King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 7:18 Mean?

2 Chronicles 7:18 in the King James Version says “Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shal...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 7:18 · KJV

Context

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;

20

Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 15 words
וַהֲקִ֣ימוֹתִ֔י1 of 15

“Then will I stablish”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֵ֖ת2 of 15
H853

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

כִּסֵּ֣א3 of 15

“the throne”

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

מַלְכוּתֶ֑ךָ4 of 15

“of thy kingdom”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 15
H834

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

יִכָּרֵ֤ת6 of 15

“There shall not fail”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לְדָוִ֤יד7 of 15

“with David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֙יךָ֙8 of 15

“thy father”

H1

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר9 of 15

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא10 of 15
H3808

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

יִכָּרֵ֤ת11 of 15

“There shall not fail”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לְךָ֙12 of 15
H0
אִ֔ישׁ13 of 15

“thee a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מוֹשֵׁ֖ל14 of 15

“to be ruler”

H4910

to rule

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃15 of 15

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 7:18 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 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 6:16Jeremiah 33:20-212 Samuel 7:13-16Psalms 132:11-121 Kings 9:5Psalms 89:28-40

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