Definition: But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important passage from 2 Chronicles. It’s a really powerful statement about God’s presence and our place in His plan. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying, “God is really dwelling with us, even though we’re incredibly large – bigger than anything heaven can hold! – and that house we built is also incredibly significant.” Let's unpack it word-by-word (loosely): “But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?” - This is asking if God will continue to be present and involved in human life. It’s a question of His continued care and presence. “Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee…” – This part is a bit tricky. “Heaven” refers to God's kingdom and everything He created. "The heaven of heavens" means all of creation – the universe – everything that exists. It’s saying that everything – even God Himself – is too vast for Heaven to contain. "...how much less this house which I have built!" - This is where it gets really significant. The speaker (who is likely King David) has built a special place, a temple, as a testament to God’s presence and His plan for humanity. This house isn't just any building; it represents God’s relationship with mankind. So, What Does It Mean? Essentially, this verse communicates these key ideas: God is Always Present: God doesn't simply exist in the world; He actively and continuously lives within it through His people. We Are Special: Because of our relationship with Him, we are a special part of God’s plan for humanity – something far beyond anything else imaginable. Our House Matters: The house (the temple) is important because it's a symbol of God’s dwelling and His covenant with us. It represents the way God chose to make Himself known to humanity. In short, it’s a declaration that God wants a close relationship with humanity and that our efforts to build something beautiful and meaningful are worthy of His presence. What's the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a promise of God’s ultimate victory over evil and darkness. It emphasizes God’s love, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to those who believe in Him. It speaks to our purpose – to live a life that reflects His glory and honors Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept?