1 Kings 8:37

Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication · 1 Kings 8:22–53
Read 1 Kings 8

Translations

Modern
When famine or plague comes upon the land, or blight or mildew or locusts or grasshoppers, or when their enemy besieges them in their cities, whatever plague or sickness may come,
Traditional
If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be;
Literal
When famine is in the land, if there is pestilence, blight, mildew, locust, or if there is grasshopper; when their enemy besieges them in the land of their cities—whatever plague or whatever sickness—
Latin
Fames si oborta fuerit in terra, aut pestilentia, aut corruptus aër, aut ærugo, aut locusta, vel rubigo, et afflixerit eum inimicus ejus portas obsidens: omnis plaga, universa infirmitas,

Original

Hebrew
English
When famine or plague comes upon the land, or blight or mildew or locusts or grasshoppers, or when their enemy besieges them in their cities, whatever plague or sickness may come,

Notes

Solomon prayed about disasters caused by personal or group sin (Leviticus 26:16, 19–26; Deuteronomy 28:21–22, 38–40, 42, 58–61). Solomon asked that if God's people confessed and truly repented, God would act fairly so everyone could live with respect for him (Deuteronomy 8:6; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 15:33).

Solomon asked God to listen to his people's prayers from the temple. He mentioned specific situations where they would need God's help.

Solomon's prayer of dedication for the temple praised God and blessed the people. He highlighted God's faithfulness to His promises and his own part in building the temple. Solomon prayed for God to keep answering their prayers (1 Kings 8:22–30). He then made seven specific requests to God (1 Kings 8:31–53) and ended with a blessing (1 Kings 8:54–61).

Solomon's building efforts peaked when he moved the ark to the new temple. The king prayed (1 Kings 8:22–53) and offered praise and blessings (8:56–61) to dedicate the temple to the Lord. After the dedication, the people celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. The story highlights Solomon praising God and blessing the people (1 Kings 8:12–61).

The construction of the Temple and palace complex, along with the temple's dedication celebration, are key events in the 1 Kings account of Solomon's time. The temple, built to honor God, was Israel's most important building. Therefore, the writer of 1 Kings documented its construction details thoroughly.

Events

Parallels

2 Chronicles 6:12–42

Glossary

Book of Jashar Caterpillar Famine Kings, Books of First and Second Locusts Plague Solomon (Person) Temple

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Design of Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Backsliders: Promises To Blasting: Blight Blessing: Temporal, Prayer For Caterpillar: Sent As a Judgment Dedication: Subjects of Temple of Solomon Intercession: Additional Instances of Solomon, for Israel Locust: Devastation By Repentance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Sin: Forgiveness of the First Temple: Solemnly Dedicated to God by Solomon The Locust: The Jews: Deprecated the Plague of The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer