2 Chronicles 7:12-16 And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him, I have heard your prayer… 1. How strikingly does the answer meet the prayer. Solomon anticipated days of sorrow. He asked of God, "If we call upon Thee, wilt Thou hear us?" "I will," says God, "I will." Solomon asks that God's eye and ear may be open to his house. God exceeds the prayer of the king. Not only shall Mine eyes and Mine ears be there, but My heart shall be there also. 2. God not only declares that He has heard the prayer of Solomon, He says something more encouraging: "I have chosen this house for Myself, for a house of sacrifice." 3. God affirms national judgments to be the work of His own hand. "If I shut up heaven," etc. 4. God supposes that always in national calamity the people will come running to Him. 5. God regards His house as pre-eminently a house of prayer. "Mine ears shall be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place." 6. God gives a promise of His perpetual presence in His house.Conclusion: What duty devolves upon us having such abundant mercies? 1. Personal religion. 2. Family religion. 3. Liberal offering to the Lord. (T. Mortimer, B.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. |
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