1 Kings 8:27-29

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 8:22-53

Solomon having made a general surrender of this house to God, which God had signified his acceptance of by taking possession, next follows Solomon's prayer, in which he makes a more particular declaration of the uses of that surrender, with all humility and reverence, desiring that God would agree thereto. In short, it is his request that this temple may be deemed and taken, not only for a house of sacrifice (no mention is made of that in all this prayer, that was taken for granted), but a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 8:27

But will God indeed dwell on the earth ?.... Is it true? Can any credit be given to it? Who could ever have thought it, that so great and glorious a Being, who inhabits eternity, dwells in the highest heavens, should ever condescend to dwell on earth? Such was the amazing condescension of Christ, the Son of God, to tabernacle in human nature with men on earth, to which Solomon perhaps might have respect; his temple being the figure of his body, in which the Godhead dwells, John 2:19 . ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 8:28

Yet have thou respect to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God ,.... Meaning himself, who, though a king acknowledged himself, and esteemed it an honour to be the servant of the Lord, and who was also an humble suppliant of his, and desired his prayers and supplications might be attended to: to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee this day ; the particulars of which follow. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 8:29

That thine eyes may be open towards this house night and day ,.... That is, to the people that pray in it, as they are to his righteous ones, Psalm 33:14 even towards the place of which thou hast my name shall be there; there should be some displays of his presence, power, and providence, of goodness, grace, and mercy: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make towards this place ; not only to what he should make in it, but to what he should make in his own... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 8:27

But will God indeed dwell on the earth ? - This expression is full of astonishment, veneration, and delight. He is struck with the immensity, dignity, and grandeur of the Divine Being, but especially at his condescension to dwell with men: and though he sees, by his filling the place, that he has come now to make his abode with them, yet he cannot help asking the question, How can such a God dwell in such a place, and with such creatures? Behold , the heaven - The words... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 8:29

My name shall be there - I will there show forth my power and my glory by enlightening, quickening, pardoning, sanctifying, and saving all my sincere worshippers. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 8:23-53

The Prayer of Dedication. In how many and varied ways is Solomon a type of the Divine Solomon, the true Son of David Even in this respect they are alike—that each has "taught us how to pray" ( Luke 11:1 sqq.) For we may be sure that the Prayer of Dedication is for our instruction and imitation, otherwise it would hardly have been recorded, and recorded at such length, in Scripture. "After this manner therefore pray ye" ( Matthew 6:9 ). I. LAYMEN MAY OFFER PUBLIC PRAYER ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 8:27

But [ כִי . Bähr refers for this use of the word to 1 Samuel 29:8 ; 1 Kings 11:22 ; 2 Kings 8:13 ; Jeremiah 23:18 ] will God indeed [Web. verily ; same root as that of preceding verb, " verified ." The repetition shows the connexion of thought. "But can these words be verified? Will God verily," etc.] dwell on the earth? behold the heaven and heaven of heavens [Same expression Deuteronomy 10:14 . Cf. Psalms 115:16 ; Psalms 148:4 ; Isaiah 66:1 . The Jewish belief... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 8:28

Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant [=the prayer I now offer, which is that thou wilt hear all future prayers offered here, mine and my people's] and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer [Three words are used here, תְּחִנָּה תְּפִלָה , and רנָּה . The first (from הִתְפָלַל , precatus est ; see 1 Kings 8:29 ) is apparently a general term for prayer; the second (from חָנַן , propitius fuit ) is properly a cry... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 8:28

The Prayer of Dedication. Describe the scene at the dedication of the temple. Note the fact that it is a king who leads his people to God's footstool. Show the influence of earthly rulers, who not only affect surrounding nations by their policy, but degrade or exalt the moral life of their people by their personal character, and by the tone of their court. Our reasons for thankfulness in the present reign. Contrast the influence of Victoria with that of Charles II . or George IV .... read more

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