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Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 7 - Verse 13

7:13
If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

Meaning

In this verse, God is speaking to Solomon, promising consequences if the people of Israel were to sin against Him. The verse serves as a warning that disobedience to God's commandments will result in punishment. The mention of stopping the rain, sending locusts to destroy the crops, and bringing pestilence upon the people, all signify the severity of God's judgement. By withholding rain, God can bring drought and famine upon the land, showing His control over the natural elements. Sending locusts to devour the crops signifies God's power to bring about destruction and ruin. Pestilence serves as a warning of the deadly consequences of sin. These actions are all forms of divine discipline, meant to bring the people back to God and remind them of the importance of obedience. Ultimately, this verse highlights God's sovereignty and authority over all creation.

Theological Overview

This verse from 2 Chronicles 7:13 highlights three different forms of divine punishment that God may use to discipline His people: shutting up heaven so there is no rain, sending locusts to devour the land, or sending pestilence among the people. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation and His control over natural disasters. The word "heaven" in this context refers to the sky, symbolizing God's authority over the weather and His ability to bring blessings or judgment upon the land. The mention of locusts echoes the plagues in Egypt and serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. Pestilence, which often symbolizes disease and death, underscores God's power to bring both physical and spiritual consequences for sin. Overall, this verse serves as a warning to God's people to remain faithful and obedient, lest they face the wrath of the Almighty.

American Standard Version

If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
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