Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Chronicles 7
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Chronicles 7
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Chronicles 7
"Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt-offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of Jehovah filled the house." — 2 Chronicles 7:1 (ASV)
The fire came down from heaven - This was just as in the time of Moses at the dedication of the tabernacle (Leviticus 9:24). This fact is omitted from the narrative of Kings, but omission is not contradiction.
"So Solomon held the feast at that time seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath unto the brook of Egypt." — 2 Chronicles 7:8 (ASV)
Solomon kept the feast - That is, at this same time, Solomon kept not only the Feast of the Dedication but also the Feast of Tabernacles. The former lasted seven days, from the 8th to the 15th of Tisri; the latter also lasted seven days, from the 15th to the 22nd. On the following day, the people were dismissed (2 Chronicles 7:10).
"Thus Solomon finished the house of Jehovah, and the king`s house: and all that came into Solomon`s heart to make in the house of Jehovah, and in his own house, he prosperously effected." — 2 Chronicles 7:11 (ASV)
The narrative now runs parallel with 1 Kings 9:1–9, but is fuller and presents less verbal agreement. The content in 2 Chronicles 7:13–15 is an addition to the earlier record.
"And Jehovah appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice." — 2 Chronicles 7:12 (ASV)
A house of sacrifice - This expression does not occur elsewhere. Its meaning, however, is clear. God declares that Solomon’s Temple is the place where all Israelites were commanded to bring their burnt offerings and sacrifices .
"Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent, unto the prayer that is made in this place." — 2 Chronicles 7:15 (ASV)
The prayer that is made in this place—literally, as in the margin. This unusual phrase includes the two cases of prayers offered in the sanctuary (2 Chronicles 6:24) and toward the sanctuary (2 Chronicles 6:38).
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