Definition: And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 7:12. It's a pretty big and important idea in the Bible! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s about God promising to continue the legacy of Israel – the people he chose to be his chosen people. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “When thy days be fulfilled…” - This refers to a time when the Israelites (and their descendants) are in a period of decline, perhaps facing hardship or challenges. “Days” here means a long, significant period of time – likely many generations. “…and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers…” – This is a bit metaphorical. It suggests that Israel will be left to manage its own affairs and traditions without strong guidance from God. It’s like a slumbering giant. "...I will set up thy seed after thee..." - This is the core of the verse. God intends to continue the lineage of the Israelites, giving them a continued role and leadership. It's saying that He will establish a new generation who will carry on the traditions and kingdom. "...which shall proceed out of thy bowels…” – This is a poetic way of saying “from the very beginning” or “from the roots.” It emphasizes that this continuation comes from the original foundation of Israel. "...and I will establish his kingdom." - This is the grand promise! God promises to establish a kingdom, a powerful and enduring realm, through this new generation – the descendants of those who are left to rule. It’s a kingdom that will continue to thrive and be ruled by God's chosen people. In short, it’s a declaration of divine continuity and a promise of a future kingdom established by God through his descendants. What does this mean for us today? This verse speaks to the idea of a lasting covenant – a special agreement between God and His people. It suggests that God’s plan isn't just about one time, but about a continuing relationship and legacy across generations. It also emphasizes the importance of following the traditions and values passed down from our ancestors. Important Note: This is a complex passage with a lot of symbolism. Different interpretations exist within biblical scholarship. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, are you curious about its historical context, or perhaps how it relates to the Old Testament and New Testament?