Definition: That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, [even] toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 8:29. It's a pretty important passage about God’s presence and how He wants to be involved in our lives. Here’s a simple explanation: What it says: “That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there; that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day…” – This means God wants us to actively focus our attention on Him. It’s not enough just to think about Him; we need to see His presence, feel His closeness, and watch for Him. It's like having your eyes fixed on a specific point – a place where He is. “…even toward the place of which thou hast said…” - This is crucial. It’s not just any place; it’s a specific place that God has designated for His presence. The verse refers to a “place” – likely a temple or a sacred location, perhaps connected to the Tabernacle. “My name shall be there…” - This is the core of the verse. It means God wants us to recognize and acknowledge His name. When we focus on Him, it’s like saying, "I am listening to His voice." It's a declaration that He is the ultimate authority and center of our lives. “that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.” – This means that when we focus on Him, we should listen to His prayers. It’s an invitation to be attentive and responsive to God's requests. The “servant” part suggests a person (likely a priest) is carrying out this prayer. In simpler terms: God wants us to spend our time and attention primarily focused on Him, specifically at the place He has chosen. When we do that, it’s a sign of acknowledging His authority and listening for His guidance. It's about being present with God and actively seeking His will. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea of presence – God’s active involvement in our lives. It reminds us that God isn’t just there ; He wants to be seen and heard . It's a call to worship, devotion, and responsiveness to His guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical passages about God’s presence or prayer? Talk about the significance of the temple as described in the text?