2 Chronicles 7:14 is a timeless truth from God aimed at His own who have turned from Him, or who will turn from Him at some point in time. For every sin we commit turns us subtly away. But God in His merciful grace forgives the repentant sinner. It's a promise. Not an outlet to sin, simply to receive His grace; but a road traveled by many in humble repentance.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Christian Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 7:14
This series, A Flash of Insight Christian Bible Commentary, is a quick in-depth look at various topics in Scripture, with Revival of the Hearts focused on 2 Chronicles 7:14.
The following short excerpt, from Chapter 2, details Solomon's encounter with God and the background leading up to God's words spoken in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
An Encounter
When Solomon became king, he took firm control over the kingdom, and led the people to the Tabernacle in Gibeon to worship. Standing at the front of the Tabernacle, consulting with the LORD, Solomon proceeded to sacrifice 1,000 burnt offerings on the bronze altar. That night God appeared to him in a dream and said, "What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you" - 2 Chronicles 1:7 NLT. In his response, Solomon remembered his father's words; when David said, "And may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of the LORD your God as you rule over Israel. For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that the LORD gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!" - 1 Chronicles 22:12-13 NLT.
David in admonishing Solomon in how to run a nation well, stated clearly his need for wisdom and understanding. It was essential for Solomon to have wisdom in order to obey God, and his obedience to God would be reflected in his leading of the nation; in turn, the people would be directed in how to live righteously - right with God.
Therefore, desiring to be a successful leader ruling the people right in God's eyes, contributing to the people's growth in the Lord, Solomon responded to the Lord, "Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?" - 2 Chronicles 1:10 NLT. Solomon's answer pleased God because Solomon's greatest desire was to help the people he led, live right before God. Solomon was a shepherd. He cared about the people entrusted to him. Thus, God granted him not only wisdom and knowledge but wealth, riches, and fame also - 2 Chronicles 1:12.
After his encounter with God, Solomon decided to build a Temple to honor the name of the LORD on Mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared to his father, David - 2 Chronicles 3:1. If we think about it, when God appeared to the people in the Old Testament, an altar was built to honor His name - Genesis 12:7, 26:24-25. There is a heartfelt desire to honor God after encountering Him.
Today, do we honor God after encountering Him?
Solomon did not just encounter God once. After Solomon prayed, dedicating the Temple to the LORD in 2 Chronicles 6, God appeared again. At the end of Solomon's prayer, fire flashed down from heaven consuming the burnt offerings and sacrifices and God's presence filled the Temple. When the people saw God's moral beauty they fell face down on the ground in worship, praising the LORD, saying, "He is good! His faithful love endures forever!" - 2 Chronicles 7:3 NLT.
The wisdom God granted Solomon at the beginning of his reign is witnessed in his prayer of dedication; a prayer exposing his heart that walked in the fear of God. Solomon's prayer was in tune with God - Psalm 125:4. His prayer was God's heart; witnessed in God's response. It highlighted the people's need to walk in the fear of the Lord.
Solomon had asked God to forgive the people who pray to Him; those who acknowledge His name and turn from their sins. He interceded on behalf of the people, "if the people do this, please forgive." Truly, the only answer to God's punishment of sin is found in Him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 reveals God confirming the details of Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6 - if the people sin, there will be consequences, but there is hope for the repentant sinner when they call upon God sincerely. Solomon, a man who had received wisdom from God, prayed exactly what was needed for the nation and God was pleased. In more ways than one, 2 Chronicles 7:14 reveals wisdom - the specific details laid out in this verse, but also the impact a heart right before the Lord has on generations.
Straight truth - when people sin, they need to call upon God and repent of that which separates them from Him. There is punishment for sin - Colossians 3:25, Psalm 34:21. There are consequences. Restoration will not take place until the people are on the right path - the path of righteousness - walking in the fear of the LORD. God teaches HIs people to walk the right path by way of His discipline - there is no rain in the lives of those who are disobedient, but there is an abundance of rain in the lives of those who are right before Him - 2 Chronicles 6:27.
God alone knows the intricacies of the human heart - He knows what it will take for HIs own to walk in the fear of Him, recognizing His Sovereignty. He calls His own to renew their mind with His Word, listening to Him and taking His words to heart - for only then will God's people learn His will for their lives and what is good and pleasing and perfect - Romans 12:2.
Healing and restoration - a revival of hearts - takes place when believers recognize their sins separate them from God and they purposefully make changes to be right before Him.
The fruit of wisdom is a revival of hearts, in oneself and in the people surrounding; for all wisdom comes from God and He desires people to see His ultimate care of them - 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.
God's love is eternal.
It is the call to every heart to ask God to search them and to know their heart; and to test their thoughts, knowing their real and perceived anxious thoughts; pointing out anything within them that is wicked and offensive to Him; desiring to be led along the path of everlasting life - Psalm 139:23-24. It is the heart of the psalmist, David saying, "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing" - Psalm 143:10 NLT.
The Holy Spirit always leads us along the paths of the Lord, bringing honor to God's name - Psalm 23:3; pointing us to Jesus Christ, our Savior - 1 John 2:27.
About the Author
Alysa VanderWeerd is also the author of the poetry book, Life., the 365-day devotional, Mountaintop Mornings, and the In His Presence teen bible study series. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Education in Community Care and Counseling: Family & Marriage from Liberty University. She loves camping at the beach with her family, gardening, and jogging with her dog, Koa. For more about Alysa, visit her Christian non-profit, Relentlessprayer.org.
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