Definition: Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 6:5. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it essentially means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God decided to lead his people out of slavery in Egypt. He chose to focus his attention and power on one place – the land of Egypt – rather than building a permanent, large city for everyone to live in. He wanted to dedicate that location as a symbol of His presence and a place where He would be seen. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt..." : This tells us when this decision happened – God started leading his people out of slavery in Egypt, approximately 2,000 years ago. "...I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in..." : This is the key part. Instead of building a massive city for everyone, God chose one specific place – Egypt itself – as his "house." He didn't want to concentrate His power and focus in one spot. "...that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel:" : This is where it gets really interesting. God deliberately didn’t choose any specific leader or king for Israel. He wanted to keep the focus on Him, His name, and His will as the central thing. He wasn't looking for a king to rule – he was prioritizing God’s presence and His plan. What it means in a bigger picture: This verse speaks to several important themes: God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control and doesn't need us to do anything. He has a plan, even if it seems distant or unglamorous. Focus on the Divine: It highlights that our primary focus should always be on God and His will. We shouldn’t build up empires or seek power for ourselves. God’s Presence: It emphasizes that God wants to be seen and recognized in a specific place – Egypt. In short, this verse is a powerful statement about God's plan, prioritizing Him over human ambition. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further with more context? Discuss its significance within the larger story of Israel’s history? Relate it to another Bible passage?