Definition: And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts [is] the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important Bible verse. It’s a really significant statement about God’s relationship with King David. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: “God is declaring to King David that He wants his name to be known and celebrated forever – meaning he will always be recognized as the Lord of Israel. And crucially, God promises to help David build a strong and lasting foundation for his kingdom.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And let thy name be magnified…” - This means God wants to make David's name famous and prominent. It’s about elevating him in the eyes of God. "...for ever..." – This is a very important part. It signifies that this declaration will last for a long, long time – potentially eternity! "...saying, The LORD of hosts [is] the God over Israel…" - This is where it gets really powerful. “Lord of Hosts” is a formal way of referring to God. It means that God is the supreme ruler and ultimate authority over all of Israel. "...and let the house of thy servant David be established…” – This part speaks directly to King David. It promises that God will give him a secure and prosperous future, a foundation for his rule. It suggests he’ll be given strength, stability, and success in his kingdom. What does this verse mean practically? For many Jews and Christians, this verse is seen as a covenant – a special agreement between God and David. It's a promise that God will support and help David become a powerful leader and establish a lasting dynasty. It’s a foundational statement about God’s favor and the continuation of his plan for Israel. In short, it’s a declaration of divine blessing and a guarantee of long-term prosperity for King David. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you a different perspective on its meaning? Or perhaps explore how this verse relates to other biblical stories?