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    Three Severe Mercies

    2 Chronicles 7:13 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "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;"
    — 2 Chronicles 7:13 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    One verse before the great revival promise (v. 14), the LORD names the discipline that drives His people to their knees. Drought, locusts, and pestilence are not random calamities — they are God's voice calling for return.

    Historical Context

    Solomon had just dedicated the temple. The LORD's reply addresses generations to come: when covenant breach leads to covenant discipline, the path back is named in advance.

    Original Language Insights

    'Shut up heaven' (e'tsor shamayim) — restrain, hold back. God Himself is the closer of skies.

    'Pestilence' (deber) — plague, often associated with judgment in the prophets.

    Theological Significance

    Severe mercies are still mercies. The drought and locusts of v. 13 set the stage for the healing of v. 14. God's discipline is never the last word; it is the alarm clock for revival.

    Practical Application

    Read your own droughts theologically. Not every hardship is judgment — but some are God's loving alarm. Ask, 'Is the LORD calling me to v. 14?'

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    2 Chronicles 7:14

    "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves…"

    The very next verse — the discipline of v. 13 is answered by the humbling of v. 14.

    Hebrews 12:6

    "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth."

    The New Testament confirms Chronicles' theology — discipline is love.

    Prayer Response

    Father, when You shut up the heavens of my life, let me hear the call back to You. Use even severe mercies to bring me home. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does God still send drought and pestilence as discipline?

    God remains sovereign over creation, but believers should be slow to label specific events as judgment. The principle of v. 13 — that hardship can drive God's people to humble prayer — remains permanently true.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying 2 Chronicles 7 verse by verse:

    After · 2 Chronicles 7:14Exact verse

    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.

    Theme: Repentance & Revival

    After · 2 Chronicles 7:15Exact verse

    Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

    Theme: Open Eyes, Attentive Ears

    Nearest commentary in 2 Chronicles

    Earlier · 1 ch back · 2 Chronicles 6:18Nearest chapter

    But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

    Theme: God's Transcendence and Immanence

    Later · 8 ch forward · 2 Chronicles 15:7Nearest chapter

    Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.

    Theme: Perseverance

    Later · 9 ch forward · 2 Chronicles 16:9Nearest chapter

    For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

    Theme: God's Character & Attributes

    Later · 13 ch forward · 2 Chronicles 20:12Nearest chapter

    O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

    Theme: Helpless Dependence

    Read 2 Chronicles 6Commentary: 2 Chronicles 6:18
    Read 2 Chronicles 7 (full)Nearest commentary: 2 Chronicles 7:14
    Read 2 Chronicles 8No commentary yet
    Previous commentary: 2 Chronicles 6:18Next commentary: 2 Chronicles 7:14

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    Who Was Enoch in the Bible?

    Enoch was the seventh generation from Adam who walked with God for three hundred years and was translated to heaven without dying, becoming a prophetic type of the church's rapture.

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    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    2 Chronicles 7:14 – Meaning & Devotional

    "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 – Meaning & Devotional

    "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 – Meaning & Devotional

    "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."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    The Glory of the LORD Fills Solomon's Temple

    Fire falls and the glory of the LORD fills the temple at its dedication, so the priests cannot stand to minister.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    Uzziah Struck with Leprosy in the Temple

    King Uzziah is struck with leprosy in the temple for presumptuously offering incense.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Ten Plagues of Egypt

    Ten devastating signs by which God broke Pharaoh's pride and freed His people.

    Read the miracle

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    Word Meaning

    Discipline/Instruct (יָסַר (Yasar))

    To discipline, instruct, correct, or chasten — training through correction.

    Strong's

    Strong's H3256 — Discipline/Instruct

    יָסַר (Yasar) • To discipline, instruct, correct, or chasten — training through correction.

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