1 - Give Thanks to the LORD, for He is Good")
* [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")
* [Nehemiah 9:5](/nehemiah/9-5 "Nehemiah 9:5 - Stand Up and Bless the LORD Your God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound scene in [2 Chronicles 7:3](/2_chronicles/7-3 "2 Chronicles 7:3 - Israel's Response to God's Glory") offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God dramatically manifested His presence in the Temple, He continues to desire intimate fellowship with His people, not confined to a physical structure but through His Spirit dwelling within us ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). This verse challenges us to cultivate a profound sense of awe and reverence in our own worship and daily lives. When we truly grasp God's holiness, His goodness, and His enduring mercy, our response should naturally mirror that of the Israelites: humility, prostration of heart, and unreserved praise. It reminds us that worship is not merely a ritual but a heartfelt, spontaneous overflow of gratitude and adoration for God's unchanging character. In a world that often diminishes the sacred, this passage calls us to reclaim a posture of deep reverence, recognizing that every encounter with God's truth, His word, or His Spirit is an invitation to bow down and declare His eternal goodness and steadfast love. Our praise, like theirs, should be rooted in the immutable truth of who God is.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the visible manifestation of God's presence in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of His presence in your own life or in corporate worship today?**
* **What does the Israelites' immediate and unanimous response of prostration and praise teach us about the appropriate posture of worship before a holy God?**
* **How can we more consistently root our praise and thanksgiving in the unchanging character of God, specifically His goodness and enduring mercy, as the Israelites did?**

### FAQ
**Why did fire come down from heaven and the glory of the LORD fill the Temple?**

Answer: The descent of fire from heaven and the visible filling of the Temple with the glory of the LORD were unmistakable signs of divine acceptance and approval. In the Old Testament, fire often symbolized God's presence, judgment, and acceptance of sacrifices, as seen with [Abel's offering](/genesis/4-4 "Genesis 4:4 - Abel's Offering Accepted") or the sacrifices of [Moses](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the Lord Consumes Offerings") and [Elijah](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Fire from Heaven on Mount Carmel"). The "glory of the LORD" (Hebrew: _kavod Yahweh_) represented God's manifest presence, majesty, and holiness, previously seen filling the [Tabernacle](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - Glory Fills the Tabernacle"). These phenomena served to publicly validate Solomon's dedication of the Temple, confirming that God had indeed chosen this place as His dwelling and accepted the worship offered there, thus affirming His covenant with Israel.

**What is the significance of the phrase "For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever"?**

Answer: This phrase, "For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever" (Hebrew: _ki tov Yahweh ki l'olam chasdo_), is a foundational liturgical refrain in Israelite worship, appearing frequently in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 100:5](/psalm/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - For the LORD is Good") and throughout [Psalm 136](/psalm/136 "Psalm 136 - God's Enduring Mercy")). It encapsulates two core attributes of God's character: His inherent goodness (_tov_), meaning His benevolent nature and moral perfection, and His steadfast love or mercy (_chesed_), which refers to His loyal, covenant faithfulness and enduring kindness. The phrase "endureth for ever" (_l'olam_) emphasizes the eternal, unchanging nature of these attributes. Its spontaneous declaration by the people in [2 Chronicles 7:3](/2_chronicles/7-3 "2 Chronicles 7:3 - Israel's Response to God's Glory") signifies that their worship was not merely a reaction to a spectacle, but rooted in a deep, theological understanding and appreciation of God's unchanging character, which serves as the ultimate basis for trust and adoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Chronicles 7:3](/2_chronicles/7-3 "2 Chronicles 7:3 - Israel's Response to God's Glory") describes the awe-filled response to God's presence in a physical temple, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who is the true and greater Temple. The descent of fire and the glory of the LORD filling the house foreshadow the indwelling of God's Spirit in believers through Christ. Jesus declared Himself to be the new temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), referring to His body. His death and resurrection are the ultimate divine validation, far surpassing the fire consuming sacrifices. Furthermore, the glory of God, once confined to a building, is perfectly revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, "[the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory")" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory")). The Israelites' response of prostration and praise for God's goodness and enduring mercy finds its deepest expression in the worship of Christ, who perfectly embodies God's goodness and whose [mercy endures forever through His atoning sacrifice](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4 - God's Rich Mercy") ([Ephesians 2:4](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4 - God's Rich Mercy")). Through Christ, believers become the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a 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")), experiencing God's presence not externally, but intimately, prompting a worship that is "[in spirit and truth](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), echoing the profound reverence and praise seen at the Temple's dedication.

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 5:13

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD;

2 Chronicles 20:21

And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Luke 1:50

And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Isaiah 63:7

¶ I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, [and] the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

Hebrews 7:24

But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Ezra 3:11

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because [he is] good, for his mercy [endureth] for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.