Definition: If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and [toward] the house that I have built for thy name:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 8:44. It’s a really important passage about God’s protection and guidance. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if your people are going to fight against an enemy, you should pray to God first, and then choose the best place to do so. It’s a way of showing trust and seeking God’s help in times of war. Let's unpack it word by word: “If thy people go out to battle against their enemy…” – This is a direct statement about a military situation. Your people are venturing into conflict with someone else. “…whithersoever thou shalt send them…” – This means you need to decide where to send your soldiers. It’s about the location of the battle. “…and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen…” – This is where it gets interesting! You're asking for God’s blessing and guidance when sending your troops. “The city which thou hast chosen” likely refers to a specific place you've decided on as the battlefield. “…and [toward] the house that I have built for thy name:” – This is the crucial part. It means you are building a special place, a temple or shrine, dedicated to God’s name. It's like saying, “We’re going to worship and honor you in this location.” Putting it all together: God is telling you, as leader of your people, that when they go fighting, you should first pray to Him for strength and protection. Then, you need to choose a specific place – a "city" – to send them to. And finally, you’re dedicating this location to God, showing reverence and seeking His favor in the battle. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea that God is involved in even the most serious conflicts. It emphasizes that we should trust in Him, seek His guidance, and be prepared to worship and honor him when it matters most. It’s a reminder of the importance of prayer and faith during times of crisis. --- Resources for Further Learning: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1Kings%208%2C%2044](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1Kings%208%2C%2044) - This website has detailed explanations and translations of the verse. Encyclopedia Britannica: [https://www.britannica.com/word/1-kings-8-44](https://www.britannica.com/word/1-kings-8-44) – Offers a more in-depth explanation with historical context. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Talk about the significance of the temple/building mentioned? Provide a simpler analogy?