Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name’s sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house;
Also, concerning the foreigner who is not one of your people Israel, but has come from a distant country because of your great reputation and your mighty power and outstretched arm—when they come and pray in this temple,
This verse shows God welcoming foreigners who come to worship Him at the temple, recognizing that His reputation and power can draw people from far away to seek Him.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the newly completed temple in Jerusalem around 950 BC. Solomon is acknowledging that God's fame and power would spread beyond Israel's borders, attracting foreigners to come worship at the temple. This was revolutionary thinking for the time, as most ancient religions were tied to specific ethnic groups or territories.
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