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.

2 CHRONICLES 7:3KJV
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2 Chronicles 7:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 7:3 mean?

2 Chronicles 7:3 describes how all the Israelites reacted when they saw fire come down from heaven and the visible glory of the LORD fill the temple. The people responded by bowing with their faces to the ground on the pavement, worshipping and praising the LORD, and declaring that He is good and His mercy lasts forever.

This moment happens right after Solomon finishes dedicating the newly built temple in Jerusalem. God’s fire coming down shows His acceptance of the offerings, and His glory filling the temple is a sign of His presence. The people’s response—falling on their faces and praising God—shows deep awe and gratitude, recognizing God’s goodness and enduring mercy.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 7:3

  • "Glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word means weightiness or honor, and here it refers to a visible, overwhelming manifestation of God’s presence filling the temple, not just a feeling or idea.
  • "Mercy" (חֶסֶד, chesed): This word is often understood as steadfast love or loyal kindness. The people’s praise highlights God’s ongoing, faithful love for Israel, not just a single act of kindness.
  • "Bowed" (כָּרַע, kara‘): This word describes a physical act of lowering oneself, often to the ground, as a sign of deep respect, submission, or worship. The people’s posture shows humility before God’s overwhelming presence.

Why 2 Chronicles 7:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the people’s worship was a direct response to God’s visible action and presence, not just a ritual or routine.
  • The repeated phrase “for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever” connects this event to earlier moments in Israel’s history, showing a theme of God’s faithful love running through their story.
  • The scene emphasizes that the temple was not just a building, but a place where God’s presence would dwell among His people, and where their worship was meant to be heartfelt and humble.

Where else these words appear

“pavement” Hebrew H7531 · used in 6 verses

  • Esther 1:6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.
  • Isaiah 6:6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
  • Ezekiel 40:18 And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the length of the gates was the lower pavement.

“bowed” Hebrew H3766 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • 2 Kings 1:13 And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.
  • Psalms 18:39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.

“praised” Hebrew H3034 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 29:35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.
  • Psalms 9:1 To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
  • Psalms 107:15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!