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

1 KINGS 8:45KJV
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1 Kings 8:45 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 8:45 mean?

1 Kings 8:45 asks God to hear the prayers and requests of the Israelites when they are away at war and to support their cause. The verse is part of Solomon’s prayer, asking God to listen from heaven and act on behalf of His people when they call out to Him in difficult times.

King Solomon is speaking during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, addressing God in front of the gathered people. Solomon prays that even when Israelites are far from home, especially in battle, God will listen to their prayers and help them. This verse highlights the belief that God’s attention and care are not limited by location; God can hear and respond from heaven no matter where His people are.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 8:45

  • "hear" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means more than just hearing sounds; it often includes the idea of listening with the intent to respond or act. Solomon is asking God not just to notice the prayers, but to actively respond.
  • "heaven" (שָׁמַיִם, shamayim): Refers to God’s dwelling place, emphasizing that God is not confined to the temple but reigns from the heavens.
  • "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah) and "supplication" (תְּחִנָּה, techinnah): These two words together show both formal prayers and urgent, heartfelt requests, covering all kinds of appeals the people might make.
  • "maintain their cause" (עָשָׂה מִשְׁפָּטָם, asah mishpatam): This phrase means to act on their behalf or to uphold justice for them, showing that Solomon is asking God to defend the people’s right and needs.

Why 1 Kings 8:45 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s help is not limited to those physically present at the temple; God’s care extends to His people wherever they are, even in distant or dangerous places.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of prayer and supplication in times of crisis, showing that both formal and desperate prayers are heard by God.
  • It connects to the larger theme of Solomon’s prayer, which is about God’s ongoing relationship with Israel and His willingness to listen and act when His people turn to Him, no matter their circumstances.

Where else these words appear

“supplication” Hebrew H8467 · used in 24 verses

  • Joshua 11:20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Kings 9:3 And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.
  • Psalms 55:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

“prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
  • Job 16:17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.
  • Psalms 102:17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.