1 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 49
Then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and maintain their cause,
Original Language Analysis
וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֤
Then hear
H8085
וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֤
Then hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 10
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
in heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
in heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
2 of 10
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
מְכ֣וֹן
place
H4349
מְכ֣וֹן
place
Strong's:
H4349
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, a fixture, i.e., a basis; generally a place, especially as an abode
שִׁבְתְּךָ֔
thy dwelling
H3427
שִׁבְתְּךָ֔
thy dwelling
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תְּפִלָּתָ֖ם
thou their prayer
H8605
תְּפִלָּתָ֖ם
thou their prayer
Strong's:
H8605
Word #:
6 of 10
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תְּחִנָּתָ֑ם
and their supplication
H8467
תְּחִנָּתָ֑ם
and their supplication
Strong's:
H8467
Word #:
8 of 10
graciousness; causatively, entreaty
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and maintain their cause,
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of dedication of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.