1 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 17
And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֕י
H1961
וַיְהִ֕י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
2 of 11
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
לְבַ֖ב
And it was in the heart
H3824
לְבַ֖ב
And it was in the heart
Strong's:
H3824
Word #:
3 of 11
the heart (as the most interior organ)
אָבִ֑י
my father
H1
אָבִ֑י
my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
5 of 11
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
בַּ֔יִת
an house
H1004
בַּ֔יִת
an house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 11
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לְשֵׁ֥ם
for the ~
H8034
לְשֵׁ֥ם
for the ~
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
8 of 11
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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
And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.
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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
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.