1 Kings 8:15

KJV

And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled [it], saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Blessed {H1288} be the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, which spake {H1696} with his mouth {H6310} unto David {H1732} my father {H1}, and hath with his hand {H3027} fulfilled {H4390} it, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

as he said: "Blessed be ADONAI, the God of Isra'el, who spoke to my father David with his mouth and fulfilled his promise with his hand. He said,

Berean Standard Bible

and said: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who has fulfilled with His own hand what He spoke with His mouth to my father David, saying,

American Standard Version

And he said, Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, who spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's address at the dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem opens with a profound declaration of praise, acknowledging the LORD God of Israel. Having just witnessed the tangible manifestation of God's glory filling the newly completed house, Solomon immediately attributes the Temple's existence not to human effort, but to God's unwavering faithfulness. He celebrates the divine reliability, affirming that what God "spake with his mouth" to his father David, He has now powerfully and perfectly "fulfilled with his hand," setting a tone of worship and trust for the entire monumental ceremony.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the opening statement of King Solomon's extended address and prayer at the dedication of the Temple, immediately following the dramatic account of the Ark of the Covenant being brought into the Most Holy Place and the subsequent filling of the Temple with the glory of the LORD, manifested as a cloud. The priests were unable to stand and minister because of this overwhelming divine presence, as described in [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Temple"). Solomon's words in [1 Kings 8:15](/1_kings/8-15 "1 Kings 8:15 - Solomon's Praise for God's Faithfulness") are thus a direct, awe-filled response to this visible demonstration of God's presence and approval. His address continues with a blessing upon the assembly (cf. [1 Kings 8:14](/1_kings/8-14 "1 Kings 8:14 - Solomon Blesses the Assembly")), a recounting of God's promise to David, and culminates in a magnificent prayer of dedication (cf. [1 Kings 8:22-53](/1_kings/8-22 "1 Kings 8:22-53 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication")). The entire passage underscores the profound theological significance of the Temple as the dwelling place of God's name.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the First Temple represents a pinnacle moment in Israelite history, marking the fulfillment of a long-held desire for a permanent dwelling place for God's name, a project envisioned by King David but executed by his son, Solomon. This event occurred during Solomon's reign, a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel, as detailed in [1 Kings 4:20-25](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20-25 - Solomon's Prosperity and Wisdom"). The Temple was not merely a building but the central locus of Israelite worship, signifying God's covenant presence among His people. The gathering of "all the congregation of Israel" (cf. [1 Kings 8:1](/1_kings/8-1 "1 Kings 8:1 - Assembly for Temple Dedication")) underscores the national significance of the event. Culturally, such dedications involved elaborate rituals, sacrifices, and public declarations, with the king playing a crucial role as mediator and leader of worship. Solomon's opening words, therefore, are not just personal praise but a public theological statement affirming God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises before the entire nation.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme resonating from [1 Kings 8:15](/1_kings/8-15 "1 Kings 8:15 - Solomon's Praise for God's Faithfulness") is **Divine Faithfulness**. Solomon's declaration that God "spake with his mouth" and "hath with his hand fulfilled it" powerfully emphasizes God's absolute reliability and the certainty of His word. This directly connects to the theme of **Covenant Fulfillment**, specifically the Davidic Covenant, where God promised David that his son would build a house for God's name and that David's throne would be established forever (cf. [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - The Davidic Covenant")). The completion of the Temple is presented as a direct, tangible manifestation of this divine promise being brought to pass, solidifying God's commitment to His chosen people and their royal line. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Praise and Adoration**. Solomon's immediate response to God's glory and faithfulness is to "bless the LORD God of Israel," setting a precedent for worship and gratitude that permeates the entire dedication ceremony and serves as a model for all who witness God's mighty acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, בָּרַךְ, _bârak'_):** This word, when applied to God, is an active declaration of praise and adoration, acknowledging His inherent goodness, holiness, and praiseworthiness. It is not a wish for God to be blessed, but a recognition and proclamation of His blessed nature, a response of worship that stems from recognizing His character and actions. The root meaning of "to kneel" (H1288) suggests a posture of reverence and submission in worship.
* **spake (Hebrew, דָּבַר, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root (H1696) signifies the act of speaking, arranging words, or declaring. In this context, it emphasizes the direct, personal, and intentional nature of God's communication. It highlights that God's promises were not vague notions or general intentions, but specific, verbal declarations made directly to David, underscoring their clarity and binding nature.
* **hand (Hebrew, יָד, _yâd'_):** This primitive word (H3027) refers to the open hand, often symbolizing power, action, and sovereign control. When used in conjunction with God, it conveys His active, powerful, and complete execution of His spoken word. Thus, "fulfilled with his hand" means God Himself, through His omnipotent power, brought His promise to full completion, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and the effectiveness of His declarations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel,":** Solomon, standing before the vast assembly and in the immediate aftermath of witnessing the glory of God fill the Temple, initiates his address with an act of profound worship. He acknowledges God's unique identity as the covenant God of Israel ("LORD God of Israel," referencing H3068 and H3478) and proclaims His inherent praiseworthiness and blessedness (H1288). This opening sets a tone of reverence and gratitude, attributing all glory for the Temple's completion to God alone.
* **"which spake with his mouth unto David my father,":** This clause identifies the source of the promise being fulfilled: God Himself. The emphasis on God having "spake" (H1696) "with his mouth" (H6310) highlights the personal, direct, and verbal nature of the divine promise made to King David (H1732) concerning the building of a house for God's name and the establishment of David's royal line. It underscores the divine initiative and the specific, intentional communication that preceded the present fulfillment.
* **"and hath with his hand fulfilled [it], saying,":** This final clause powerfully affirms God's active and complete execution of His promise. The imagery of God's "hand" (H3027) signifies His omnipotent power and sovereign action in bringing His spoken word to fruition (H4390, "fulfilled"). It confirms that the completion of the Temple is not merely a coincidence or a human achievement, but a direct, tangible manifestation of God's unwavering faithfulness and His ability to perfectly accomplish all that He declares. The subsequent "saying" introduces the content of the promise itself, which Solomon then elaborates upon in the following verses.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Kings 8:15](/1_kings/8-15 "1 Kings 8:15 - Solomon's Praise for God's Faithfulness") employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrases "spake with his mouth" and "fulfilled with his hand." These attributions of human body parts and actions to God make His divine communication and powerful intervention more relatable and comprehensible to a human audience, emphasizing His personal involvement and active role in history. This also creates a striking **Parallelism** between God's spoken word and His active fulfillment, reinforcing the central theme of divine reliability. The structure highlights that God's word is not idle but is always accompanied by His power to bring it to pass. Furthermore, the verse opens with a direct **Declaration of Praise** ("Blessed be the LORD God of Israel"), which immediately establishes a tone of worship and reverence for the entire Temple dedication ceremony, framing the subsequent narrative within the context of God's glory and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Kings 8:15](/1_kings/8-15 "1 Kings 8:15 - Solomon's Praise for God's Faithfulness") serves as a profound theological anchor, affirming the absolute reliability of God's word and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It teaches that God is not a God who speaks idly or makes promises He cannot keep; rather, His declarations are backed by His omnipotent power, ensuring their certain fulfillment. This truth is foundational to biblical theology, establishing trust in God's character across all generations. The completion of the Temple, a physical manifestation of God's presence, becomes a powerful testimony to His commitment to dwell among His people and to uphold the covenant He made with David. This divine faithfulness provides the basis for all hope and security for Israel, and by extension, for all believers who place their trust in the God who perfectly performs His word.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's immediate and profound response of praise in [1 Kings 8:15](/1_kings/8-15 "1 Kings 8:15 - Solomon's Praise for God's Faithfulness") offers a powerful model for believers today. In a world often marked by uncertainty, broken promises, and fleeting commitments, this verse stands as a beacon of divine reliability. It reminds us that God's character is unchanging; what He has spoken, He will surely bring to pass. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of trust and security in our hearts, enabling us to rest in His sovereign plan and perfect timing, even when circumstances seem chaotic or contradictory. Just as Solomon gave glory to God for the tangible fulfillment of His word, we are called to recognize and celebrate God's faithfulness in our own lives—both in the grand narratives of Scripture and in the personal, often subtle, ways He works. This recognition should naturally lead us to worship, inspiring us to live lives that bear witness to His goodness and the certainty of His promises, fostering a spirit of gratitude and confident expectation for what He will yet do.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's immediate response of praise to God's faithfulness challenge or inspire your own reactions to God's work in your life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply that God will fulfill what He has spoken, even when circumstances seem to contradict it?**
* **How can reflecting on God's past faithfulness, both in Scripture and in your personal history, strengthen your hope and confidence for the future?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that Solomon emphasizes God's "mouth" and "hand"?**

Answer: This anthropomorphic language vividly portrays God's direct and intentional involvement in His promises and their fulfillment. His "mouth" signifies the personal, authoritative, and specific nature of His declarations, particularly the [covenant made with David](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David"). It underscores that God's word is not a vague thought but a precise, verbal commitment. His "hand" represents His active power, sovereign capability, and tangible action in bringing those promises to fruition. It emphasizes that God is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in history, ensuring that His word is always effective and reliable, as seen throughout the [biblical narrative](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Will Not Return Empty"). This dual emphasis reassures that God's promises are both spoken with intentionality and fulfilled with omnipotent power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Kings 8:15](/1_kings/8-15 "1 Kings 8:15 - Solomon's Praise for God's Faithfulness"), with its emphasis on God's faithfulness to His spoken word and its powerful fulfillment, finds its ultimate and most glorious realization in Jesus Christ. The promise made to David, that his "seed" would build a house for God's name and that his throne would be established forever (cf. [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - The Davidic Covenant")), was only partially fulfilled in Solomon and the physical Temple. The New Testament reveals that Jesus is the true "seed" of David, the one through whom God's eternal kingdom is established (cf. [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus, Son of David, Eternal King")). Furthermore, Jesus declared Himself to be greater than the Temple (cf. [Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Something Greater Than the Temple is Here")), and indeed, He is the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). God's "mouth" spoke promises of a coming Messiah, a suffering servant, and a triumphant King throughout the Old Testament (cf. [Isaiah 53:1-12](/isaiah/53-1 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant") and [Psalm 110:1](/psalm/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord Says to My Lord")). And with His "hand," God powerfully fulfilled every one of these promises through the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, culminating in the establishment of His spiritual kingdom and the promise of His return (cf. [Acts 2:22-36](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22-36 - Peter's Pentecost Sermon")). Thus, the faithfulness Solomon celebrated in a physical building points forward to the perfect and eternal faithfulness of God revealed in His Son, Jesus, through whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 1:68

Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

1 Chronicles 29:10

¶ Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed [be] thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

Nehemiah 9:5

Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up [and] bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

1 Chronicles 29:20

And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.

Psalms 115:18

But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.

Joshua 21:45

There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

Luke 1:70

As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: