2 Chronicles 7:12

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.

Original Language Analysis

וַיֵּרָ֧א appeared H7200
וַיֵּרָ֧א appeared
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 1 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְהוָ֛ה And the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֛ה And the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 3 of 16
near, with or among; often in general, to
שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה to Solomon H8010
שְׁלֹמֹ֖ה to Solomon
Strong's: H8010
Word #: 4 of 16
shelomah, david's successor
בַּלָּ֑יְלָה by night H3915
בַּלָּ֑יְלָה by night
Strong's: H3915
Word #: 5 of 16
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר and said H559
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר and said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 6 of 16
to say (used with great latitude)
ל֗וֹ H0
ל֗וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 7 of 16
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙ unto him I have heard H8085
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙ unto him I have heard
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 8 of 16
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תְּפִלָּתֶ֔ךָ thy prayer H8605
תְּפִלָּתֶ֔ךָ thy prayer
Strong's: H8605
Word #: 10 of 16
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
וּבָחַ֜רְתִּי and have chosen H977
וּבָחַ֜רְתִּי and have chosen
Strong's: H977
Word #: 11 of 16
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
בַּמָּק֥וֹם this place H4725
בַּמָּק֥וֹם this place
Strong's: H4725
Word #: 12 of 16
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
הַזֶּ֛ה H2088
הַזֶּ֛ה
Strong's: H2088
Word #: 13 of 16
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
לִ֖י H0
לִ֖י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 14 of 16
לְבֵ֥ית to myself for an house H1004
לְבֵ֥ית to myself for an house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 15 of 16
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
זָֽבַח׃ of sacrifice H2077
זָֽבַח׃ of sacrifice
Strong's: H2077
Word #: 16 of 16
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

Analysis & Commentary

God's nighttime appearance to Solomon: 'And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.' God's response 'I have heard' assures that lengthy prayers (chapter 6) reached divine ears. The phrase 'chosen this place to myself' (bachar... li) emphasizes divine election and ownership - God chose the place, making it His. Its purpose - 'house of sacrifice' - designates function: atonement through substitutionary sacrifice. This pointed to Christ's sacrifice, the ultimate fulfillment making all temple sacrifices obsolete. Believers are now God's chosen dwelling place where spiritual sacrifices are offered.

Historical Context

This nighttime revelation (c. 960 BCE) followed the temple dedication's public events, showing God's private confirmation of public worship. The designation 'house of sacrifice' shaped Israel's understanding that forgiveness requires blood atonement (Leviticus 17:11).

Questions for Reflection