2 Chronicles 7:21
And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and say, 'Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?'
And this temple
The Hebrew word for "temple" is "הַבַּיִת" (ha-bayit), which literally means "the house." In the context of ancient Israel, the temple was not just a physical structure but the dwelling place of God among His people. It was the center of worship and a symbol of God's covenant with Israel. The temple's significance is deeply rooted in the history of Israel, representing God's presence, holiness, and the nation's identity as His chosen people.

will now become a heap of rubble
The phrase "heap of rubble" translates from the Hebrew "לְעִי" (le'i), indicating complete destruction and desolation. This imagery is powerful, evoking the consequences of disobedience and unfaithfulness to God. Historically, the destruction of the temple would have been a devastating event for the Israelites, symbolizing the loss of divine favor and protection. It serves as a stark warning of the seriousness of turning away from God's commandments.

All who pass by it
This phrase suggests the visibility and public nature of the temple's destruction. The Hebrew word "כָּל" (kol) means "all" or "everyone," emphasizing that the consequences of Israel's actions would be evident to all nations. This public display of judgment serves as a testimony to God's righteousness and justice, reminding the world of His sovereignty and the importance of faithfulness.

will be appalled and will scoff
The reaction of being "appalled" and "scoffing" reflects the shock and derision of onlookers. The Hebrew words "וְשָׁמְמוּ" (ve-shamemu) and "וְשָׁרְקוּ" (ve-sharku) convey a sense of horror and ridicule. This response highlights the shame and dishonor brought upon Israel due to their disobedience. It serves as a cautionary tale of how turning away from God can lead to public disgrace and the loss of respect among nations.

and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing
The question "Why has the LORD done such a thing" reflects a search for understanding and meaning behind the destruction. The use of "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. This inquiry points to the need for introspection and recognition of sin as the root cause of divine judgment. It underscores the importance of obedience and the consequences of straying from God's path.

to this land and to this temple?’
The mention of "this land" and "this temple" ties the fate of the physical land and the spiritual center together. The land of Israel was a gift from God, a fulfillment of His promise to Abraham. The temple, as the heart of worship, was integral to the nation's spiritual life. Their destruction signifies a breach in the covenant relationship, a call to repentance, and a reminder of the need for restoration and renewal in the faith community. This serves as an enduring lesson on the importance of maintaining a faithful relationship with God to ensure His blessings and presence.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who built the temple, fulfilling his father David's vision.

2. The Temple
The magnificent structure built by Solomon in Jerusalem as a dwelling place for the LORD.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who is speaking through this warning.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, whose obedience and faithfulness are being tested.

5. Passersby
People from other nations who will witness the destruction and question its cause.
Teaching Points
The Conditional Nature of God's Promises
God's promises often come with conditions that require our obedience and faithfulness. Just as Israel was warned, we too must heed God's instructions to maintain His blessings.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God can lead to devastating consequences, not only for individuals but for entire communities. This serves as a sobering reminder to remain faithful.

The Witness of God's Actions
God's actions, whether blessings or judgments, serve as a testimony to the world. Our lives should reflect His glory and not bring reproach upon His name.

The Importance of Repentance
Even when we stray, God offers a path back through repentance. Acknowledging our failures and turning back to God can restore our relationship with Him.

The Role of the Community in Faithfulness
The faithfulness of a community impacts its collective experience of God's blessings or judgments. We must encourage one another to remain steadfast in our faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the warning in 2 Chronicles 7:21 reflect the conditional nature of God's promises, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. In what ways do the consequences faced by Israel serve as a warning for modern believers and communities?

3. How can we ensure that our lives serve as a positive testimony to those who "pass by" and observe our faith?

4. What steps can we take to foster a spirit of repentance and renewal within our communities?

5. How can we support and encourage one another to remain faithful to God's commands in a world that often challenges our beliefs?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding the consequences mentioned in 2 Chronicles 7:21.

1 Kings 9:8-9
These verses parallel 2 Chronicles 7:21, emphasizing the conditional nature of God's promise based on Israel's faithfulness.

Jeremiah 22:8-9
This passage echoes the theme of foreign nations questioning the downfall of Israel due to their unfaithfulness.

Matthew 24:1-2
Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, drawing a parallel to the consequences of turning away from God.
A Covenant Concerning the Church of GodT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 7:12-22
The Divine PromiseW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 7:17-22
People
David, Israelites, Levites, Solomon
Places
Brook of Egypt, Egypt, Jerusalem, Lebo-hamath
Topics
Appalled, Astonished, Astonishment, Broken, Exalted, Goes, Imposing, Mass, Overcome, Pass, Passes, Passeth, Passing, Temple, Thus, Walls, Wherefore, Wonder
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 7:17-22

     1351   covenant, with David

2 Chronicles 7:19-22

     5243   byword
     8816   ridicule, nature of

Library
November the Twenty-Fifth after the Prayer the Fire!
"When Solomon had made an end of praying the fire came down from heaven." --2 CHRONICLES vii. 1-11. And the fire is the symbol of the Holy God. Pure flame is our imperfect mode of expressing the Incorruptible. This burning flame is heat and light in one. And when Solomon had prayed, the holy Flame was in their midst. But not only is the flame the symbol of the Holy; it also typifies the power which can make me holy. We have no cleansing minister to compare with fire. Where water fails fire succeeds.
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

November the Twenty-Sixth Unconsecrated Souls
"This house which I have sanctified will I cast out of my sight, and will make it a proverb and a by-word among all nations." --2 CHRONICLES vii. 12-22. And thus am I taught that consecrated houses are nothing without consecrated souls. It is not the mode of worship, but the spirit of the worshipper which forms the test of a consecrated people. If the worshipper is defiled his temple becomes an offence. When the kernel is rotten, and I offer the husk to God, the offering is a double insult to
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
2 Chronicles 7:21 NIV
2 Chronicles 7:21 NLT
2 Chronicles 7:21 ESV
2 Chronicles 7:21 NASB
2 Chronicles 7:21 KJV

2 Chronicles 7:21 Commentaries

Bible Hub
2 Chronicles 7:20
Top of Page
Top of Page