1 Kings 8:55

Solomon’s Benediction · 1 Kings 8:54–61
Read 1 Kings 8

Translations

Modern
And he stood and blessed the whole assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying:
Traditional
And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying,
Literal
…and he stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying:
Latin
Stetit ergo, et benedixit omni ecclesiæ Israël voce magna, dicens:

Original

Hebrew
English
And he stood and blessed the whole assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying:

Notes

Solomon praised God's faithfulness and goodness to Israel for giving them rest as promised (see Joshua 21:43–45; 23:14; 2 Samuel 7:1). Some Israelites did not accept the rest that only God provides (Psalm 95:10–11; Hebrews 3:7–19; 4:1–11).

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

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Kings, Books of First and Second Servant of the Lord Temple

Topics

Benedictions by Solomon, Upon the People Dedication: Subjects of Temple of Solomon the First Temple: Solemnly Dedicated to God by Solomon