Definition: And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Kings 21:4. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about how King David’s reign ended. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse says that after David’s time, his descendants built altars (sacred places) in the house of God – specifically, in Jerusalem – because the Lord said he would put His name there. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he built altars…” : This refers to David building numerous temples and shrines throughout his kingdom. It shows a focus on worshipping God and honoring Him. “…in the house of the LORD” : This is a very specific place – the dwelling of God, the temple where He lived and worked. It’s a central place of worship. “Of which the Lord said…” : This is the key part. The Lord (God) commanded David to build these altars. It's like a divine instruction. “…In Jerusalem will I put my name.” : This is where it gets really strange. The Lord told David that he would place His name in Jerusalem . This suggests a very significant and potentially powerful placement of God’s name within the city. What does this all mean? It suggests a few possibilities, but it's often interpreted as: David's Legacy: The Lord was giving David a chance to solidify his position as King and establish a lasting legacy by placing His name in Jerusalem – a place of immense religious significance. A Divine Claim: It could be a way for God to show Himself and His power, establishing a permanent location for His presence. Important Note: It's important to remember that this verse is from a very old text (the Old Testament) and the context was different than what we understand today. The interpretation of this verse has been debated throughout history. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse might be significant in biblical history? Discuss the different interpretations of the verse? Compare it to another relevant passage from the Bible?