2 Chronicles 7:3

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."

Study Bible

When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down
This phrase captures a moment of divine manifestation. The "fire coming down" is reminiscent of God's presence in the Old Testament, such as the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and the fire on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18). The Hebrew word for "fire" is "אֵשׁ" (esh), symbolizing God's holiness and power. This event signifies God's acceptance of Solomon's temple and the sacrifices offered there. It is a moment of awe and reverence, as the Israelites witness a tangible sign of God's presence and approval.

and the glory of the LORD above the temple
The "glory of the LORD" refers to the Shekinah, a visible manifestation of God's presence. The Hebrew word for "glory" is "כָּבוֹד" (kavod), which conveys weightiness and honor. This glory above the temple signifies God's dwelling among His people, fulfilling His promise to Solomon. Historically, the temple was the center of Israelite worship, and God's glory resting upon it affirmed its sanctity and purpose. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His desire to be with His people.

they bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground
This act of bowing down is a physical expression of worship and submission. The Hebrew word for "bowed down" is "כָּרַע" (kara), indicating a posture of humility and reverence. The Israelites' response to God's presence is one of deep respect and acknowledgment of His sovereignty. The "pavement" refers to the temple courtyard, a sacred space where the people gathered to worship. This act of prostration signifies their recognition of God's majesty and their own unworthiness.

and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD
"Worshiped" and "gave thanks" are central to the Israelites' response. The Hebrew word for "worshiped" is "שָׁחָה" (shachah), meaning to bow down or prostrate oneself. It reflects an attitude of adoration and reverence. "Gave thanks" is from the Hebrew "יָדָה" (yadah), which involves acknowledging God's goodness and expressing gratitude. This dual response of worship and thanksgiving highlights the Israelites' recognition of God's benevolence and their dependence on Him.

saying, 'He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.'
This declaration is a profound theological statement. "He is good" affirms God's inherent goodness, a central theme in Scripture. The Hebrew word for "good" is "טוֹב" (tov), denoting moral excellence and benevolence. "His loving devotion" translates the Hebrew "חֶסֶד" (chesed), often rendered as "steadfast love" or "mercy." It emphasizes God's covenantal faithfulness and enduring kindness. "Endures forever" underscores the eternal nature of God's love and faithfulness, a comforting assurance for the Israelites and for believers today. This phrase encapsulates the essence of God's character and His unwavering commitment to His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who witnessed the divine manifestation.

2. Fire from Heaven
A miraculous sign of God's presence and approval, symbolizing His holiness and power.

3. Glory of the LORD
The visible manifestation of God's presence, often associated with His majesty and holiness.

4. Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem built by Solomon as a dwelling place for God's name and a center for worship.

5. Pavement
The ground area where the Israelites prostrated themselves in worship, signifying humility and reverence.

Teaching Points

God's Manifest Presence
Recognize that God's presence is both awe-inspiring and comforting. His glory demands reverence and worship.

Response to God's Goodness
Like the Israelites, our response to God's goodness should be worship and thanksgiving. Acknowledge His enduring love in our daily lives.

Humility in Worship
The Israelites' posture of bowing with faces to the ground teaches us the importance of humility and reverence in worship.

Enduring Loving Devotion
God's loving devotion (Hebrew: "chesed") is a central theme throughout Scripture. Trust in His unchanging love and faithfulness.

Community Worship
The collective worship of the Israelites highlights the importance of gathering together as a community to honor God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the manifestation of God's glory in 2 Chronicles 7:3 compare to other instances of God's presence in the Bible?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the Israelites' response of worship and thanksgiving into our personal and communal worship today?

3. What does the concept of God's "loving devotion" mean to you, and how can it impact your relationship with Him?

4. How can we cultivate a posture of humility and reverence in our daily lives, both in worship and in our interactions with others?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's presence in a powerful way. How did it affect your faith and actions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 40:34-35
The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle, similar to how it filled Solomon's temple, indicating God's presence among His people.

Leviticus 9:24
Fire from the LORD consumed the burnt offering, showing divine acceptance, paralleling the fire in 2 Chronicles 7:3.

Psalm 136
Repeatedly emphasizes God's goodness and enduring loving devotion, echoing the Israelites' declaration in 2 Chronicles 7:3.

1 Kings 8:10-11
The glory of the LORD filled the temple during its dedication, similar to the event in 2 Chronicles 7.

Revelation 21:22-23
Describes the New Jerusalem where God's glory illuminates the city, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with His people.