Definition: [Then] what prayer [or] what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a really important passage from the Book of 2 Chronicles, and it speaks about how to approach God's presence with humility and empathy. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is asking for a sincere and heartfelt plea – a prayer or supplication – from everyone within Israel, acknowledging their struggles and pain. It’s urging us to be vulnerable and reach out to God with genuine understanding of our difficulties. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then what prayer [or] what supplication soever shall be made…” – This part acknowledges that anyone can make a prayer, no matter how small their troubles may seem. It’s an open invitation to share your needs. “…of any man, or of all thy people Israel…” – This is the crucial part. It means everyone in Israel – from the highest leader to the humblest farmer – should be encouraged to make a prayer. “All thy people” implies that it’s for all of Israel, not just a specific group. “…when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief…” - This is the heart of the verse. It's about recognizing your own struggles. "Sore" means pain or difficulty, and “grief” means sadness or sorrow. It’s asking us to be honest with ourselves about what’s troubling us. “…and shall spread forth his hands in this house:” – This is a powerful image. "House" represents God's presence, His home, and the place where we should humbly approach Him. “Spread forth his hands” means to reach out, to open ourselves up to His help and comfort. Overall Meaning & Significance: The verse is urging us to be relatable to God. It’s saying that if everyone in Israel feels their own pain, it's easier for us to connect with God because we understand our struggles. It’s a call for genuine humility and vulnerability - admitting that we need His help just like anyone else. It emphasizes that God listens to the prayers of all people. Why is this important? This passage is found in a time when Israel was facing a great crisis – war with the Philistines. The verse reminds us that even amidst hardship, we should be open to seeking His guidance and comfort. It’s about recognizing that God cares deeply for all of creation. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/2Chronicles/2-Chronicles](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/2Chronicles/2-Chronicles) GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/2-Chronicles/prayer.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/2-Chronicles/prayer.html) Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps discuss its connection to a specific aspect of the Bible?