2 Chronicles 7:17

And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances,

Study Bible

And as for you
This phrase indicates a direct address, emphasizing personal responsibility and accountability. It is a continuation of God's covenantal promise, highlighting the individual role of the king in maintaining the covenant relationship with God. The "you" refers specifically to Solomon, but by extension, it applies to all leaders and believers who are called to follow God's ways.

if you walk before Me
"Walk before Me" is a biblical idiom for living a life in accordance with God's will and presence. It implies a lifestyle of obedience, integrity, and faithfulness. This phrase echoes the covenant language found throughout the Old Testament, where walking with God signifies a close, personal relationship with Him, as seen in Genesis 17:1 with Abraham.

as your father David walked
David is presented as a model of faithfulness, despite his imperfections. His heart for God and his repentance set a standard for future kings. This reference to David underscores the importance of a heart aligned with God, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:14, where David is described as a man after God's own heart.

doing all I have commanded you
This phrase emphasizes obedience to God's commands as a critical component of walking with Him. It reflects the Deuteronomic theme of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). The comprehensive nature of "all" underscores the necessity of complete adherence to God's instructions.

and if you keep My statutes and ordinances
"Statutes and ordinances" refer to the specific laws and decrees given by God, particularly those found in the Mosaic Law. Keeping these laws was essential for maintaining the covenant relationship and ensuring the prosperity and stability of the nation. This requirement is a reminder of the covenantal framework established at Sinai, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of David and the king of Israel, to whom God is speaking in this passage. Solomon is known for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem.

2. David
The father of Solomon, a man after God's own heart, who served as the king of Israel before Solomon. David is often seen as a model of faithfulness despite his imperfections.

3. God
The speaker in this passage, who is giving Solomon a conditional promise based on his obedience.

4. The Temple in Jerusalem
The context of this passage is the dedication of the temple, which Solomon built as a place for God's presence to dwell among His people.

5. Israel
The nation chosen by God, to whom these commands and promises are directed through their king, Solomon.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
God’s promise to Solomon is conditional upon his obedience. This underscores the biblical principle that blessings often follow obedience to God’s commands.

Walking in Integrity
The reference to David’s walk before God highlights the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our relationship with God. Despite his failures, David is remembered for his heart for God.

The Role of Leadership
As a leader, Solomon’s obedience would set the tone for the nation. This teaches us that leaders have a significant impact on those they lead, and their faithfulness can lead others toward or away from God.

Conditional Promises
God’s promises often come with conditions. Understanding and fulfilling these conditions is crucial for experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings.

Legacy of Faithfulness
David’s example serves as a legacy for Solomon. Our actions and faithfulness can leave a lasting impact on future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's responsibility to walk in obedience compare to our responsibilities as Christians today?

2. In what ways can we strive to walk before God with integrity, as David did, in our daily lives?

3. How do the conditional promises of God in the Old Testament relate to the promises we have in Christ under the New Covenant?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are keeping God’s statutes and ordinances in our personal lives?

5. How can the example of David’s faithfulness and failures encourage us in our own spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 9:4-5
This passage parallels 2 Chronicles 7:17, where God reiterates His promise to Solomon contingent on his obedience, emphasizing the importance of walking in integrity as David did.

Deuteronomy 5:32-33
These verses highlight the importance of following God's commandments and statutes, promising life and prosperity for obedience.

Psalm 119:1-3
This psalm speaks to the blessings of walking in the law of the Lord, reinforcing the theme of obedience found in 2 Chronicles 7:17.