King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 7:17 Mean?

2 Chronicles 7:17 in the King James Version says “And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

2 Chronicles 7:17 · KJV

Context

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;

18

Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. There: Heb. There shall not be cut off to thee

19

But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

Read 2 Chronicles 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 15 words
וְאַתָּ֞ה1 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אִם2 of 15
H518

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

הָלַךְ֙3 of 15

“walked”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְפָנַ֗י4 of 15

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר5 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָלַךְ֙6 of 15

“walked”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

דָּוִ֣יד7 of 15

“me as David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֔יךָ8 of 15

“thy father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְלַֽעֲשׂ֕וֹת9 of 15

“and do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כְּכֹ֖ל10 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוִּיתִ֑יךָ12 of 15

“according to all that I have commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

וְחֻקַּ֥י13 of 15

“my statutes”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וּמִשְׁפָּטַ֖י14 of 15

“and my judgments”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

תִּשְׁמֽוֹר׃15 of 15

“thee and shalt observe”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

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 7:17 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 7:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 36:27Zechariah 3:7Deuteronomy 4:401 Kings 11:381 Kings 8:25Psalms 105:45

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 7 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes