👉 But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who [am] I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really fascinating and complex passage from 2 Chronicles! Here’s my explanation in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s immense power and the limits of human ability to achieve something truly monumental. Let’s unpack it step-by-step: 1. “But who is able to build him an house…” – Think of this as a huge, impossible task. We're talking about building something incredibly large – a temple – for God. This isn't just a small building; it’s a massive structure that represents God’s presence and worship. 2. “…seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him?” – This is the key part. The “heaven” here refers to everything beyond our earthly world – the stars, galaxies, and all things we can't even imagine. The phrase "cannot contain him" means that no matter how far away or vast the universe is, God’s presence, his power, and his glory are simply too great for human creation to ever match. It's beyond anything imaginable. 3. “Who [am] I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?” – This is the question at the end. The speaker realizes they can’t actually do this. They are asking: “What can a human being possibly accomplish to even begin building something so powerful?” “Save only…” - This is crucial. It means it's not about completing the construction. It’s about a single, initial act – offering sacrifice – as a gesture of reverence and acknowledging God’s greatness. “…to burn sacrifice before him?” - This refers to the Old Testament ritual of burning sacrifices in the temple. It wasn't just about appeasing God; it was a way to show his power and acknowledge his holiness. So, what does this verse mean? It’s a powerful statement about: God’s absolute supremacy: He is far beyond human ability. The importance of sacrifice: Human sacrifices weren't just about appeasing God; they were a way to demonstrate our devotion and acknowledge his power, even in the face of limitations. Humility and reverence: The verse encourages us to recognize that we are small and insignificant compared to God’s boundless greatness. It also speaks to the need for a humble acknowledgment of God's power. In essence, it's a reminder that true worship isn’t about building something bigger , but about showing our respect and reverence to the Almighty. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific biblical story or figure? Discuss the historical context of the time when this passage was written?
