Definition: And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 9:3. It’s a pretty rich and symbolic passage about God’s covenant with the king of Israel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God declaring that he is now the owner and protector of the temple in Jerusalem – specifically, the house built by King David. It's a powerful statement of God’s ownership and permanence. Let's unpack it word-by-word (loosely): “1 Kings 9:3” : This refers to a specific event in the Old Testament history – the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. “And the LORD said unto him…” : This is a direct address to King David, who was the king at this time. It’s like saying, "God spoke to David." “…I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication…” : This means God acknowledged and understood what David was praying for – perhaps regarding the temple or its future role. It's a sign of trust and respect. “…that thou hast made before me:” - This is crucial. God is saying he already made this house, this temple, a place where his name will be forever associated. “I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built…” : This is the core of the verse. "Hallow" means to make holy or sacred. God is declaring that he has made this house sacred – it’s now a place dedicated to him and his name. It's an act of establishing his presence and authority within that space. “to put my name there for ever…” : This emphasizes the permanence of the dedication. The name of God will forever be associated with this temple. “…and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.” : This is the most evocative part. "Eyes" represent God's awareness, and “heart” represents his love and devotion. The phrase “perpetually” means eternally – forever. It’s a promise of constant presence and adoration. In simpler terms: God says, "I am now the owner of this temple, and I will always be there in its presence." It's a declaration of ownership and eternal devotion to his name within that sacred space. What does it mean for us today? This verse speaks to the importance of faith and trust in God. It reminds us that God is not just interested in our successes, but also in his presence and glory within our lives and in the world around us. It’s a powerful statement about God's eternal authority and love. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with more detail? Discuss its significance in the context of the Old Testament story of David and the Temple? Compare it to other examples of God's ownership or presence in scripture?