Definition: Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Malachi 3:16. It’s a pretty rich and important message about God’s love and how He responds to those who fear Him. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that when people truly fear God – not just superficially, but with a deep sense of recognizing His holiness and power – God actively listens to them and writes down their thoughts about Him in a special way. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then they that feared the LORD…” - This refers to those who have a genuine respect for God, recognizing that He is powerful and just. It's not about being scared of Him , but about understanding His character and the consequences of disobedience. “…spake often one to another…” – This means people started talking to each other about their fears and concerns in the presence of God. It’s a shared experience of acknowledging that something is wrong. “and the LORD hearkened, heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him…” - This is the really significant part. Heard it means God listened to their prayers, anxieties, and concerns. The "book of remembrance" is like a record – a written account that shows God’s awareness of what’s happening in their lives. So, what does this mean practically? It suggests a few key things: God is Interested: He doesn't just ignore us; He listens to us and cares about our thoughts and feelings. We Are Not Alone: Sharing our fears with others helps us feel less alone in our struggles. God’s Awareness: His attention isn't lost on us – He remembers us, even when we don’t remember remembering Him ourselves. In essence, the verse speaks of a covenant relationship between God and humanity - a promise of protection and understanding. Think of it like this: Imagine someone who is constantly worried about something. When they share their worries with others – perhaps in prayer or in a group setting – it's like God is noticing their concerns and offering comfort, support, and perhaps even guidance. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of Malachi? Discuss what it means for us to actually fear God? Talk about how this verse relates to our lives today?