2 Chronicles 7:17

And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances,

Study Bible

As for you
This phrase is a direct address, indicating a personal and specific instruction from God to Solomon. The Hebrew word used here is "אַתָּה" (atah), which is singular, emphasizing the personal responsibility and relationship between God and Solomon. It underscores the individual accountability each believer has before God, reminding us that our walk with God is personal and unique.

if you walk before Me
The Hebrew word for "walk" is "הָלַךְ" (halak), which implies a continuous, habitual lifestyle. Walking "before Me" suggests living in the presence of God, with an awareness of His constant oversight. This phrase calls believers to live a life of integrity and faithfulness, conscious of God's omnipresence, much like Enoch and Noah, who also "walked with God" (Genesis 5:24, 6:9).

as your father David walked
David is presented as a model of faithfulness, despite his imperfections. The Hebrew root "דָּוִד" (David) means "beloved," highlighting the special relationship David had with God. This reference to David serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and a heart after God, as seen in David's life. It encourages believers to pursue a heart aligned with God's will, seeking His forgiveness and grace.

doing all I have commanded you
The word "commanded" comes from the Hebrew "צָוָה" (tsavah), which means to give orders or instructions. This phrase emphasizes obedience to God's revealed will. It reflects the covenantal relationship where blessings are contingent upon obedience. For believers, it is a call to adhere to God's Word, recognizing it as the ultimate authority in life.

and if you keep My statutes and ordinances
"Keep" is translated from the Hebrew "שָׁמַר" (shamar), meaning to guard or observe. "Statutes" and "ordinances" refer to God's laws and decrees, "חֻקִּים" (chuqqim) and "מִשְׁפָּטִים" (mishpatim), respectively. This phrase underscores the importance of not just knowing God's laws but actively preserving and practicing them. It calls believers to a life of holiness and justice, reflecting God's character in their daily actions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of David and the king of Israel, to whom God is speaking in this passage. Solomon is known for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem.

2. David
The father of Solomon, a man after God's own heart, who served as the king of Israel before Solomon. David is often seen as a model of faithfulness despite his imperfections.

3. God
The speaker in this passage, who is giving Solomon a conditional promise based on his obedience.

4. The Temple in Jerusalem
The context of this passage is the dedication of the temple, which Solomon built as a place for God's presence to dwell among His people.

5. Israel
The nation chosen by God, to whom these commands and promises are directed through their king, Solomon.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
God’s promise to Solomon is conditional upon his obedience. This underscores the biblical principle that blessings often follow obedience to God’s commands.

Walking in Integrity
The reference to David’s walk before God highlights the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our relationship with God. Despite his failures, David is remembered for his heart for God.

The Role of Leadership
As a leader, Solomon’s obedience would set the tone for the nation. This teaches us that leaders have a significant impact on those they lead, and their faithfulness can lead others toward or away from God.

Conditional Promises
God’s promises often come with conditions. Understanding and fulfilling these conditions is crucial for experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings.

Legacy of Faithfulness
David’s example serves as a legacy for Solomon. Our actions and faithfulness can leave a lasting impact on future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's responsibility to walk in obedience compare to our responsibilities as Christians today?

2. In what ways can we strive to walk before God with integrity, as David did, in our daily lives?

3. How do the conditional promises of God in the Old Testament relate to the promises we have in Christ under the New Covenant?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are keeping God’s statutes and ordinances in our personal lives?

5. How can the example of David’s faithfulness and failures encourage us in our own spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 9:4-5
This passage parallels 2 Chronicles 7:17, where God reiterates His promise to Solomon contingent on his obedience, emphasizing the importance of walking in integrity as David did.

Deuteronomy 5:32-33
These verses highlight the importance of following God's commandments and statutes, promising life and prosperity for obedience.

Psalm 119:1-3
This psalm speaks to the blessings of walking in the law of the Lord, reinforcing the theme of obedience found in 2 Chronicles 7:17.