2 Chronicles 7:15

Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

Study Bible

Now My eyes will be open
This phrase signifies God's promise of vigilance and awareness towards the temple in Jerusalem. In the context of 2 Chronicles, this follows Solomon's dedication of the temple, where God responds to Solomon's prayer. The "eyes" of God being open suggests His active involvement and readiness to observe the actions and prayers of His people. This is reminiscent of Psalm 34:15, which states, "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous." It emphasizes God's omnipresence and His willingness to engage with His people when they seek Him earnestly.

and My ears attentive
Here, God assures that He will listen to the prayers of His people. This is a continuation of the covenant relationship where God promises to hear the cries of His people, as seen in Exodus 3:7, where God says, "I have heard them crying out." The phrase underscores the importance of prayer and God's readiness to respond. It also reflects the cultural understanding of a deity who is not distant but actively involved in the lives of worshippers.

to the prayers offered in this place
"This place" refers specifically to the temple in Jerusalem, which Solomon built as a dwelling place for God's name. The temple was central to Israelite worship and served as a physical representation of God's presence among His people. The emphasis on "this place" highlights the temple's significance as a designated location for worship and prayer. It also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the new temple (John 2:19-21), where believers can approach God directly through Christ. The temple's role as a house of prayer is echoed in Isaiah 56:7, which Jesus later references in the Gospels.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The King of Israel who built the temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father David's vision.

2. The Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

3. God (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises to be attentive to the prayers made in the temple.

4. Israelites
The people of God, who are called to worship and seek God in the temple.

5. Dedication of the Temple
The event where Solomon dedicates the temple to God, and God responds with promises and conditions.

Teaching Points

God's Attentiveness
God promises to be attentive to the prayers offered in the temple. This reflects His desire for a relationship with His people and His readiness to listen to their needs and concerns.

The Importance of Place in Worship
The temple was a designated place for worship and prayer. While Christians today are not bound to a physical temple, the principle of setting aside sacred spaces and times for prayer remains vital.

Prayer as a Covenant Practice
Prayer is a key component of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a means of communication and a way to seek God's guidance and intervention.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
God's promise to be attentive to prayers is a testament to His faithfulness. Believers can trust that God hears and responds to their prayers according to His will.

The Role of the Community in Prayer
The temple was a communal place of prayer, reminding us of the power and importance of corporate prayer within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of the temple's dedication enhance our appreciation of God's promise in 2 Chronicles 7:15?

2. In what ways can we create "sacred spaces" in our own lives to ensure we are regularly engaging in prayer?

3. How does the promise of God's attentiveness to prayer in 2 Chronicles 7:15 encourage us in our personal prayer lives today?

4. What are some examples of corporate prayer in the New Testament, and how do they reflect the communal aspect of prayer seen in the temple?

5. How can we apply the principle of God's faithfulness to His promises in our daily walk with Him, especially in times of uncertainty or difficulty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 8:29
This verse parallels 2 Chronicles 7:15, where Solomon prays for God's eyes to be open toward the temple.

Psalm 34:15
This verse speaks of the Lord's eyes being on the righteous and His ears attentive to their cry, emphasizing God's responsiveness to His people.

Isaiah 56:7
This verse refers to God's house being a house of prayer for all nations, highlighting the temple's role in prayer.

Matthew 21:13
Jesus refers to the temple as a house of prayer, reinforcing the temple's purpose as a place of divine-human interaction.