Definition: Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, [even] from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse. It's a really important passage in the Bible and it’s about how God responds to a serious situation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Israel is suffering: The verse describes Israel (the Jewish people) facing a huge problem – they’re experiencing intense supplications, which basically means they're pleading and crying out to God for help. It suggests they’re feeling really distressed and burdened. They’re making requests to God: They are asking God to listen to them and to hear their needs. What the Verse Says – A Detailed Explanation: “Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, [even] from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.” Let's unpack that: “Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant…” – This means "Listen to what our servant has to say." It’s a direct plea for God’s attention. “…and of thy people Israel…” – This refers specifically to the Jewish people, who are the focus of this plea. “which they shall make toward this place…” - "They make requests" – They're actively seeking something from God. “hear thou from thy dwelling place, [even] from heaven;” – This is a very important part. “Dwelling place” refers to God’s house or presence. “From heaven” means that God is speaking directly from His position of power and authority – not just through us. “and when thou hearest, forgive.” - This is the core of the verse. If God hears them, then He will forgive them. It’s a promise of forgiveness as a result of God's response. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse highlights a crucial theme in the Old Testament: God's unconditional love and mercy. It shows that God doesn’t just listen to our problems; He actively desires to forgive us when we ask for it. It emphasizes that forgiveness is a key part of God’s relationship with his people. In short, this verse says that if we are truly sorry, pleading, and make a good request, God will hear us and offer forgiveness. Important Note: This passage was particularly significant in the context of the time – during a period of great suffering for the Israelites under King David. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering love and willingness to forgive us when we are truly brokenhearted. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how people might use this principle today?