2 Chronicles 7:20

then I will uproot Israel from the soil I have given them, and I will banish from My presence this temple I have sanctified for My Name. I will make it an object of scorn and ridicule among all the peoples.

Study Bible

then I will uproot you
The phrase "uproot you" is significant in its agricultural metaphor, suggesting a complete removal from the land, akin to a plant being pulled from the soil. The Hebrew root word "נתש" (natash) conveys a sense of tearing away or plucking out. This imagery is powerful, indicating not just a physical displacement but a spiritual and covenantal severance. Historically, this reflects the consequences of Israel's disobedience, as seen in the Babylonian exile, where the people were removed from the Promised Land.

from My land that I have given you
The phrase "My land" emphasizes God's ownership and sovereignty over the land of Israel. The land is not merely a possession of the people but a divine gift, entrusted to them under the condition of obedience. The Hebrew word "ארץ" (eretz) for "land" is often used in the context of the Promised Land, a central theme in the Old Testament. This underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where the land is a tangible sign of God's promise and faithfulness.

and I will banish this temple
The word "banish" comes from the Hebrew "שלח" (shalach), meaning to send away or cast out. The temple, a symbol of God's presence and the heart of Israel's worship, being banished signifies a profound judgment. This reflects the seriousness of Israel's sin and the breaking of the covenant. Archaeologically, the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC serves as a historical fulfillment of this warning.

that I have sanctified for My Name
"Sanctified" is derived from the Hebrew "קדש" (qadash), meaning to set apart as holy. The temple was consecrated as a dwelling place for God's Name, representing His presence and glory among His people. The phrase "for My Name" highlights the temple's purpose to honor God and His reputation. The desecration or removal of the temple would thus signify a direct affront to God's holiness and a failure of the people to uphold His Name.

and I will make it a byword
The term "byword" translates from the Hebrew "משל" (mashal), which can mean a proverb or a parable. In this context, it implies that the temple and the people would become a cautionary tale or a symbol of disgrace among the nations. This serves as a warning to Israel and a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

and an object of scorn among all the peoples
The phrase "object of scorn" uses the Hebrew "שנינה" (shenina), indicating derision or ridicule. This reflects the shame and dishonor that would come upon Israel as a result of their disobedience. Historically, the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple were events that led to Israel being mocked by surrounding nations, fulfilling this prophetic warning. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the impact of sin on a community's witness to the world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign Lord who speaks to Solomon, setting conditions for Israel's continued blessing and presence in the land.

2. Solomon
The king of Israel who built the temple and is receiving God's warning and promise.

3. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem, sanctified for God's Name, representing His presence among His people.

4. Israel
The chosen people of God, who are warned of the consequences of turning away from Him.

5. The Land
The Promised Land given to Israel, symbolizing God's covenant and blessing.

Teaching Points

The Conditional Nature of God's Promises
God's promises often come with conditions that require our obedience and faithfulness.

The Importance of Holiness
The temple was sanctified for God's Name, reminding us of the call to live holy lives as His dwelling place today.

Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience leads to severe consequences, including loss of blessing and becoming a cautionary tale to others.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God is just and sovereign, and His actions are always in line with His character and covenant promises.

The Call to Repentance and Restoration
Even in warnings, there is an implicit call to repentance, offering hope for restoration if we turn back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the warning in 2 Chronicles 7:20 reflect the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel?

2. In what ways can the church today become like the temple, sanctified for God's Name, and what are the implications of this?

3. How do the consequences outlined in this verse serve as a warning for personal and communal disobedience in our lives?

4. What parallels can you draw between the uprooting of Israel and Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about the kingdom of God?

5. How can we apply the call to repentance and restoration in our daily walk with God, especially when we recognize areas of disobedience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, echoing the conditional nature of God's promise in 2 Chronicles 7:20.

1 Kings 9:6-9
Similar warning given to Solomon about the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness, emphasizing the importance of obedience.

Jeremiah 24:9
Describes the fate of Israel as a "proverb and a byword," reinforcing the warning of becoming an object of ridicule.

Matthew 21:43
Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God being taken away from those who do not produce its fruits, paralleling the idea of being uprooted.