Definition: Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as [do] thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 8:43. It's a really important passage about God’s relationship with His people and the importance of worshiping Him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling his people to actively worship Him, but not just passively. He wants them to recognize and understand that this worship isn't just for their own benefit; it’s a way to honor God and show reverence. He’s giving specific instructions about how they should respond to the stranger – meaning anyone visiting or looking at his house (which is symbolic of His presence). Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place…” - This is like God speaking to himself, a very high and holy place. It's a reminder that He is always present and powerful. "...and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for…” – This is crucial! The “stranger” refers to people from other lands who are visiting or observing. God wants them to understand what he wants them to do. “That all people of the earth may know thy name, as fear thee, as [do] thy people Israel…” – This is the main point! He’s asking everyone else to recognize and respect God’s power and holiness by acknowledging Him. Specifically, he's telling them to fear God, just like his people do. And crucially, he wants them to do what his people do – follow His laws and directions. “and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.” - This is a really powerful statement. God has built a temple (a special place of worship) for Himself. He's saying, “This temple…this place of worship…it’s called by your name.” In essence, this verse is a call to: Worship: God wants us to show reverence and adoration to Him. Submission: He wants us to follow His laws and instructions. Recognition: He wants everyone to recognize the power and holiness of God. Honor: By recognizing God, we honor Him and His plan for the world. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the very foundation of the Israelite faith and demonstrates that God’s people are his people and he wants them to be in a relationship with him. It's about establishing a sacred space and a way for everyone to recognize God's authority and love. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give some examples of how it applies today? Answer any specific questions you have about the verse?