Definition: Then hear thou from the heavens, [even] from thy dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 6:39. It's a really important and somewhat surprising part of the story of David and his time in Jerusalem. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse is about compassion and forgiveness , even when people make mistakes. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then hear from the heavens…” : This refers to God. It’s saying that God has a way of responding, not just to us. “…even from thy dwelling place” : "Dwelling place" means God's home – his presence. So, it’s acknowledging that He is always there and watching over us. “their prayer and their supplications” : This means people are asking for help, pleading for forgiveness, or expressing their needs. It’s basically what they’re doing – praying and begging. “…and maintain their cause” : This is the crucial part. “Cause” here refers to their situation , their problems, or their struggles. God isn't just dismissing their prayers; He wants to support them. “and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee” : This means God will not simply ignore their mistakes. He will offer forgiveness – a chance to start over and move forward. So, what’s the big takeaway? David was in a difficult situation when he was asked to defend Jerusalem against the Philistines. He was facing a huge challenge. Instead of just punishing them, God is telling David to actively listen to their prayers and support them. It's about giving them a chance to learn from their mistakes and rebuild. Why is this important? It shows that God isn’t just about punishment; He's also about offering grace and second chances. It emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding, even when people mess up. --- In short: God isn't angry with people for making mistakes – he wants to help them move forward and forgive them. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps connect it to a specific story or event from the Bible?