1 Kings 8 45

1 Kings 8:45 kjv

Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

1 Kings 8:45 nkjv

then hear in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

1 Kings 8:45 niv

then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause.

1 Kings 8:45 esv

then hear in heaven their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause.

1 Kings 8:45 nlt

then hear their prayers from heaven and uphold their cause.

1 Kings 8 verses

1 Kings 8 45 Meaning

1 Kings 8:45 speaks to God's readiness to hear the prayers of His people, Israel, even when they are in foreign lands or captivity. It asserts that if they turn to Him in repentance and prayer, He will hear their supplication from His dwelling place in heaven and uphold their cause, intervening on their behalf to deliver justice and vindication.

1 Kings 8 45 Context

1 Kings 8:45 is a pivotal verse within Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the Temple. The entire chapter describes the fulfillment of David's vision for a dwelling place for the LORD in Jerusalem, culminating in the Ark of the Covenant being brought into the newly completed Temple. Following God's glory filling the Temple (1 Ki 8:10-11), Solomon pronounces blessings (1 Ki 8:14-21) and then offers an extensive prayer (1 Ki 8:22-53).

This prayer outlines various future scenarios where the people of Israel might sin and face divine judgment, whether in military defeat (v.33-34), drought (v.35-36), famine or pestilence (v.37-40), or, crucially for this verse, when they are taken captive to an enemy land (v.46-50). Solomon’s petition anticipates that even in these dire circumstances, if the people genuinely repent and turn their hearts and prayers towards the Temple in Jerusalem (or towards the land God gave them, or towards God Himself, depending on the specific situation described in other parts of the prayer), God would hear and respond.

Historically, this prayer laid a foundational principle for the nation's relationship with God: the Temple was the central point of worship and prayer, a place where God's name dwelled. Yet, God Himself was transcendent, not confined to the structure, but dwelling "in heaven." This passage implicitly stands in contrast to the localized, territorial gods of surrounding nations, whose power was often believed to be limited to their specific lands or temples. The God of Israel hears and acts universally, though Jerusalem served as the specific focus for the prayers of His covenant people.

1 Kings 8 45 Word analysis

• Then: Ve-sham-ʿata (וְשָׁמַעְתָּ). This particle introduces the consequence or outcome dependent on the conditions outlined in the preceding verses (v.44-49). It indicates a direct response from God following Israel's turning to Him, confessing, and praying.
• hear: Sha-maʿta (שָׁמַעְתָּ) - The verb "to hear" (שָׁמַע, shama) in Hebrew often implies more than mere auditory perception; it denotes attentive listening, understanding, heeding, and most importantly, acting upon what is heard. Here, it signifies God's active reception and favorable response to their prayer.
• in heaven: Ba-shamayim (בַּשָּׁמַיִם) - "In the heavens." This phrase designates God's dwelling place, emphasizing His transcendence, omnipresence, and ultimate authority, demonstrating that His ability to hear prayer is not limited by the earthly Temple or Israel's physical location. It contrasts with pagan deities often confined to specific temples or geographic areas.
• their prayer: Tefillatam (תְּפִלָּתָם) - This refers to a general act of petition, supplication, or intercession. It's a structured or intentional request to God.
• and their plea: Təḥinnatam (תְּחִנָּתָם) - "And their gracious request" or "earnest supplication for favor." This word (from חָנַן, ḥanan, "to be gracious") carries the nuance of seeking grace or mercy, especially from a superior. It suggests a plea born of humility and dependence.
• and maintain their cause: Ve-ʿasita mishpaṭam (וְעָשִׂיתָ מִשְׁפָּטָם) - Literally, "and you shall do their judgment/justice." This phrase signifies divine intervention to uphold their right, administer justice on their behalf, or vindicate them. It implies active help, deliverance, and restoring what is right. It highlights God's role as the ultimate righteous judge and defender of His people, especially when they are oppressed or unjustly treated.

Words-group analysis

• Then hear in heaven their prayer and their plea: This collective phrase highlights God's absolute readiness to respond to His people's sincere requests, irrespective of their physical distance from Jerusalem or the Temple. It underscores His unbounded sovereignty and grace, as His "hearing" from heaven indicates not only listening but also His intent to answer with mercy and intervention.
• and maintain their cause: This group emphasizes God's active, just intervention. It speaks to God's covenant faithfulness in defending and vindicating His people when they humble themselves and seek Him. It's a promise of divine justice and restorative action, showing that God is not merely an observer but a decisive participant in their circumstances.

1 Kings 8 45 Bonus section

Solomon's prayer here, especially in the context of praying towards the Temple (or land), becomes a prophetic anticipation of the exile. Generations later, figures like Daniel (Dan 6:10) are seen fulfilling this very petition, demonstrating that prayer towards Jerusalem was not merely symbolic but deeply rooted in the covenant understanding of God's presence and promise to His people, even when scattered. The essence of the verse transcends location, focusing on the heart's disposition towards God and His willingness to hear and act based on His unchanging character of justice and mercy. This concept also subtly teaches against the territoriality of other ancient Near Eastern deities, asserting Yahweh's universal power and hearing capacity.

1 Kings 8 45 Commentary

1 Kings 8:45 encapsulates a crucial aspect of God's covenant faithfulness and His dynamic relationship with Israel. Solomon's prayer recognizes that despite the magnificent Temple, God is not contained within a building; He dwells in heaven, from where He hears. The promise is conditional on Israel's turning (repentance), heartfelt prayer, and acknowledging Him, even from distant lands. This implies that physical location does not impede God's ability to hear or act, demonstrating His omnipresence. The phrase "maintain their cause" powerfully conveys God's commitment to divine justice and active intervention on behalf of His covenant people when they are oppressed or in need of vindication, provided they align their hearts with His. It provides comfort and assurance that even in distress and exile, a pathway back to God's favor and help exists through repentance and prayer. This serves as a timeless encouragement for believers today: God hears and upholds the cause of those who genuinely turn to Him in any circumstance, anywhere in the world. For example, believers facing adversity can find solace knowing their prayers are heard by God, who stands ready to bring justice and deliver them, even if from "afar."