2 Chronicles 6:26-31 When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against you; yet if they pray toward this place… I. A REBUKE TO RATIONALISM IN NATURAL EVILS. All meteorological phenomena are under God's control. In all afflictive events God speaks to cities and nations. II. A MORAL DESIGN IN THE INFLICTION OF NATURAL EVILS. 1. To requite justice. 2. To lead to God. III. A PLACE FOR PRAYER IN THE REMOVING NATURAL EVILS. This denied by many. Prayer may be necessary for man's highest culture. We do not classify with powers in physical nature. It is not a natural but a moral power. The ordination of God leaves room for prayer. Prayer may be one of the laws of the universe as certain in its sphere as the laws of heat or of gravitation in their peculiar realms. Neither history, Scripture, nor experience forbid us to pray in times of national distress. (J. Wolfendale.) Parallel Verses KJV: When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them; |
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