Definition: Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 33:4. It's a really important and symbolic passage about God’s relationship with His people. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that God actively prepared for the presence of His people in Jerusalem. He was building places dedicated to worshipping Him – altars – before they even arrived. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Also he built altars..." - This means God started setting up structures, or "altars," specifically for worship and devotion. "...in the house of the LORD..." - The "house of the Lord" refers to the Tabernacle – a special place where God lived with His people in Jerusalem. It was a physical location designed for worship. "...the Lord had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever." - This is the crucial part. The Lord (God) told him (or her) that He would make His name known and celebrated in Jerusalem. “For ever” emphasizes this – it’s a promise of lasting remembrance and recognition. What does it mean practically? It means God was setting up a place to honor Him, to remember His greatness, and to show His presence. It wasn't just planning to do this; He was actively building the infrastructure to make that happen. Why is this important? This verse speaks to several key ideas: God’s Sovereignty: It shows God’s control over creation and his desire to be recognized. His People as His Focus: It highlights that God's relationship with His people was central – he wanted to make a visible sign of His presence and glory. A Symbol of Worship: Altars were symbolic representations of the relationship between God and humanity. In short, this verse describes God’s deliberate preparation for the arrival of his people in Jerusalem, setting up places to express their devotion and recognize His greatness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss a specific theme within this passage (like worship or covenant)?