Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel:
From the day I brought my people out of Egypt, I didn't choose any city from all the tribes of Israel to build a temple where my name would dwell. I also didn't choose any man to be king over my people Israel.
God is explaining that He had not previously chosen a specific place for His temple or a specific person to rule His people until now.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the newly built temple in Jerusalem around 960 BC. Solomon is recounting God's words about how, throughout Israel's history from the Exodus onward, God had not designated a permanent location for His dwelling place or established a monarchy. The temple represented the first permanent house for God's presence, and Solomon was acknowledging that both he and Jerusalem were God's chosen instruments at this pivotal moment.
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