Definition: Then hear thou from the heavens, [even] from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as [doth] thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 6:33. It's a really important and layered passage about God’s plan for the future of Israel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God wants to communicate with people all over the world and let them know who he is and how to treat him as a powerful, righteous God. It's about establishing a relationship between God and humanity. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Then hear thou from the heavens…” : This means God is speaking to us through divine sources – the heavens (the sky). Think of it like a message coming down from above. “…even [even] from thy dwelling place…” : This indicates that this communication will be happening in a very special and significant way – from God’s “dwelling place,” which is often interpreted as the Holy Place within God. It's not just any place, but a place of holiness and power. “…for; that all people of the earth may know thy name…” : This is a direct plea to everyone . God wants everyone to recognize and understand the greatness of His name. "...and fear thee, as [doth] thy people Israel..." : God wants us to respect Him as a powerful, righteous God – just like the people of Israel. "...and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.” : This is the crucial part. God is building a structure , a temple (a place of worship) specifically for Him . He’s calling it "by your name" – meaning, He's establishing a special place where we can connect with Him directly. Putting it all together: God is communicating with the world, specifically to everyone, through divine messengers. This message isn't just about blessings or comfort; it’s about establishing a relationship with God and making Him known to all of humanity. The specific structure – this “house” – is designed to be a place where God can be honored and revered as the ultimate authority. Why is this important? This verse speaks to a long-term plan. It’s about establishing a covenant (a promise) between God and humanity, and that covenant will involve recognizing and honoring Him in a significant way. It's a foundational moment for the future of Israel as a nation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this message might be received by people around the world? Discuss the historical context of this passage (when was it written, and why)?