King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 7:15 Mean?

2 Chronicles 7:15 in the King James Version says “Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. unto: Heb. to the prayer o...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 7:15 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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

16

For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

17

And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

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 · 9 words
עַתָּ֗ה1 of 9
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

עֵינַי֙2 of 9

“Now mine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יִֽהְי֣וּ3 of 9
H1961

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

פְתֻח֔וֹת4 of 9

“shall be open”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

וְאָזְנַ֖י5 of 9

“and mine ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

קַשֻּׁב֑וֹת6 of 9

“attent”

H7183

hearkening

לִתְפִלַּ֖ת7 of 9

“unto the prayer”

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

הַמָּק֥וֹם8 of 9

“that is made in 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)

הַזֶּֽה׃9 of 9
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 7:15 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 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 3:122 Chronicles 6:402 Chronicles 6:20Nehemiah 1:6Deuteronomy 11:12Psalms 65:2

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