Definition: And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy [place] before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 8:8. It's a really important passage about how God wants to honor His people and show them something special. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a ritual where King David and his priests were meticulously arranging staves (a type of wooden staff) with their ends exposed. It was done before an oracle – a place where God would speak to them – to make sure they were perfectly aligned and ready for the divine message. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they drew out the staves…” : This means King David and his priests carefully took the staves out of their storage. “…that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy [place] before the oracle…” : This is key! "Holy place" refers to a specific, sacred area – likely a temple or a place dedicated to God. The idea is that they wanted to show God something important. The fact that the ends are visible suggests a significant moment or purpose. “and were not seen without:” : This emphasizes the importance of this action. It wasn't just any arrangement; it was a very deliberate and precise one. They were carefully positioned so their ends weren’t hidden. “and there they are unto this day.” : This is the final part, and it gives us a sense of history. It means this ritual has been performed continuously for a long time – ever since King David began it. What does it tell us about God? This verse shows that God: Values His people: It’s a significant act of reverence, showing respect and attention to his followers. Is meticulous and deliberate: The detail in how they arranged the staves demonstrates a high level of care and precision. Has a tradition: It speaks to a long-standing practice that is still being followed today. In short, this verse describes a sacred ritual where God showed his people something important – their devotion and reverence – through carefully arranged staves. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context about the history surrounding this passage?