Texts in Conversation
The scene of divine fire consuming the offering in 2 Chronicles closely echoes a similar moment in Leviticus, where fire signals acceptance of sacrifice at the Tabernacle. By repeating this specific language at the dedication of Solomon’s temple, the Chronicler creates a deliberate connection between the two events.
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Leviticus 9:24
Hebrew Bible
22 Then Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them and descended from making the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offering. 23 Moses and Aaron then entered into the Meeting Tent. When they came out, they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. 24 Then fire went out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat parts on the altar, and all the people saw it, so they shouted loudly and fell down with their faces to the ground.
Date: 5th Century B.C.E. (Final composition) (based on scholarly estimates)
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2 Chronicles 7:1
Hebrew Bible
1 When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the Lord’s splendor filled the temple. 2 The priests were unable to enter the Lord’s temple because the Lord’s splendor filled the Lord’s temple. 3 When all the Israelites saw the fire come down and the Lord’s splendor over the temple, they got on their knees with their faces downward toward the pavement. They worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “Certainly he is good; certainly his loyal love endures!”
Date: 4th Century B.C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
"... according to Chronicles, Solomon’s Temple receives double divine approval: once by the cloud/glory of the Lord that filled the Temple (2 Chronicles 5:13–14), and again by the heavenly fire that burned the sacrifices (2 Chronicles 7:1–3). There are in fact three essential additional elements in 2 Chronicles 7:1–3 not present in its Vorlage [Leviticus 9:24] ... the Chronicler compares the divine acceptance of Solomon’s Temple’s and its holiness with that of Moses’ Tabernacle; and the approval of Solomon’s altar with those of the altars of Moses, David, and Elijah. This is, indeed, the highest level of holiness that one could bestow on any sacred place. Obviously, by creating these analogies, the Chronicler bestows particular holiness also on the site of his own (Second) Temple ..."
Kalimi, Isaac
Writing and Rewriting the Story of Solomon in Ancient Israel
(pp. 291-292) Cambridge University Press, 2019
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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