Understanding 1 Kings 8:28

Verse: 1 Kings 8:28 - "Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee today."

Comprehensive Commentary Insights

This verse captures a moment of heartfelt appeal from Solomon as he stands before the Lord during the dedication of the temple. In this plea, Solomon emphasizes the importance of prayer and supplication, embodying the belief that God listens to the cries of His servants.

Key Themes Explored

• The Nature of Prayer: Solomon’s recognition of prayer as a means to communicate with God, underscoring that God is attentive to the petitions of those who seek Him.
• God's Compassion: Matthew Henry notes God’s respect for the sincere prayers of His faithful, which highlights the divine inclination to respond to genuine supplication.
• Importance of the Temple: This moment signifies the temple's role as a sacred space for communicating with God, as reflected in Adam Clarke's commentary on the significance of worship.

Connections with Other Scripture

1 Kings 8:28 establishes profound thematic links to several other biblical passages:

• 1 Samuel 1:27: Hannah’s prayer for a child, reflecting faithful supplication.
• 2 Chronicles 7:14: God's promise of answering prayers when people humble themselves.
• Psalms 145:18: Reiteration of the closeness of the Lord to those who call on Him sincerely.
• Matthew 7:7: Jesus encourages prayer, affirming that seekers will find answers.
• James 5:16: Emphasizes the power of a righteous person’s prayer.
• Romans 10:12-13: Assurance that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
• Hebrews 4:16: Access to the throne of grace through prayer, highlighting the importance of approaching God with confidence.

Insights from Textual Analysis

As noted by Albert Barnes, the respect God has for the prayers of His people is grounded in His covenant relationship with them. Solomon’s approach to God reflects this understanding, stressing the need for humility and recognizing God’s mercy.

Inter-Biblical Dialogue

The appeal made by Solomon in this verse can be seen as part of a broader dialogue throughout Scripture regarding the responsiveness of God to human needs and the importance of sincere prayer. This places 1 Kings 8:28 in conversation with various texts exploring themes of divine mercy, human supplication, and the nature of prayer.

Reflective Application

For believers today, this verse serves as a reminder of the power and significance of prayer. It underscores the importance of approaching God with authenticity, knowing that He is attentive to our supplications.

Using Cross-References in Biblical Studies

Engaging with Scripture through cross-referencing can enhance our understanding of biblical texts. Here are some tools and methods for effective cross-referencing:

• Bible Concordance: A dictionary-style resource that allows one to look up words and phrases to find related verses.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Many study Bibles include a section dedicated to cross-references, facilitating easier connections between passages.
• How to Use Bible Cross-References: Begin by noting key themes or words in a verse, then consult a concordance or cross-reference tool to explore related Scriptures.
• Bible Chain References: Use chain reference Bibles that provide a sequence of verses linked by common themes or ideas.

Conclusion

1 Kings 8:28 encapsulates essential themes about prayer, divine response, and human humility before God. This exploration of the verse, along with its connections to other scripture, offers insightful reflections for both personal study and communal worship. By leveraging biblical cross-references, readers can deepen their understanding of Scripture and enrich their spiritual journey.