And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’
God's acceptance of Solomon's prayer shone out in the fire from heaven, yet acceptance and answered petition are not the same thing. So He appeared that night to explain Himself: His name would dwell there forever, His ear would hear the prayers of His people in that place, and if they humbled themselves, sought His face, and turned from wickedness, He would forgive and heal their land. National judgment requires national repentance; pardon must come before healing.
AI summary
Commenting on 2 Chronicles 7:12-22
Shall be an astonishment - The manner in which these disobedient people have been destroyed is truly astonishing: no nation was ever so highly favored, and none ever so severely and signally punished.
2Ch 7:11-22 The Lord’s answer to Solomon’s dedicatory prayer. Cf. 1Ki 9:1-9. The general contents, and the order of the thoughts in the divine answer in the two texts, agree, but in the Chronicle individual thoughts are further expounded than in the book of Kings, and expressions are here and there made clear.
Commenting on 2 Chronicles 7:11-22