Definition: Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 6:1. It's a really interesting and somewhat symbolic statement about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it means: God has decided to make Jerusalem a permanent, secure location – a place of refuge – even if it means dwelling in a shadowy or difficult situation. Let's unpack it further: “Then said Solomon…” : This refers to King Solomon, who was the head of the Jewish community at the time. He was known for his wisdom and ambition. “…The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.” : This is the core of the verse. The Lord (God) has declared a specific plan: he will establish Jerusalem as a place where he will live, and be safe. “Thick darkness” isn’t meant to be literal – it's symbolic. It represents a time of hardship, uncertainty, and perhaps even peril. What does this tell us about God? His Patience: Solomon was incredibly ambitious, wanting to build a magnificent city. This verse speaks to God’s patience; He knows that building a great place takes time and requires difficult circumstances. His Protection: It suggests that God is actively protecting his people. He isn't just passively allowing things to happen; he's deliberately choosing a place where he can be safe and strong. A Test of Faith: Some interpret this as a test for the Israelites. They were facing challenges, and God was showing them that even in difficult times, He is steadfast and will ultimately prevail. It’s important to note: This verse is often interpreted metaphorically. It's not about literal darkness. It represents a time of uncertainty and peril, but it’s a time of God’s presence and protection. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible?

Definition: The LORD therefore hath performed his word that he hath spoken: for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and am set on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built the house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 6:10 together. It's a really significant passage about Jesus’s role in returning to Earth. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “God has spoken and fulfilled his promise. Jesus is back! He’s returned to the place where he was born, and now he’s taken on the leadership of Israel, just as he promised.” Let's unpack that a little more: “The LORD therefore hath performed his word that he hath spoken…” – This means God is fulfilling the promise He made. It’s like when you make a commitment, and then you follow through with it. “…for I am risen up in the room of David my father…” – This is really important. “Risen up” means Jesus returned to life after his death. “In the room of David my father” refers to the time he was born, and that's where he started his earthly journey. “…and am set on the throne of Israel…” – This shows that he’s now in a position of power and authority, ruling over God’s people. “as the LORD promised…” – This reinforces that it was God’s promise that Jesus would return. “…and have built the house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.” – This is a big statement! It means he’s started building something truly important - a temple, a place where people can worship and give thanks to God. He's putting his faith into creating that space for His people. In short, this verse tells us that Jesus is now ruling over Israel and leading them in a new way, just as He promised. What’s the significance? It’s a powerful statement of hope and belief – that God’s plan is working out perfectly, even after death. It's often interpreted as a sign that Jesus’s work is complete and that salvation is available to everyone. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other stories or scriptures?

Definition: And in it have I put the ark, wherein [is] the covenant of the LORD, that he made with the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 6:11. It's a really important and significant passage about God’s protection and commitment to his people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: God is putting the ark – a special container – in place to protect the covenant (a promise or agreement) he made with the Israelites. Let's unpack that a little further: “In it have I put…” : This means God has chosen to safeguard this thing within his plan. “The ark” : The ark was a large wooden container, often described as a boat or covered building, built by Moses. It was designed to hold precious things and protect them from harm. “…wherein [is] the covenant of the LORD…” : This is the key part! "Covenant" means a binding agreement between two people – like a promise or a contract. “The covenant of the Lord” refers to God’s agreement with his people, a special relationship that was established with them. So, putting it all together: God chose to place the ark in a secure location (the "it") to protect and safeguard this important promise – the covenant he made with the Israelites. It's like a really big and sacred box containing a vital part of their history and relationship with God. Why is this important? The story of the Ark is central to understanding Israel’s journey in the Bible. It speaks about God’s faithfulness, his protection, and his commitment to his people – even when they faced challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? (Like what kind of covenant was being protected?) Give you some context about the story behind this verse?

Definition: And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 6:12. It’s a really important passage about God’s power and how He responds to our needs. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is Sending a Problem: The verse tells us that God was facing a serious problem – Israel was facing a big challenge, likely related to their lack of faith or disobedience. He's Seeking Help: God wasn’t just passively watching things happen. He actively wanted to help, and he needed someone to do something. He’s Going to a Special Place: God is standing before an altar – think of it like a special place where he prays and offers thanks. He's Calling for Attention: He’s making a public display that He’s in this situation and needs someone to be present. What’s Happening in the Verse? God is basically saying, “I need you to do something. I need your attention.” He’s placing himself in a visible position, facing everyone in the congregation of Israel. The Key Idea - It's about Faith & Obedience: This verse is often interpreted as a reminder that faith is powerful. When we trust in God and believe in His plan, He can work through us even when things are tough. It also speaks to the importance of obeying God’s commands – because it shows we’re willing to submit to Him. In short: God is showing his power by being present and asking for help, and that's a call to faith and obedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what it might mean in terms of our own lives?

Definition: For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 6:13. It’s a really important story about God’s blessing on Solomon’s temple! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Solomon Builds a Temple: Long ago, King Solomon was incredibly clever and built the most magnificent temple in the whole world – a huge structure for worship. It was a massive, impressive building. A "Brasen Scaffold": He made it a very big platform – about five cubits long, five cubits wide, three cubits high, and standing right in the middle of the court. Think of it like a giant stage! He Stands Before God: Solomon then knelt down before all the people of Israel and spread his arms out towards heaven. He was showing them that he was completely devoted to God and asking for His blessings. What It's Saying – A Message of God’s Favor: This verse is basically a picture of how God loves to work with people. It’s saying: God Loves the Temple: By building this huge structure, Solomon was showing us that God really loved his people and wanted to be near them. God's Presence is Seen: The act of him kneeling and reaching up shows that God is present and powerful. It’s a visual representation of God’s presence being felt within the temple. In essence, it's a story about God’s blessing on the temple and His desire to be with his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Give you a related Bible verse?

Definition: And said, O LORD God of Israel, [there is] no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and [shewest] mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 6:14. It’s a really important and profound statement about God’s relationship to his people. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “God is far more powerful and loving than any other god or being.” It’s a declaration of God’s absolute sovereignty and the importance of honoring him. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And said, O LORD God of Israel…” : This establishes who is speaking – God addressing his people, specifically Israel. “[there is] no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth…” : This is a HUGE statement. It means that God’s power and glory are beyond anything else in creation - not just other gods, but even the very heavens themselves! It emphasizes his supremacy. “which keepest covenant, and [shewest] mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts:” : This is the core of the message. Let’s break this down further: “keepest covenant” : A “covenant” means a binding agreement or promise. God made covenants with Abraham, Moses, and other people in the Old Testament – agreements that defined their relationship with him. “[shewest] mercy unto thy servants…” : This is where it gets really powerful. "Shewest" means to give generously, to be merciful, to show kindness. The word “shewest” emphasizes unconditional and generous mercy. God wants to help his people, especially those who follow him. “that walk before thee with all their hearts:” : This is the key instruction. It means that those who are following God’s will should live a life of obedience, humility, and reverence. They need to be guided by God's principles and act in a way that reflects his goodness. Overall Meaning: The verse isn't just about God being powerful; it’s about his power and love being greater than any other force or being. It’s a call to live a life of obedience, humility, and genuine worship – recognizing that God’s mercy is the foundation for everything. It emphasizes that God wants his people to be pleasing to him through their actions. Why it's significant: This verse is often interpreted as a reminder that God isn't just watching us; he’s actively involved in our lives and desires our well-being. It highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and seeking his guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event from the Bible? Discuss its historical context?

Definition: Thou which hast kept with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him; and spakest with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled [it] with thine hand, as [it is] this day.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 6:15. It’s a really important and beautiful passage about God’s faithfulness. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is celebrating God’s incredible care for David, his father, and how He has honored his promise to him. Let's unpack it word by word: “Thou which…” : This is a formal way of saying "You" – referring to David. “…kept with your servant David my father…” : This tells us that God actively protected and cared for David throughout his life, especially when he was a young man. He wasn’t just letting him be; He was actively safeguarding him. “…that which thou hast promised him…” : This is the core of the verse – God fulfilled a promise He made to David. “…and spakest with your mouth, and hast fulfilled [it] with thine hand, as [it is] this day.” : This is where it gets powerful. It means that God actually did what he promised! He spoke to David, and then he – through his actions – completed the promise in a way that’s exactly what He originally intended. “As [it is] this day” emphasizes that this fulfillment is complete and perfect. Putting it all together: God chose David as his servant and promised him something important. He diligently protected David, and then, with His hand, he fulfilled that promise completely and perfectly. It’s a powerful statement about God’s love, faithfulness, and the importance of honoring those He has chosen. The Significance: This verse is often used to remind us that God is reliable and will always honor what He promises. It's a testament to God's care for his people and His commitment to fulfilling His plans. --- Would you like me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps delve into the context of this verse within the larger story of David’s life? For example, we could talk about: The importance of David as a figure in the Old Testament What kind of promise was being made to David?

Definition: Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 6:16. It's a really important and powerful passage about God’s promise to David and his role in leading Israel. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God absolutely believes in David and he’s entrusting him with a significant responsibility – leading and following His laws. It’s a declaration of trust and confidence. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel..." - This is a formal greeting and acknowledgment that we are speaking to God. It shows respect and acknowledges His power. "...keep with thy servant David my father..." – This is the crucial part! "David my father" refers specifically to David, who was a hugely important king in the Old Testament. The verse says God will keep him safe and guide him. "...that which thou hast promised him..." - This means God has made a specific promise to David – that He will be trusted and guided to lead Israel. "...saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel..." - This is a big statement: "You are worthy of this position." It means God believes David has the ability and authority to rule over Israel. "...yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me." – This is where it gets really important. David was known for his faithfulness and obedience to God's laws. The verse says: “Even though you are the king, your children must follow your example.” It’s a call to teach and guide future generations to live a righteous life according to God’s rules. In simpler terms: God is saying, "David is chosen for this position, and He's entrusting him with leading Israel. But, it’s important that he continues to follow God’s laws and teachings – so that his descendants will also live a life of faithfulness." Why is this verse significant? It speaks to the idea of leadership, responsibility, and the importance of following God's word. It emphasizes David's legacy and the expectation that future leaders would be guided by his example. It’s a foundational text about God’s plan for Israel and its people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible?

Definition: Now then, O LORD God of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou hast spoken unto thy servant David.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 6:17. It's a really important and significant part of the Bible! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it’s saying: “Lord God of Israel, please make sure your words are true and correct. You told me to be careful with my words and that you want them to be right.” Let's unpack it a little further: “Now then…” : This is like a pause before a big message. It’s giving us a moment to think about what’s being said. “O LORD God of Israel” : This refers back to the very powerful and important leader, David, who was chosen by God to be King of Israel. He's a key figure in the Bible. “…let thy word be verified…” : This is the core of the verse. It means that David needs to make sure his words are accurate and true. It’s like saying “Don’t lie or be misleading.” "...which thou hast spoken unto thy servant David” : This is crucial . It tells us that God specifically chose David to speak these words. He's giving David a responsibility and trust. What does this mean in the bigger picture? This verse is often seen as a sign of divine approval and confidence in David. It’s a declaration that God trusts him with important matters. It’s a statement of faith – that God will honor his words, even when they are spoken by someone who might not be perfect. Why is this significant? David’s Role: This verse highlights David's importance as a leader and a trusted messenger from God. Trust & Responsibility: It emphasizes the responsibility that comes with being chosen by God. Divine Guidance: It suggests that God is watching over him and ensuring his words are reliable. In short, it’s a blessing to David – a promise that his words will be true and that God will protect him. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the time this verse was written?

Definition: But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important passage from 2 Chronicles. It’s a really powerful statement about God’s presence and our place in His plan. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying, “God is really dwelling with us, even though we’re incredibly large – bigger than anything heaven can hold! – and that house we built is also incredibly significant.” Let's unpack it word-by-word (loosely): “But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?” - This is asking if God will continue to be present and involved in human life. It’s a question of His continued care and presence. “Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee…” – This part is a bit tricky. “Heaven” refers to God's kingdom and everything He created. "The heaven of heavens" means all of creation – the universe – everything that exists. It’s saying that everything – even God Himself – is too vast for Heaven to contain. "...how much less this house which I have built!" - This is where it gets really significant. The speaker (who is likely King David) has built a special place, a temple, as a testament to God’s presence and His plan for humanity. This house isn't just any building; it represents God’s relationship with mankind. So, What Does It Mean? Essentially, this verse communicates these key ideas: God is Always Present: God doesn't simply exist in the world; He actively and continuously lives within it through His people. We Are Special: Because of our relationship with Him, we are a special part of God’s plan for humanity – something far beyond anything else imaginable. Our House Matters: The house (the temple) is important because it's a symbol of God’s dwelling and His covenant with us. It represents the way God chose to make Himself known to humanity. In short, it’s a declaration that God wants a close relationship with humanity and that our efforts to build something beautiful and meaningful are worthy of His presence. What's the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a promise of God’s ultimate victory over evil and darkness. It emphasizes God’s love, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to those who believe in Him. It speaks to our purpose – to live a life that reflects His glory and honors Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept?