1 Kings 8:45

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

Translations

Modern
…then may You hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and may You uphold their cause.
Traditional
Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.
Literal
…then may You hear in the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.
Latin
…et exaudies in cælo orationes eorum et preces eorum, et facies judicium eorum.

Original

Hebrew
English
…then may You hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and may You uphold their cause.

Notes

Solomon asked God to listen to the prayers of those who could not reach the temple, especially those far away fighting for God's cause (Leviticus 26:7–8; Deuteronomy 20:1–4). He wanted God to hear their prayers directed toward the Lord and his temple in Jerusalem (see Daniel 6:10).

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 Kings, Books of First and Second Solomon (Person) Temple

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Design of Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Backsliders: Promises To Blessing: Temporal, Prayer For Dedication: Subjects of Temple of Solomon Intercession: Additional Instances of Solomon, for Israel Intercession: Exemplified Repentance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Sin: Forgiveness of the First Temple: Solemnly Dedicated to God by Solomon