King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 7:13 Mean?

2 Chronicles 7:13 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

2 Chronicles 7:13 · KJV

Context

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

15

Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. unto: Heb. to the prayer of this place

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Divine acceptance with conditional covenant warnings. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in God's Glory Fills Temple point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהֵן1 of 16

“If”

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אֶֽעֱצֹ֤ר2 of 16

“I shut up”

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙3 of 16

“heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְלֹֽא4 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִהְיֶ֣ה5 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מָטָ֔ר6 of 16

“that there be no rain”

H4306

rain

וְהֵן7 of 16

“If”

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אֲצַוֶּ֥ה8 of 16

“or if I command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

עַל9 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חָגָ֖ב10 of 16

“the locusts”

H2284

a locust

לֶֽאֱכ֣וֹל11 of 16

“to devour”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הָאָ֑רֶץ12 of 16

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְאִם13 of 16
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח14 of 16

“or if I send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

דֶּ֖בֶר15 of 16

“pestilence”

H1698

a pestilence

בְּעַמִּֽי׃16 of 16

“among my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 7:13 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 7:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 6:26-28Deuteronomy 11:17Revelation 11:6Revelation 3:72 Samuel 24:13-15Job 12:14

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