1 Kings 8:16

Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.

Since the day {H3117} that I brought forth {H3318} my people {H5971} Israel {H3478} out of Egypt {H4714}, I chose {H977} no city {H5892} out of all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478} to build {H1129} an house {H1004}, that my name {H8034} might be therein; but I chose {H977} David {H1732} to be over my people {H5971} Israel {H3478}.

'Since the day I brought my people Isra'el out of Egypt, I chose no city from any of the tribes of Isra'el in which to build a house, so that my name might be there; but I did choose David to be over my people Isra'el.'

‘Since the day I brought My people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from any tribe of Israel in which to build a house so that My Name would be there. But I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’

Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house, that my name might be there; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.

Commentary

In 1 Kings 8:16, King Solomon, during his profound prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem, recounts God's historical faithfulness and sovereign choices. This verse reflects on God's long-term plan for His people, Israel, from their deliverance out of Egypt to the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the building of a permanent house for His name.

Context

This verse is part of Solomon's lengthy prayer in 1 Kings chapter 8, delivered at the dedication of the magnificent Temple. Solomon is reminding both the people and God of the divine promises and historical events that led to this monumental moment. He highlights that for centuries, since the Exodus from Egypt, God had not chosen a specific city for a permanent dwelling place for His name. Instead, His presence was symbolized by the mobile tabernacle. The pivotal change came with the divine choice of David to lead His people, setting the stage for the building of the Temple by David's son, Solomon, as promised in the Davidic Covenant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Election: The verse powerfully emphasizes God's active and deliberate choice throughout Israel's history. From bringing them out of Egypt to selecting David as king and eventually Jerusalem as the city for His Temple, God's sovereign hand is evident in every significant development.
  • God's Enduring Presence: The "house, that my name might be therein" signifies not that God would be confined to a building, but that the Temple would be the designated place where His character, authority, and renown would be publicly acknowledged and worshipped. It was a focal point for His people to seek Him.
  • The Davidic Covenant Fulfilled: This verse foreshadows the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for God's name (2 Samuel 7:13). It underscores the continuity of God's plan across generations.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Promises: Despite the long period without a permanent Temple, God remained faithful to His people and His ultimate plan, culminating in the Temple's construction under Solomon's reign.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house" highlights the deliberate absence of a fixed central sanctuary for a long time. This contrasts sharply with "but I chose David," emphasizing the divine initiative and personal selection of David. The purpose of the "house, that my name might be therein" (Hebrew: l'shakken sh'mi sham - "to cause my name to dwell there") signifies the Temple as the place where God's revealed character and presence would be made known and honored, rather than a physical dwelling for an omnipresent God.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of God's intentionality and faithfulness in His plans, both for nations and for individuals. Just as God sovereignly chose David and orchestrated the building of the Temple, He continues to work out His purposes in our lives. It encourages us to trust in His timing and His choices, even when circumstances seem to delay His promises. Furthermore, it points to the New Testament understanding that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, where God's name (His character and presence) dwells and is glorified through our lives.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 16:1

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:4

    Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah [to be] the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make [me] king over all Israel:

  • 2 Samuel 7:4

    ¶ And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,

  • 2 Samuel 7:8

    Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:

  • Deuteronomy 12:11

    Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

  • 1 Kings 8:29

    That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, [even] toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.

  • Psalms 132:13

    For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired [it] for his habitation.
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