2 Chronicles 7:1

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּכְכַלּ֤וֹת

H3615

had made an end

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

שְׁלֹמֹה֙

H8010

Now when Solomon

shelomah, david's successor

לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֔ל

H6419

of praying

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

וְהָאֵ֗שׁ

H784

the fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

יָֽרְדָה֙

H3381

came down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מֵֽהַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

from heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וַתֹּ֥אכַל

H398

and consumed

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הָֽעֹלָ֖ה

H5930

the burnt offering

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְהַזְּבָחִ֑ים

H2077

and the sacrifices

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

#10

וּכְב֥וֹד

H3519

and the glory

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

#11

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

מָלֵ֥א

H4390

filled

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

הַבָּֽיִת׃

H1004

the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Chronicles. The concept of glory reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding glory in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on glory address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of glory differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?