King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 7:12 Mean?

2 Chronicles 7:12 in the King James Version says “And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to mys...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Chronicles 7:12 · KJV

Prayer

Context

10

And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.

11

Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.

12

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.

13

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. which: Heb. upon whom my name is called

Read 2 Chronicles 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's nighttime appearance to Solomon: '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.' God's response 'I have heard' assures that lengthy prayers (chapter 6) reached divine ears. The phrase 'chosen this place to myself' (bachar... li) emphasizes divine election and ownership - God chose the place, making it His. Its purpose - 'house of sacrifice' - designates function: atonement through substitutionary sacrifice. This pointed to Christ's sacrifice, the ultimate fulfillment making all temple sacrifices obsolete. Believers are now God's chosen dwelling place where spiritual sacrifices are offered.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This nighttime revelation (c. 960 BCE) followed the temple dedication's public events, showing God's private confirmation of public worship. The designation 'house of sacrifice' shaped Israel's understanding that forgiveness requires blood atonement (Leviticus 17:11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God hears your prayers give confidence to persist in prayer despite delayed answers?
  2. What 'spiritual sacrifices' - worship, service, surrender - is God calling you to offer as His chosen dwelling place?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֵּרָ֧א1 of 16

“appeared”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יְהוָ֛ה2 of 16

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה4 of 16

“to Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

בַּלָּ֑יְלָה5 of 16

“by night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר6 of 16

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ7 of 16
H0
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙8 of 16

“unto him I have heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת9 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תְּפִלָּתֶ֔ךָ10 of 16

“thy prayer”

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

וּבָחַ֜רְתִּי11 of 16

“and have chosen”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בַּמָּק֥וֹם12 of 16

“this place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּ֛ה13 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לִ֖י14 of 16
H0
לְבֵ֥ית15 of 16

“to myself for an house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

זָֽבַח׃16 of 16

“of sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 7:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 7:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 17:12 Chronicles 7:161 Kings 9:22 Chronicles 1:7Deuteronomy 12:11Luke 1:13

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