If when evil cometh upon us,.... Any calamity: as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, God's four sore judgments, if by "judgment" is meant wild beasts: we stand before this house; in the court before the holy place, and holy of holies: and in thy presence, for thy name is in this house; called upon in it, and it was called by his name, and in which he dwelt: and cry unto thee in our affliction; as Solomon prayed at the dedication of it: then thou wilt hear and help; as the Lord promised, see Kg1 8:33.