2 Chronicles 7:14 Explained

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." — 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

The most-quoted verse in political Christianity, and its address is narrower than almost every use of it.

Read it in context: The Book of 2 Chronicles. Also gathered under verses about prayer.

2 Chronicles 7:14 in context

What does 2 Chronicles 7:14 mean?

Four conditions and three promises, in that order. The conditions are all reflexive: humble themselves, pray, seek, turn — nothing about anyone else's behaviour. That is what makes most political use of the verse a misreading, since it is habitually aimed at a nation's opponents. 'Heal their land' in context means agricultural and civic recovery from the disasters named, not national greatness.

What is the context of 2 Chronicles 7:14?

God appears to Solomon at night after the temple's dedication, answering the prayer Solomon had prayed. The 'if' clauses respond to specific scenarios Solomon raised — drought, locusts, plague — and 'my people' means covenant Israel, with a temple to turn toward.

How do I pray 2 Chronicles 7:14?

Pray the four conditions about yourself and your own church before applying any of it to a country. Notice that 'turn from their wicked ways' is addressed to the praying party, which is the clause that decides whether this is a prayer of repentance or a demand that others repent.

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