King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 7:20 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

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;

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.

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?

And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **Then will I pluck them up by the roots**—i.e., *your children* (see last verse). (Comp. Deuteronomy 29:27.) Vulg. rightly, “evellam vos de terra mea.” The opposite idea is that of *planting* a nation in a land (Jeremiah 24:6). Kings, “Then will I cut off Israel from upon the face of the land.” The chronicler has softened the severity of the expression, *cut off Israel.* **Will I cast out of my sight.**—Vulg. more literally, “projiciam a facie mea.” The exact phrase occurs nowhere else; but comp. Psalm 51:13, which is very similar; also Psalm 102:11. Instead of *’ashlik,* “I will cast,” Kings has *’ashallah,* “I will send,” *i.e.,* throw (Amos 2:5). **And will make it.**—A softening down of, *and Israel shall become* (Kings). Comp. Deuteronomy 28:37. So Syriac.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 7:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.