To understand 2 Chronicles 7:14, we need to go back to Solomon’s prayer dedicating the Temple in chapter 6. He asks God, “May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place …” (v 20) Then He lists examples of possible sins, many from Israel’s history.
22 “When anyone wrongs their neighbor …
23 then hear from heaven and act.“
24 “When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you … 25 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin.”
26“When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you … 27 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants.“
28 “When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come …
30 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts.“
34 “When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them …
35 then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause.“
36 “When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy …
39 then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their pleas, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you.“
Solomon knew his people. So does God. When people sin, there are consequences and suffering. But God will forgive when they return to him. He gives them what they need and not what they deserve. God has always been about grace.
***
We receive God’s grace by humbly admitting that we need it.
Rick Warren
***
***
(Note: Some people say 2 Chronicles 7:14 applies only to Israel, not to America. But,
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT)
***
Great and mighty God,
For the glory of Your name hear our prayer,
forgive our sin,
and heal our land.
Amen