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 1 Kings 8:33.