What does 2 Chronicles 7:22 mean?

"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." - 2 Chronicles 7:22

2 Chronicles 7:22 - "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."

2 Chronicles 7:22 (KJV) states, "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."

This verse comes at the end of a prayer of dedication that King Solomon offers at the completion of the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. The context of this verse is set after Solomon's prayer, followed by God's response in 2 Chronicles 7:14-16, promising to forgive their sins and heal their land if they humble themselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from their wicked ways. However, if they do not heed his words, there will be grave consequences. This verse, 2 Chronicles 7:22, serves to explain the reason behind the evil and calamities that have fallen upon the people.

The verse delivers a stern warning against forsaking the Lord God, arguing that the current trials and afflictions are a direct result of their disobedience, specifically, their rejection of God in favor of other deities. This verse is a reminder of the first commandment given to the Israelites by God, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). The Israelites' lapse into idolatry, despite the miraculous deliverance from Egypt by God, is deemed as the underlying cause of their present suffering.

There are several themes present in this verse. The foremost theme is the consequences of forsaking God and turning to other gods. It is a warning against idolatry and the spiritual and moral decay that comes from abandoning the one true God. The verse also underscores the importance of remembrance and gratitude - the people are reminded of God's deliverance from Egypt, and yet they have turned away from him.

Another theme is accountability. The verse emphasizes personal responsibility for one's actions. It shows that the people's suffering is not arbitrary, but rather a consequence of their choices.

The verse also brings to light the love and justice of God. Despite their disobedience, God does not abandon the Israelites entirely but instead seeks to bring them back to Himself by allowing them to face the consequences of their actions. This serves as a reminder that God's love is just and that He desires our repentance and restoration.

Symbolically, Egypt represents bondage and slavery, and God's deliverance from Egypt signifies liberation and salvation. The Israelites' forsaking of the Lord God and turning to other gods represents a turning away from the freedom and salvation that God offers, and a return to spiritual bondage. The evil that comes upon the people signifies the natural consequence of turning away from God - a state of spiritual desolation and alienation from God.

This verse also serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. It urges us to remain faithful to God and to reject anything that may take His place in our lives. It also prompts us to reflect on the consequences of our choices, knowing that our actions have repercussions.

In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 7:22 is a powerful and sobering reminder of the consequences of forsaking God and turning to other gods. It serves as a warning against idolatry and a call to personal accountability. It underscores the love and justice of God, and the need for repentance and restoration. As we ponder upon this verse, may we be reminded of the importance of remaining faithful to God and turning away from anything that may lead us astray.

2 Chronicles 7:22 Artwork

2 chronicles 7:14

1 Chronicles 7:22 - "And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him."

2 Chronicles 11:7 - "And Beth-zur, and Shoco, and Adullam,"

2 Chronicles 9:22 - "And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom."

2 Chronicles 22:7 - "And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God by coming to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab."

2 Chronicles 7:4 - "¶ Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD."

1 Chronicles 22:7 - "And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:"

2 Chronicles 25:22 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel, and they fled every man to his tent."

1 Chronicles 2:22 - "And Segub begat Jair, who had three and twenty cities in the land of Gilead."

2 Chronicles 13:22 - "And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings, are written in the story of the prophet Iddo."

2 Chronicles 22:12 - "And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land."

2 Chronicles 28:22 - "¶ And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz."

1 Chronicles 2:7 - "And the sons of Carmi; Achar, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed."

2 Chronicles 7:2 - "And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house."

2 Chronicles 22:3 - "He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly."

2 Chronicles 26:22 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write."

2 Kings 22:7 - "Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully."

2 Chronicles 26:7 - "And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims."

1 Chronicles 1:22 - "And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,"

2 Chronicles 31:7 - "In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month."

2 Chronicles 7:15 - "Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place."

2 Chronicles 6:7 - "Now it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel."

1 Chronicles 8:22 - "And Ishpan, and Heber, and Eliel,"

2 Chronicles 22:2 - "Forty and two years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Athaliah the daughter of Omri."

2 Chronicles 15:7 - "Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded."

2 Chronicles 11:22 - "And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: for he thought to make him king."

2 Chronicles 36:7 - "Nebuchadnezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of the LORD to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon."

2 Chronicles 7:16 - "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."