“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land."
Those are the famous words of 2 Chronicles 7:14, spoken to King Soloman by God after Soloman had finished building the temple. Preceding these words, God tells Soloman that there will be times of disaster and devastation in Israel. Tied into verse 14 and the following verses, God makes it clear that disaster awaits the nation if it turns away from Him.
Such destruction did fall upon Israel and Judah, and they were swept into captivity several hundred years later.
Near the end of their captivity, we find Daniel going through the scriptures, and realizing the captivity is nearing its end. It is here that Daniel puts 2 Chronicles 7:14 into practice. Daniel confesses to God the sins of the nation, as well as his own. He pleads with God for forgiveness.
What I find interesting is that while Daniel is praying these words, most of the Israelites still in captivity are still living in sin, having not learned from their punishment. Yet, God still honored Daniel's prayer of national repentance.
How might this play out today if the people of God would confess the sins of the nation, as well as their personal sins? I don't know that we'd end up with Gabriel at our door, but think Daniel 9 and 2 Chronicles 7 should drive home the importance of believers confessing the sins of the country to God, and seeking forgiveness and restoration.
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