Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Chronicles 7

1 NOW when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven , and consumed the burnt-offering, and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.

In token of Gods Acceptance of his Prayer. See on Levit. 9. 24. 1 Kin. 18. 38.

i. e. The Cloud, which was the Sign of Gods glorious and gracious Presence.

Marginal references: 1 Kin. 8. 54.; Lev. 9. 24. Judg. 6. 21. 1 Chr. 21. 26.

2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD , because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORDs house.

Compare Exod. 40. 35.

3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house , they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, for he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever.

The Cloud first came down upon the House, and then entred into the House, and was seen both within it by the Priests and without it by the People.

Marginal references: Ch. 5. 13.

6 And the priests waited on their offices, the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever; when David praised by their ministery : and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.

For David composed the Psalms or Hymns, 1 Chron. 16. 7. and appointed them to be sung by the Levites, and instrumental Musick to be joyned to their Voices.

Marginal references: 1 Chr. 15. 16.; 1 Chr. 16. 42.; the LORD.; Heb. by their hand.

7 Moreover, Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that was before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt-offerings, and the fat of the peace-offerings, because the brazen altar which Solomon had made, was not able to receive the burnt-offerings, and the meat-offerings, and the [illegible: 1+ letters]at.

Of this and v. 8, 9, 10. see the Notes on 1 King. [illegible: 1+ letters]. 64, &c.

11 Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD , and the kings house: and all that came into Solomons heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected.

See on 1 King. 9. 1, 2.

Marginal references: 1 Kin. 9. [illegible: 1+ letters], &c.

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:

i. e. Use my Authority and Power over them to cause them to do so. A Metaphor elsewhere used in reference to unreasonable Creatures, as 1 King. 17. 4. Amos 9. 3. who are not properly capable of a Command or of Obedience.

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

Or, that shall be made in or towards this Place: for he speaks of the Answers which he will give to the Prayers which shall be made here. Heb. Of this Place.

Marginal references: Ch. 6. 42; Heb. [illegible: 1 word] prayer of this pla[illegible: 1+ letters]e.

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.

Of this Verse and the rest of this Chapter see the Notes on 1 King. 9. 3, &c.

Marginal references: Ch. 6. 5.