King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 7:19 Mean?

2 Chronicles 7:19 in the King James Version says “But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve ot... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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;

2 Chronicles 7:19 · KJV


Context

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.

21

And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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
וְאִם1 of 15
H518

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

תְּשׁוּב֣וּן2 of 15

But if ye turn away

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אַתֶּ֔ם3 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וַֽעֲזַבְתֶּם֙4 of 15

and forsake

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

חֻקּוֹתַ֣י5 of 15

my statutes

H2708

a statute

וּמִצְוֹתַ֔י6 of 15

and my commandments

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 15
H834

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

נָתַ֖תִּי8 of 15

which I have set

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִפְנֵיכֶ֑ם9 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

וַֽהֲלַכְתֶּ֗ם10 of 15

you and shall go

H1980

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

וַֽעֲבַדְתֶּם֙11 of 15

and serve

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֱלֹהִ֣ים12 of 15

gods

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲחֵרִ֔ים13 of 15

other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וְהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוִיתֶ֖ם14 of 15

and worship

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לָהֶֽם׃15 of 15
H0

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 7:19 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 7:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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