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 Israel from the soil I have given them
This phrase reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where the land is a divine gift contingent upon obedience. The imagery of "uprooting" suggests a complete removal, akin to a plant being pulled from the ground, indicating exile. Historically, this foreshadows the Babylonian exile when the Israelites were removed from their land due to disobedience. The land of Israel, promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:7), is central to the identity and faith of the Jewish people, and losing it signifies a severe breach in their relationship with God.

and I will banish from My presence this temple I have sanctified for My Name
The temple in Jerusalem was the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, sanctified for His Name, meaning it was set apart for His glory and worship. The phrase "banish from My presence" indicates a withdrawal of divine favor and protection. This occurred historically when the Babylonians destroyed the temple in 586 BC. The temple's destruction symbolizes the loss of God's immediate presence and blessing, a theme echoed in Lamentations and the prophetic warnings of Jeremiah.

I will make it an object of scorn and ridicule among all the peoples
This phrase highlights the consequences of Israel's disobedience, where the once-glorious temple and nation become subjects of derision. This fulfills the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:37, where disobedience would lead to becoming a "byword among all nations." The scorn and ridicule reflect the shame and dishonor brought upon Israel, serving as a cautionary tale to other nations. This also points to the broader biblical theme of God's justice and the importance of faithfulness to His covenant.

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.