1 kings 8:42 - (for they shall hear of your great name, and of your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm); when he comes and prays toward this house;
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What does "1 kings 8:42" mean?
This verse, 1 Kings 8:42, is part of Solomon's dedication prayer for the Temple in Jerusalem. It speaks to the Temple's role as a place where even foreigners, those outside the covenant with Israel, can find God. Let's break down the meaning:
"(for they shall hear of your great name, and of your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm)": This explains the reason why God should hear the prayer of the foreigner. The reputation of God, through His power and deliverance for Israel (referenced by "mighty hand" and "outstretched arm," recalling the Exodus), will have spread to other nations. People from afar will have heard about God's greatness.
"Great name": Refers to God's character, attributes, and reputation. It signifies His power, holiness, and faithfulness.
"Mighty hand" and "outstretched arm": These are symbolic phrases that describe God's power and ability to act. They evoke the memory of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
"when he comes and prays toward this house;": This sets the scenario. A foreigner, someone who is not an Israelite, travels to Jerusalem specifically to pray toward the Temple. The Temple, therefore, acts as a focal point for prayer.
"This house": Refers to the Temple itself, which is understood as God's dwelling place among His people. Praying "toward this house" acknowledges God's presence in the Temple.
In essence, the verse means:
If a foreigner, having heard of your great power and reputation, comes to Jerusalem and prays towards the Temple, God should listen to their prayer.
Key Interpretations and Implications:
God's Universal Reach: The verse highlights that God's influence and power are not limited to Israel alone. Even foreigners will be aware of God and potentially seek Him.
The Temple as a House of Prayer for All Nations: Solomon's prayer anticipates the Temple becoming a place where people from all over the world could seek God. This anticipates a broader vision of God's kingdom beyond the nation of Israel. This idea is later echoed in Isaiah 56:7: "These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Faith as a Key Element: The foreigner's willingness to travel to Jerusalem and pray toward the Temple demonstrates their faith in the God of Israel, even without being part of the covenant community.
Fulfillment in Christ: Some interpret this verse as foreshadowing the broader reach of the Gospel after Christ's ascension. The Temple was eventually destroyed, but Jesus, through His sacrifice, became the ultimate access point to God for all people, regardless of their background.
In summary, 1 Kings 8:42 expresses the hopeful and inclusive vision of the Temple as a place where even foreigners, drawn by God's reputation, can seek Him in prayer. It suggests a God who is not confined to one nation but desires to be known and sought by people from all over the world.
1 kings 8:42 - (for they shall hear of your great name, and of your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm); when he comes and prays toward this house;
What does "1 kings 8:42" mean?
This verse, 1 Kings 8:42, is part of Solomon's dedication prayer for the Temple in Jerusalem. It speaks to the Temple's role as a place where even foreigners, those outside the covenant with Israel, can find God. Let's break down the meaning:
"(for they shall hear of your great name, and of your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm)": This explains the reason why God should hear the prayer of the foreigner. The reputation of God, through His power and deliverance for Israel (referenced by "mighty hand" and "outstretched arm," recalling the Exodus), will have spread to other nations. People from afar will have heard about God's greatness.
"Great name": Refers to God's character, attributes, and reputation. It signifies His power, holiness, and faithfulness.
"Mighty hand" and "outstretched arm": These are symbolic phrases that describe God's power and ability to act. They evoke the memory of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
"when he comes and prays toward this house;": This sets the scenario. A foreigner, someone who is not an Israelite, travels to Jerusalem specifically to pray toward the Temple. The Temple, therefore, acts as a focal point for prayer.
"This house": Refers to the Temple itself, which is understood as God's dwelling place among His people. Praying "toward this house" acknowledges God's presence in the Temple.
In essence, the verse means:
If a foreigner, having heard of your great power and reputation, comes to Jerusalem and prays towards the Temple, God should listen to their prayer.
Key Interpretations and Implications:
God's Universal Reach: The verse highlights that God's influence and power are not limited to Israel alone. Even foreigners will be aware of God and potentially seek Him.
The Temple as a House of Prayer for All Nations: Solomon's prayer anticipates the Temple becoming a place where people from all over the world could seek God. This anticipates a broader vision of God's kingdom beyond the nation of Israel. This idea is later echoed in Isaiah 56:7: "These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Faith as a Key Element: The foreigner's willingness to travel to Jerusalem and pray toward the Temple demonstrates their faith in the God of Israel, even without being part of the covenant community.
Fulfillment in Christ: Some interpret this verse as foreshadowing the broader reach of the Gospel after Christ's ascension. The Temple was eventually destroyed, but Jesus, through His sacrifice, became the ultimate access point to God for all people, regardless of their background.
In summary, 1 Kings 8:42 expresses the hopeful and inclusive vision of the Temple as a place where even foreigners, drawn by God's reputation, can seek Him in prayer. It suggests a God who is not confined to one nation but desires to be known and sought by people from all over the world.