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1 Reis 8

Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible

1 Reis 8

NJB (MT versing) The Ark Brought Into the Temple The Ark Brought Into the Temple The Dedication of the Temple The Covenant Box Is Brought to the Temple The Ark Is Brought Into the Temple 8:1-11 8:1-11 8:1-11 8:1-9 8:1-9 Yahweh Takes Possession of His Temple 8:10-13 8:10-11 Solomon Addresses the People 8:12-13  (12-13) 8:12-13  (12-13) 8:12-13  (12-13) (12-13) 8:12 8:13 Solomon's Speech at Completion of the Work Solomon's Address to the People Solomon Addresses the People 8:14-21 8:14-21 8:14-21 8:14-16 8:14-21 8:17-19 8:20-21 The Prayer of Dedication Solomon's Prayer of Dedication Solomon's Prayer Solomon's Prayer for Himself 8:22-30 8:22-30 8:22-26 8:22-26 8:22-29 8:27-30 8:27-30 Solomon's Prayer for the People 8:30-32 8:31-32 8:31-32 8:31-32 8:31-32 8:33-34 8:33-34 8:33-34 8:33-34 8:33-34 8:35-36 8:35-36 8:35-36 8:35-36 8:35-36 8:37-40 8:37-40 8:37-40 8:37-40 8:37-40 Supplementary Section 8:41-43 8:41-43 8:41-43 8:41-43 8:41-43 8:44-45 8:44-45 8:44-45 8:44-45 8:44-45 8:46-53 8:46-53 8:46-53 8:46-51 8:46-51 Conclusion of the Prayer and Blessing of the People 8:52-53 8:52-53 Solomon's Benediction Solomon Blesses the Congregation The Final Prayer 8:54-55 8:54-61 8:54-55 8:54-61 8:54-61 8:56-61 8:56-61 Dedicatory Sacrifices Solomon Dedicates the Temple The Dedication of the Temple The Sacrifices on the Feast of Dedication 8:62-64 8:62-64 8:62-64 8:62-64 8:62-66 8:65-66 8:65-66 8:65-66 8:65-66 Etc. CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS This chapter is very repetitive in its phrasing (much of which is like Deuteronomy). It deals with different categories of prayers (i.e., blessings and forgiveness). In my opinion this is one of the greatest prayers in the OT! There are many anthropomorphisms. mouth, vv. 15,24 hand, vv. 15.24 eyes, vv. 29,52 mighty hand. . .outstretched arm, v. 42 ears (lit. "hear"), v. 49 speak, vv. 20,25,53,56 SPECIAL TOPIC: ANTHROPOMORPHIC LANGUAGE TO DESCRIBE DEITY For me the greatest aspect of this wonderful dedicatory prayer is YHWH's concern for the non-Israelite (esp. vv. 41-43,60)! This is the implication of monotheism (cf. vv. 23, 60). SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM Much of Solomon's thanksgiving is related to YHWH's promises to David in 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17. But notice the "ifs"! It was a conditional covenant. SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT The Jewish Study Bible, p. 690, lists the vocabulary and phrasing which matches Deuteronomy. 1 Kgs. 8:23 ‒ Deut. 7:9,12 1 Kgs. 8:23 ‒ Deut. 4:39 1 Kgs. 8:24 ‒ Deut. 2:30; 4:20; etc. 1 Kgs. 8:30,39,43,49 ‒ Deut. 26:15 1 Kgs. 8:33,34,38,43,57 ‒ Deut. 21:8; 26:15 1 Kgs. 8:36 ‒ Deut. 4:21; 15:4; etc. 1 Kgs. 8:40 ‒ Deut. 4:10; 5:26; etc. 1 Kgs. 8:42 ‒ Deut. 4:34; 5:15; etc. 1 Kgs. 8:51 ‒ Deut. 4:20

1 Reis 8:1-11

8:1 Notice all the levels of leadership. elders of Israel heads of the tribes leaders of the fathers' households all the men of Israel, v. 2 SPECIAL TOPIC: ELDERS ▣ "the ark of the covenant of the Lord" This was the symbol of YHWH's presence with His people and it contained the covenant of Exodus 19-20; Deuteronomy 5. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE ARK OF THE COVENANT SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. ▣ "the city of David, which is Zion" Sometimes "the city of David" refers to Bethlehem, but here to Jerusalem. SPECIAL TOPIC: MORIAH, SALEM, JEBUS, ZION, JERUSALEM 8:2 "the feast" There were several feasts of the seventh month. Rosh Hashanah (new year feast) Yom Kippur (day of atonement) Sukkot (feast of tabernacles or booths) What surprises commentators is that 2 Kgs. 6:38 says that the temple was finished in the eighth month, but here that it was dedicated in the eleventh month. Why the delay is not known, only speculated. This appears to be the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths (cf. Lev. 23:34; Deut. 16:13-15; 1 Kgs. 8:21; 12:32; 2 Chr. 5:3; 7:8; Neh. 8:14; Ezek. 45:25; Roland deVaux, Ancient Israel, pp. 495-502). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FEASTS OF ISRAEL, D. 3. ▣ "Ethanim" See SPECIAL TOPIC: ANE CALENDARS. 8:3 "the priests" See SPECIAL TOPIC: LEVITICAL PRIESTS. 8:4 "the tent of meeting" During David's reign "the tent of meeting" remained at Gibeon (cf. 1 Kgs. 3:4), but the ark was taken to Jerusalem. This tent was what remained of the tabernacle of the wilderness. They are now brought together again! SPECIAL TOPIC: THE TABERNACLE OF THE WILDERNESS ▣ "the congregation" In the LXX this Hebrew word (BDB 417) is translated ekklesia, which became the term the NT author used for the church. They saw themselves as the "true" Israel of God (i.e., Matt. 16:18). SPECIAL TOPIC: CHURCH (ekklēsia) 8:6 "the inner sanctuary. . .the most holy place" This is the Holy of Holies, BDB 876; see parallel in 2 Chr. 5:7; the place where the ark dwelt and only the High Priest could enter twice on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE TABERNACLE OF THE WILDERNESS SPECIAL TOPIC: ATONEMENT ▣ "under the wings of the cherubim" In the tabernacle a pair of winged cherubim guarded the ark (i.e., on its lid), but in Solomon's temple, there were two pairs; one large pair that filled the entire cube (v. 7; cf. 1 Kgs. 6:23-28) and the pair on the lid of the ark (cf. Exod. 25:18-22). SPECIAL TOPIC: CHERUBIM 8:7 "the poles" These poles for carrying the ark could not be removed (cf. Exod. 25:12-15). 8:8 "they are there to this day" This is a literary marker of later editors or the original author writing much later than the event (i.e., 2 Kgs. 2:22). For a brief discussion of the reality of editors, see SPECIAL TOPIC: MOSES' AUTHORSHIP OF THE PENTATEUCH, D. 8:9 "There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone" The ark was a box that could contain things. There are several places in the Bible that list things which were either in the ark or beside it. Exodus 16:31-36 Numbers 17:1-11 Hebrews 9:4 The ark, for sure, had the broken tablets of stone and the remade tablets inside it (Deut. 10:1-5; i.e., the covenant of Exodus 19-20; Deuteronomy 5). For a good brief discussion see F. F. Bruce, Answers to Questions, p. 123. ▣ "Horeb" See SPECIAL TOPIC: THE LOCATION OF MT. SINAI. ▣ "the Lord made a covenant" This refers to the Laws in Exodus, given at Mt. Sinai/Horeb. The exodus was the first great redemptive act of YHWH in Israel's history. SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE DATE OF THE EXODUS SPECIAL TOPIC: THE ROUTE OF THE EXODUS 8:10 "the holy place" This is the part of the tabernacle, in front of the Holy of Holies. It contained the altar of incense before the veil the lampstand the table of show bread ▣ "the cloud" This was a visible sign of YHWH's presence with Israel during the exodus and wilderness wanderings. It dissipated when Israel crossed the Jordan into Canaan. This refers to the special cloud ("pillar," BDB 765) representing YHWH's personal presence that led and protected the Hebrew slaves as they left Egypt and wandered in the wilderness (cf. Exod. 13:21-22; 14:19,24; 33:9,10; Deut. 1:33; Neh. 9:12,19; Ps. 78:14; 105:39). This cloud/pillar disappeared after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This was called the "Shekinah Cloud of Glory" by the rabbis (cf. Exod. 13:21-22; 14:19,24; 33:9-10; Ps. 78:14; 99:7). It accomplished several things for the Israelites. symbol of YHWH's personal presence (shekinah means "to dwell with") it separated Israel from Pharaoh's elite troops (cf. Exod. 14:19-20) it led Israel (cf. Exod. 13:21-22; Num. 9:17-23) it covered them and protected them from the heat (cf. Ps. 105:39) it lit up the camp by night, even allowed Israel to travel at night (cf. Exod. 13:21; Neh. 9:12,19) it caused the nations to fear Israel (cf. Exod. 23:27; Deut. 2:25; 11:25; Josh. 2:9) it finally disappeared when Israel crossed the Jordan (cf. Exod. 16:35; Josh. 5:12), but reappeared at the dedication of Solomon's temple (1 Kings 8) The NT also uses this imagery as the transportation of Deity (i.e., Acts 1:9; 1 Thess. 4:17), following Daniel 7:13. 8:11 "the glory of the Lord" See SPECIAL TOPIC: GLORY (kabod, OT). ▣ "filled the house" The presence of the Shekinah cloud showed YHWH's acceptance of Solomon's new temple. This visible manifestation of YHWH's presence is also seen in the tent of meeting in Moses' day, Exod. 40:34-35 dedication of Solomon's temple, 2 Chr. 5:14; 7:1-2 Isaiah's vision, Isa. 6:3,4 Ezekiel's vision, Ezek. 1:28; 10:3-4 Ezekiel's temple, Ezek. 43:5; 44:4 post-exilic, Hag. 2:7 in reality, YHWH fills the earth with His presence, Jer. 23:24; and knowledge, Hab. 2:14

1 Reis 8:12-13

8:12-21 Solomon is referring to YHWH's promises to David in 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17, when David had the desire to build YHWH a permanent temple. 1 Kings 8:13 is a quote from 2 Sam. 7:13. The grammatical form of VERB is an INFINITIVE ABSOLUTE plus an IMPERFECT VERB of the same root (BDB 124, KB 139) for emphasis and certainty. 8:12 "He would dwell in the thick cloud" This refers to the cloud above the ark. YHWH was with His covenant people! 8:13 NASB, REB, NEB "a lofty house" NKJV, NRSV "an exalted house" "a majestic temple" "a princely dwelling" "a stately house" KJ, Peshitta "a settled place" The MT has the NOUN (BDB 259 I; NIDOTTE, vol. 1, pp. 107-14), used as an ADJECTIVE (cf. 2 Chr. 6:2). The NJB gets its translation from Ps. 49:14, while NASB gets its translation from Isa. 63:15. This temple was shockingly beautiful and elaborate. ▣ "forever" This word must be interpreted in context. The Mosaic Covenant was a conditional covenant (i.e., Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 27-30). SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('olam)

1 Reis 8:14-21

8:14 Solomon is blessing the people as David did in 2 Sam. 6:18. The king was YHWH's representative on earth. This was not a priestly function but a royal function. ▣ "while all the assembly of Israel was standing" Israel stood for worship and prayer. Kneeling was done, but rarely (cf. 1 Kgs. 8:54; Dan. 6:10; 10:10). 8:15 "mouth. . .hand" See Contextual Insights, B. SPECIAL TOPIC: HAND 8:16 "I did not choose a city" Deuteronomy says YHWH will one day choose a special place, Here is my exegetical note from Deut. 12:5: Deut. 12:5 "the place which the Lord your God shall choose" God chose (BDB 103, KB 119, Qal IMPERFECT, cf. vv. 11,14,18,21,26; 14:25; 15:20; 16:2,6,11,15; 17:8,10; 18:6; 26:2; 31:11) the worship site (cf. Exod. 20:24). The tabernacle (ark) traveled with Israel: Gilgal, Josh. 4:19; 10:6,15 Shechem, Josh 8:33 Shiloh, Josh 18:1; Jdgs. 18:31; 1 Sam. 1:3 Bethel, (possible) Jdgs. 20:18,26-28; 21:2 Kiriath-jearim, ark, 1 Sam. 6:21; 7:1-2 (priests at Nob, cf. 1 Samuel 21-22) Jerusalem David captures the citadel of Jebus (cf. 2 Sam. 5:1-10) David brings the ark to Jerusalem (cf. 2 Samuel 6) David purchases the site of the temple (2 Sam. 24:15-25; 2 Chr. 3:1) Many modern scholars have tried to assert that Deuteronomy was written late to accommodate Hezekiah and Josiah's reforms of centralizing Israel's worship. However, Deuteronomy does not name Jerusalem as the specific site that YHWH will choose. In context the theological contrast is between: the local Ba'al shrines and the one shrine of Israel the monotheism of Israel versus the polytheism of Canaan (and the rest of the Ancient Near East) ▣ "choose. . .chose" See SPECIAL TOPIC: HE CHOSE US. ▣ "My name" Notice YHWH's name dwelt there (not an image or idol) but He Himself dwelt in the highest heaven. The ark was His footstool (i.e., Isa. 66:1). Thus immanence and transcendence are united! SPECIAL TOPIC: "THE NAME" OF YHWH 8:17 "heart" See SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART. 8:19 This refers to 2 Sam. 7:5.12.13; also note 1 Chr. 22:8-10. 8:20 "the Lord has fulfilled His word" The phrase expresses a very important aspect of biblical faith (i.e., the dependability of YHWH's word). God's people believe, trust, and act on God's word (cf. v. 56). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE BIBLE (it's uniqueness and inspiration) 8:21 This refers to the laws given on Mt. Sinai (i.e., Exodus 19-20; Deuteronomy 5). Israel was given clear instructions on YHWH's will, now she must walk in them (cf. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 27-30; Psalm 1). This is often called 'the two ways" (i.e., life and death, choose one!).

1 Reis 8:22-30

8:22 "the altar of the Lord" This refers to the altar of sacrifice before the inner shrine. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE TABERNACLE OF THE WILDERNESS SPECIAL TOPIC: THE ALTAR OF SACRIFICE ▣ "spread out his hands toward heaven" The Israelites prayed with (cf. Exod. 9:29,33; Ezra 9:5; Ps. 28:2; 63:4; 134:2; 141:2; Isa. 1:15; 65:2; Jer. 4:31; Lam. 1:17; 2:19; 3:41; Rom. 10:21; 1 Tim. 2:8) eyes open head lifted hands lifted looking to heaven in conversation with YHWH. Prayer was personal. ▣ "Solomon stood" In 1 Kgs. 8:54 he is kneeling. Josephus combines these two in Antiq. 8.4.4., where he says when the "glory" came Solomon knelt from his standing position (v. 22). ▣ "heaven" See SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVEN and SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HEAVENS AND THE THIRD HEAVEN. 8:23 "there is no God like You" See SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM. ▣ Notice how YHWH is characterized. keeping covenant, cf. Deut. 7:9 showing kindness But also note the conditional covenant, "who walk before You with all their heart" (i.e., 1 Kgs. 2:4; 3:6; 9:4). SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT) SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVINGKINDNESS (hesed) 8:24 See note at 1 Kgs. 8:15. 8:25-26 This refers to 2 Samuel 7. 8:25 "if only. . ." Notice the conditional element of the Mosaic Covenant and David's covenant (i.e., vv. 25,31,33,47,48). Remember, Israel and Judah were both exiled with their royal family because of covenant violations. YHWH"s covenant has a redemptive aspect that cannot be affected by human sin and weakness. However, each generation and individual is affected by disobedience! 8:26 "Your servant" See SPECIAL TOPIC: MY SERVANT. 8:27 Solomon recognizes the universality of the Creator God (cf. 2 Chr. 6:18). He is far greater than any human temple and any one people group. This same universality is seen in vv. 41-43,60! This is the logical implication of Gen. 1:26-27; 3:15 and the doctrine of monotheism. SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN ▣ "the highest heaven" This is literally "heaven of heavens" (i.e., YHWH's dwelling place, cf. 30,39, 43,49). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HEAVENS AND THE THIRD HEAVEN 8:28 "the prayer of Your servant" See SPECIAL TOPIC: EFFECTIVE PRAYER and SPECIAL TOPIC: INTERCESSORY PRAYER. ▣ There are three different words for prayer used in this verse. prayer ‒ FEMININE NOUN (BDB 813) NOUN, twice VERB once (BDB 813, KB 933, Hithpael PARTICIPLE) supplication ‒ FEMININE NOUN (BDB 339), which denotes asking God for His favor (cf. 1 Kgs. 8:38,45,49,52,54; 9:3; 2 Chr. 6:19,29,35,39 cry ‒ FEMININE NOUN (BDB 943) in meaning, parallel to #2 above. In many contexts it is used of "praise" (i.e., 2 Chr. 20:22), but this does not fit this context. In vv. 27-52 these words for prayer are used often. YHWH wants His people to ask Him. 8:29 "that Your eyes may be open toward this house night and day" This is beautiful imagery (cf. Ps. 34:15; 101:6) of Solomon's prayer for YHWH's constant, moment-by-moment presence and attention to the prayers, sacrifices, and activities of this new permanent central worship site (v. 20). The phrase "toward this house" or similar phrasing is used repeatedly in this context (i.e., seven specific sins related to Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). God's people are to seek Him in His temple (cf. vv. 29,30,33,35,38,47,45,48). 8:30 Israelites prayed toward Jerusalem (see 2 Chr. 6:38; Dan. 6:10; Jonah 2:4).

1 Reis 8:31-32

8:31-32 YHWH is concerned how His people treat one another. Oaths are significant and have consequences (cf. Leviticus 27). 8:32 YHWH was the ultimate Judge. He cares about justice and righteousness. SPECIAL TOPIC: JUDGE, JUDGMENT, and JUSTICE SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS ▣ "bringing his way on his own head" This is an idiom for the consequences of sin and divine judgment on disobedient Israelites (cf. 1 Sam. 25:39; 1 Kgs. 2:44; Ezek. 7:3-4; 9:10; 11:1; 16:43; 22:31).

1 Reis 8:33-34

8:33-34 Israel's sin, if not confessed and repented of, can result in military defeat and exile. SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE (OT) SPECIAL TOPIC: CONFESSION

1 Reis 8:35-36

8:35-36 Israel's sin and disobedience affected YHWH's agricultural blessing and abundance (one example is 1 Kings 18). See my exegetical note on Deut. 11:14. Deut. 11:14 "I will give the rain" "He will give" (BDB 678, KB 733) describes YHWH's covenant blessings and cursings: v. 9 ‒ Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT (blessing) v. 14 ‒ Qal PERFECT (blessing) v. 15 ‒ Qal PERFECT (blessing) v. 17 ‒ Qal IMPERFECT (curse) v. 17 ‒ Qal PERFECT (curse) v. 21 ‒ Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT (blessing) v. 25 ‒ Qal IMPERFECT (blessing) v. 26 ‒ Qal PARTICIPLE (blessing/curse) v. 29 ‒ Qal PERFECT (blessing/curse) v. 31 ‒ Qal PARTICIPLE (blessing) v. 32 ‒ Qal PARTICIPLE (blessing/curse) YHWH wants to bless, but Israel's covenant obedience determines which response (blessing or cursing, cf. chapters 27-29) she receives. God is separate from nature yet is in control of it. He uses it to reveal Himself to mankind (cf. Deut. 27-28; Ps. 19:1-6; Rom. 1:19-25; 2:14-15). 8:35 NASB, NKJV, Peshitta "afflict them" "punish them" JPSOA (AB, vol. 10, p. 285) "answer them" "feel Your punishment" "humble them" The MT has the VERB (BDB 776 III, KB 853, Hiphil IMPERFECT) which can mean "afflict" or "humble," The same root (NIDOTTE, vol. 3, pp. 417-419) can mean "answer." However, v. 36 implies "afflict," which fits v. 35 better. 8:36 "the good way" This good way refers to covenant obedience with a whole heart (cf. 1 Sam. 12:23; 2 Chr. 6:27; Prov. 2:20; 6:23; Psalm 1; 27:11; 139:23-24; Jer. 6:16; 31:9; Mark 6:8). ▣ "walk" This is biblical imagery for an obedient life. God shows His will as a clear, straight, level, unobstructed path/road (cf. Isa. 2:3; Micah 4:2). His people know exactly how they should live! They must not deviate from this clearly revealed path, to the right or to the left.

1 Reis 8:37-40

8:37-40 This continues the agricultural aspect of YHWH's conditional covenant (cf. Deut. 28:22; i.e., "the two ways"). 8:37 "whatever plague" This (BDB 481 CONSTRUCT BDB 619; NIDOTTE, vol. 3, pp. 24-25) is a summary term for all the agricultural divine judgments (i.e., Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28) mentioned earlier in the verse. 8:39 "render to each according to all his ways" The covenant affected Israel as a nation every generation of Israelites every individual Israelite Choices have consequences in time and eternity. This verse expresses a recurrent theme in both the OT and the NT. Old Testament ‒ Job 34:11; Ps. 28:4; 62:12; Prov. 24:12; Eccl. 12:14; Jer. 17:10; 32:19 New Testament ‒ Matt. 16:27; 25:31-46; Rom. 2:6; 14:12; 1 Cor. 3:8; 2 Cor. 5:10; Gal. 6:7-10; 2 Tim. 4:14; 1 Pet. 1:17; Rev. 2:23; 20:12; 22:12 ▣ "You know" See SPECIAL TOPIC: KNOW. ▣ "You alone know the hearts of all of the sons of men" This is imagery of God's sovereign knowledge of all things (cf. 1 Sam. 2:3; 16:7; 1 Kgs. 8:29; 2 Chr. 6:30; Ps. 7:9; 33:15; 44:21; 139:1-4; Prov. 15:11; 21:2; 24:12; Jer. 11:20; 17:9-10; 20:12; Luke 16:15; Acts 1:24; 15:8; Rom. 8:27). No one informs YHWH about anything! 8:40 "fear" See SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR (OT). ▣ "all the days that they live" Biblical faith is not a one-time event or ritual but a daily lifestyle of faithfulness. ▣ SPECIAL TOPIC: PERSEVERANCE

1 Reis 8:41-43

8:41-43 This is such an important paragraph. It shows clearly that YHWH's heart extends to all people (lit. "foreigner," "non-Israelite" ‒ BDB 648, cf. v. 43). Israel was meant to inform and draw the nations to faith in YHWH. YHWH has always wanted humans made in His image (Gen. 1:26-27) for fellowship (Gen. 3:8) to know Him! His house was meant to be a house of prayer for Jew and Gentile (cf. Isa. 56:7; Mark 11:17). SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN 8:42 These are anthropomorphic idioms (see SPECIAL TOPIC: ANTHROPOMORPHIC LANGUAGE USED TO DESCRIBE DEITY) used to describe YHWH's power of deliverance on behalf of Israel (cf. Deut. 5:15; 6:21; 7:19; 9:29; 11:2; 26:8). In some texts the phrase is shortened to "mighty hand" (cf. Deut. 3:24; 6:21; 7:8; 9:26; Josh. 4:24) or "outstretched arm" (cf. Deut. 9:29; Exod. 6:6). This idiomatic terminology has a specific parallel in Egyptian texts related to the "king" (NIDOTTE, vol. 3, p. 92). 8:43 "fear You" Special Topic: Fear (OT)

1 Reis 8:46-53

8:46 "(for there is no man who does not sin)" This is a recurrent theme in Scripture after Genesis 3 (Gen. 6:5,12-13; 8:21; cf. 2 Chr. 6:36; Job 4:17; 9:2; 15:14-16; 25:4; Ps. 14:1,3; 51:5; 130:3; 143:2; Prov. 20:9; Eccl. 7:20; Isa. 53:6; Rom. 3:9,19,23; 11:32; Gal. 3:22; Eph. 2:2-3; James 3:2; 1 John 1:8-10). Every human needs the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God. None is righteous, no not one, except Jesus! SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL ▣ "You are angry" See SPECIAL TOPIC: ANTHROPOMORPHIC LANGUAGE TO DESCRIBE DEITY, I. C. ▣ "take them captive" This is a judgment from YHWH for covenant disobedience (cf. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). It could refer to exile like Assyria and Babylon ("far off") servitude to local nations ("near") 8:47 "repent" See SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE (OT). ▣ Notice the terms used for covenant violations. we have sinned ‒ BDB 306, KB 305, Qal PERFECT we have committed iniquity ‒ BDB 731, KB 796, Hiphil PERFECT we have acted wickedly ‒ BDB 957, KB 1294, Qal PERFECT, cf. v. 32; 2 Chr. 6:37 This is the confession required in repentance. ▣ Notice the different words for covenant violation. sinned ‒ BDB 306, KB 305, Qal PERFECT, cf. vv. 31,33,35,46,47,50; lit. "miss the mark" committed iniquity ‒ BDB 731, KB 796, Hiphil PERFECT, cf. 2 Chr. 6:37 acted wickedly ‒ BDB 957, KB 1294, Qal PERFECT also note "transgressed" (BDB 833, KB 981, Qal PERFECT) in v. 50, lit. "rebel" 8:48 Notice the conditions ("if") for restoration. return with all their heart (cf. Deut. 4:29-30; 3:10; 2 Kgs. 23:25) return with all their soul (for nephesh see note at Gen. 35:18; Lev. 17:11) pray to YHWH at the temple in Jerusalem 8:50 Notice how YHWH's mercy/compassion affects how the captors treat the Israelites. 8:51 "(from the midst of the iron furnace)" This is imagery (cf. Deut. 4:20 Jer. 11:4) from metallurgy. Egypt was both a place of preparation purification imprisonment/slavery The exodus was "the" great act of promised deliverance (cf. Gen. 15:12-21) and the formation of a nation (i.e., Exod. 19:41-46). 8:52 The imagery is surprising. One would think "ears open" would be more appropriate for voiced prayers. This verse is possibly affected by v. 29. Notice 2 Chr. 7:15, where both "eyes" and "ears" occur. 8:53 Notice the different acts of YHWH on Israel's behalf. separated them from all the peoples made Israel His special inheritance (cf. Exod. 19:5-6; 34:9; Deut. 9:26,29) revealed Himself to Moses brought them out of Egypt (cf. 1 Kgs. 8:9,16,21,51,53,65)

1 Reis 8:54-55

8:54-55 See note at 1 Kgs. 8:22.

1 Reis 8:56-61

8:56 "rest" This FEMININE NOUN (BDB 629) basically means "a place of safety." camping place during the exodus ‒ Num. 10:33 Canaan as YHWH's promised inheritance to Israel ‒ Deut. 12:9-10 YHWH's temple where He dwells ‒ 1 Chr. 28:2; Ps. 132:8,14; Isa. 66:1 (in a negative sense in Ps. 95:11) peace from enemies and wars ‒ 1 Kgs. 8:56; 1 Chr. 22:9 (used of Solomon's reign) the safety of marriage for the wife ‒ Ruth 1:9 false security of Damascus, the capital of Syria ‒ Zech. 9:1 ▣ "not one word has failed of all His good promise" YHWH is true to His word (note vv. 24-26; cf. Josh. 23:14; 2 Kgs. 10:10). YHWH's promises can be trusted (cf. Isa. 14:24; 25:1; 40:8; 45:23; 46:10; 55:11; Matt. 5:17-19; 24:35)! SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT PROMISES TO THE PATRIARCHS SPECIAL TOPIC: THE BIBLE (it's uniqueness and inspiration) 8:57,59 There are three IMPERFECTS used in a JUSSIVE sense (i.e., "may"). What great faith statements. YHWH is with us. He will not leave us. He will not forsake us (i.e., Ps. 27:9; 94:14; but note the negative in Jer. 12:7). See my exegetical note from Deut. 31:6 (note 1 Sam. 12:22; 1 Kgs. 6:13). Deut. 31:6 "Be strong and courageous" This verse has several IMPERATIVAL forms: "be strong" ‒ BDB 304, KB 302, Qal IMPERATIVE, cf. Deut. 31:7,23 "be courageous" ‒ BDB 54, KB 65, Qal IMPERATIVE, cf. Deut. 31:7,23 "do not be afraid" ‒ BDB 431, KB 432, NEGATED Qal IMPERFECT, used in a JUSSIVE sense "do not tremble" ‒ BDB 791, KB 888, NEGATED Qal IMPERFECT, used in a JUSSIVE sense, cf. Deut. 1:29; 7:21; 20:3; Josh. 1:9 Numbers 1 and 2 are repeated by Moses to Joshua in v. 7 and numbers 3 and 4 are repeated in v. 8 (#4 is parallel, but a different verb, "be dismayed," BDB 369, KB 365, Qal IMPERFECT). A proper attitude and faith are essential! There are giants in the land, but YHWH is with His people (cf. Deut. 31:3,4,5,6). ▣ "He will not fail you or forsake you" YHWH goes with them (i.e., "walks," BDB 229, KB 246, Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE) YHWH will not fail them (i.e., "abandon," BDB 951, KB 1276, Hiphil IMPERFECT) YHWH will not forsake them ("leave," BDB 736 I, KB 806, Qal IMPERFECT, cf. Gen. 28:15) This promise is repeated to Joshua in Josh. 1:5 and is repeated as a promise to NT believers in Heb. 13:5! Our hope is in the unchanging gracious character of YHWH (e.g., Exod. 34:6; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 103:8; 145:8; Joel 2:13)! 8:58 "that He may incline our hearts to Himself" This is the mystery of sovereignty vs. human free will. In John 6:44,65, the truth is clearly stated that fallen humans must be spiritually energized by the Spirit to respond to God (i.e., Deut. 30:6; Ps. 51:10; Phil. 2:13). Humans are responders, not initiators in the spiritual realm (cf. Ps. 119:33-40). The mystery is why some people say "no"! Does God touch all or some? For me, if God just chooses "some" it damages the character of God and violates too many Scriptures (i.e., John 3:16; 4:42; Acts 17:30; Rom. 11:32; 1 Tim. 2:4; Titus 2:11; Heb. 2:9; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 2:2). SPECIAL TOPIC: ELECTION/PREDESTINATION AND THE NEED FOR A THEOLOGICAL BALANCE SPECIAL TOPIC: PREDESTINATION VS. HUMAN FREE WILL ▣ "hearts" See SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART. ▣ "to walk in all His ways" This call to obedience is paralleled by "to keep His commandments. . ." See notes at v. 23 and 25. YHWH wanted a people to reflect His character to a lost world. He still does! SPECIAL TOPIC: TERMS FOR GOD'S REVELATION ▣ "which He commanded our fathers" This could go back to the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob; see SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT PROMISES TO THE PATRIARCHS) the revelation to Moses starting on Mt Sinai in Exodus 19-20 8:59 NASB, NKJV, NRSV, NJB "as each day requires" "according to their daily needs" "as the need arises day by day" "according to each day's needs" "as a word of a day in its day" "day by day" The MT has BDB 182 CONSTRUCT BDB 398, possibly, "the thing of a day in its day" (AB, p. 288, suggests it is an idiom for "daily allowance"; i.e., 2 Kgs. 25:30). If so, it is similar imagery to YHWH's daily provision of manna in the wilderness (cf. Exod. 16:16-30) Jesus' prayer in Matthew 6, "give us this day our daily bread" 8:60 This is shockingly universal in a prayer from Solomon. YHWH wants all the peoples of the earth to know Him! The NT expresses this very emphatically in John 3:16; 4:42; Acts 17:30; Rom. 11:32; 1 Tim. 2:4; Titus 2:11; Heb. 2:9; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 2:2. This is the logical implication of monotheism. SPECIAL TOPIC: KNOW SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN ▣ "there is no one else" See full note at 1 Kgs. 8:23. There is no hope in any other god. SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM 8:61 "wholly devoted" This is similar imagery to "a whole heart" (cf. v. 23). Partial obedience will not work (i.e., James. 2:10; Gal. 5:3). This is a recurrent theme (cf. Deut. 4:29; 6:5; 10:12; 11:13; 13:3; 26:16; 30:2,6,10; Josh. 22:5; 1 Sam. 7:3; 12:20,24; 1 Kgs. 8:48; 15:14; 2 Kgs. 20:3; 23:3,25; 1 Chr. 28:9; 29:9; 2 Chr. 25:2; Isa. 38:3). The Mosaic and Davidic covenants are conditional covenants. The negative form of this is expressed in 1 kgs. 11:3; 15:3,14. ▣ "to walk. . .to keep" See notes at 1 Kgs. 8:58.

1 Reis 8:62-64

8:62 The 2 Chr. 7:1 parallel adds that fire came from heaven and consumed the sacrifices. This is similar to Elijah on Mt. Carmel (cf. 1 Kgs. 18:38). It showed YHWH's acceptance of Solomon's new temple, just as the cloud filling the temple did (i.e., vv. 10-11). 8:63 "peace offerings" See SPECIAL TOPIC: PEACE OFFERINGS. 8:64 "burnt offerings" See SPECIAL TOPIC: BURNT OFFERINGS. ▣ "grain offerings" See SPECIAL TOPIC: GRAIN OFFERINGS. ▣ "the bronze altar" See SPECIAL TOPIC: THE ALTAR OF SACRIFICES.

1 Reis 8:65-66

8:65 "the feast" See full note at 1 Kgs. 8:2. ▣ "from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt" This was a way of referring to all of Solomon's kingdom, from north (cf. Num. 13:21) to south. The "brook of Egypt" refers to the Wadi-el-arish. 8:66 "to their tents" This is an anachronism (cf. Jdgs. 19:9; 20:8; 1 Sam. 13:2) from the exodus and wilderness wandering period.