1 Kings 8:20

KJV

And the LORD hath performed his word that he spake, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} hath performed {H6965} his word {H1697} that he spake {H1696}, and I am risen up {H6965} in the room of David {H1732} my father {H1}, and sit {H3427} on the throne {H3678} of Israel {H3478}, as the LORD {H3068} promised {H1696}, and have built {H1129} an house {H1004} for the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now ADONAI has fulfilled this spoken word of his; for I have succeeded my father and sit on the throne of Isra'el, as ADONAI promised; and I have built the house for the name of ADONAI the God of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the LORD has fulfilled the word that He spoke. I have succeeded my father David, and I sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised. I have built the house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah hath established his word that he spake; for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as Jehovah promised, and have built the house for the name of Jehovah, the God of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Kings 8:20, during the solemn dedication of the Temple, King Solomon articulates a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness. He asserts that the Lord has meticulously fulfilled His spoken promises, specifically regarding Solomon's ascension to the throne of Israel as successor to his father David, and the successful completion of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's active sovereignty in the history of His people, demonstrating His commitment to bringing His covenantal declarations to tangible fruition through human instruments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a climactic point within Solomon's dedicatory address and prayer, immediately following the installation of the Ark of the Covenant into the Most Holy Place of the newly completed Temple ([1 Kings 8:6-9](/1_kings/8-6-9 "1 Kings 8:6-9 - Placement of the Ark")). The entire chapter of [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Temple Dedication and Solomon's Prayer") chronicles this momentous event, which represents the culmination of decades of preparation initiated by King David. Solomon delivers his speech from a bronze platform, publicly affirming God's sovereign hand in establishing his reign and enabling the construction of the Temple, a project deeply rooted in the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). This declaration sets the stage for Solomon's extensive prayer, where he further petitions God for His enduring presence and blessing upon the Temple and the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, around the 10th century BCE, was the most significant religious and architectural undertaking in ancient Israel. It served as the central hub for national worship and symbolized God's unique presence among His people, solidifying Israel's identity as a covenant nation. Solomon's reign, often considered Israel's "Golden Age," was characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and international influence, providing the stability and resources necessary for such a monumental project. Culturally, the dedication of a major sanctuary in the ancient Near East involved elaborate ceremonies, sacrifices, and public pronouncements, all designed to emphasize the covenant relationship between the deity, the king, and the people. Solomon's public acknowledgment in this verse reflects the ancient understanding of kingship as divinely ordained, with the monarch serving as God's chosen representative.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 8:20](/1_kings/8-20 "1 Kings 8:20 - God's Promises Fulfilled") encapsulates several foundational themes crucial to the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, explicitly stated by Solomon: "the LORD hath performed his word that he spake." This highlights God's reliability, His active involvement in human history, and His capacity to bring His declared will to fruition, demonstrating that His promises are efficacious and dependable. Secondly, it underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy and Covenant**, particularly the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-12-13 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Promise to David's Son"), where God promised David that his son would succeed him and build a "house for my name." Solomon's reign and the Temple's completion are tangible proofs of these divine commitments. Thirdly, the verse affirms **Solomon's Legitimate Succession and Divine Appointment**, as he acknowledges that his position "on the throne of Israel" is not by human design but "as the LORD promised," thereby legitimizing his rule and emphasizing the divine sanction of kingship within God's chosen nation. Finally, the phrase "have built an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel" highlights the **Temple's Significance** as the consecrated space where God's presence, character, and authority would be uniquely manifested and worshipped, serving as the focal point for Israel's covenant relationship with God ([Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - Place of God's Name")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Performed (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** The Hebrew verb קוּם (H6965, _qûwm_), here in the Hiphil perfect tense, carries the meaning "to raise up, establish, confirm, fulfill, or bring to pass." When Solomon declares "the LORD hath performed his word," he is asserting that God has actively and effectively established, confirmed, and brought to fruition what He had previously spoken. This signifies divine efficacy, demonstrating God's powerful execution of His declared will and His ability to transform promise into concrete reality.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** The Hebrew noun דָבָר (H1697, _dâbâr_), derived from the verb _dâbar_ (H1696, "to speak"), encompasses a wide semantic range, including "a word, a matter, a thing, a cause, or an affair." In this context, it refers to God's spoken promises and decrees, particularly those made to David concerning his dynasty and the Temple. Solomon's use of "his word" emphasizes the authoritative, binding, and active nature of God's pronouncements, which are not merely utterances but powerful declarations that bring about what they declare.
* **House for the name (Hebrew, _bayith leshem YHWH'_):** The phrase בַּיִת לְשֵׁם יְהוָה (H1004, _bayith_, "house"; H8034, _shêm_, "name"; H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_, "LORD") is a crucial theological concept. It does not imply that God, who is infinite and omnipresent, can be contained within a physical structure, a point Solomon himself acknowledges later ([1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God Cannot Be Contained")). Rather, "for the name of the LORD" signifies that the Temple is dedicated to God's honor, glory, and reputation. It is the designated place where His unique identity, character, and authority are invoked, remembered, and encountered by His people. It serves as the locus for His manifest presence and worship, where His "name" (representing His revealed being and character) resides.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD hath performed his word that he spake,"**: This opening clause lays the theological foundation of the verse, asserting God's absolute faithfulness. Solomon emphatically declares that the Lord has actively and successfully brought to completion the promises He previously uttered. This refers primarily to the covenant promises made to King David regarding his dynastic succession and the building of a permanent dwelling for God, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). It highlights God's initiative, power, and unwavering commitment to His declared will.
* **"and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised,"**: Here, Solomon directly connects God's faithfulness to his personal circumstances and the political reality of his reign. His ascension to the throne is presented not as a result of human ambition or maneuvering, but as a direct, divinely orchestrated fulfillment of God's word. The phrase "risen up in the room of David my father" emphasizes the continuity of the Davidic dynasty, while "sit on the throne of Israel" affirms his legitimate and divinely sanctioned rule over the united kingdom. The repeated phrase "as the LORD promised" powerfully reinforces the divine origin and legitimacy of his kingship.
* **"and have built an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel."**: This final clause highlights the second major fulfillment of God's promise: the completion of the Temple. Solomon, as the divinely appointed successor, has been the chosen instrument through whom God's promise to David—that his son would build a house for God's name—has been realized. The Temple is not merely a physical edifice; it is a sacred space consecrated to the "name" (character, presence, glory) of the "LORD God of Israel," signifying its unique purpose as the central place of Israelite worship and the dwelling place of God's manifest presence among His chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Declaration** and **Proclamation** are central, as Solomon publicly announces the fulfillment of God's word, lending immense authority and solemnity to the occasion. The use of **Repetition** ("the LORD hath performed his word that he spake" and "as the LORD promised") serves to underscore the absolute certainty, reliability, and immutability of God's promises, powerfully reinforcing the overarching theme of divine faithfulness. There is also a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship established: because the LORD performed His word, Solomon is on the throne, and the Temple has been built. The Temple itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing God's presence, the enduring covenant relationship with Israel, and the stability of the Davidic dynasty. Solomon's speech is a masterclass in **Attribution**, humbly and clearly giving all credit for his position and the Temple's completion to God's sovereign hand, rather than to human effort, wisdom, or might.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:20 stands as a monumental declaration of God's absolute faithfulness, a cornerstone theme woven throughout biblical theology. It powerfully illustrates that God is not merely a speaker of words but a performer of promises, actively intervening in human history to bring His declared will to pass. This verse links the specific promises made to David concerning his lineage and the Temple to their tangible fulfillment in Solomon's reign, demonstrating the reliability of God's covenant commitments across generations. It teaches that divine sovereignty is not an abstract concept but a concrete reality, manifesting in the establishment of kings and the construction of sacred spaces. For Israel, this moment affirmed their unique relationship with Yahweh and provided a foundational assurance of trust for future generations, demonstrating that the God who had acted decisively in the past would continue to act on their behalf.

* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12-13 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - The Davidic Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's declaration in 1 Kings 8:20 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that the God who was faithful to His promises in ancient Israel remains faithful in every generation. Just as He sovereignly orchestrated the succession of kings and the building of a magnificent Temple, He is actively at work in our lives, bringing His purposes to fruition. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep, unwavering trust in God's word, recognizing that His character is intrinsically defined by His reliability. When we face uncertainties, delays, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we can look back at the countless instances of His faithfulness throughout biblical history and in our own personal journeys, finding profound assurance that He will perform what He has promised. It also challenges us to humble acknowledgment: like Solomon, we are called to attribute our successes, our positions, and the fulfillment of our hopes not to our own strength, wisdom, or ingenuity, but to God's sovereign hand. Living in light of His faithfulness transforms our perspective, fostering a spirit of profound gratitude and empowering us to walk confidently in His divine plan, knowing that His past performance is a powerful guarantee of His future provision and abiding presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently waiting for God to "perform His word"? How does Solomon's declaration encourage and strengthen your faith in that waiting?**
* **How does intentionally recalling and reflecting on God's faithfulness in the past (both biblically and in your personal experience) deepen your trust in His promises for the future?**
* **What "house for the name of the LORD" are you called to build or contribute to in your life, whether literally or metaphorically, as a tangible testament to His presence and glory?**
* **How can you more consistently and intentionally acknowledge God's sovereign hand in your daily circumstances, successes, and provisions, rather than relying solely on your own efforts or attributing them to chance?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Solomon saying "the LORD hath performed his word"?**

Answer: This statement is profoundly significant because it highlights God's active, reliable, and trustworthy nature. It's not merely that God *spoke* a word, but that He *performed* it, meaning He brought it to completion and fruition with divine power and integrity. This emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Specifically, it refers to the promises made to King David in [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12-13 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Promise to David")—that David's son would succeed him on the throne and build a house for God's name. Solomon's declaration confirms that these divine prophecies have now demonstrably come to pass, solidifying the legitimacy of his reign and the sanctity of the Temple. It serves as a public, authoritative testimony to God's trustworthiness before all Israel, reinforcing the foundation of their covenant relationship.

**Why is the Temple referred to as "an house for the name of the LORD"? Does this mean God lives in the Temple?**

Answer: The phrase "an house for the name of the LORD" is a crucial theological distinction that clarifies the Temple's purpose without limiting God's omnipresence. It does not imply that the infinite and omnipresent God could be physically contained within a building. Solomon himself clarifies this later in his prayer, stating, "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?" ([1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God Cannot Be Contained")). Instead, "for the name of the LORD" signifies that the Temple is the designated place where God's character, authority, and presence are uniquely invoked, remembered, and manifested. It is where His "name"—representing His revealed being, reputation, and attributes—resides, where His glory is displayed, and where His people can approach Him in worship, offer sacrifices, and receive His blessings. It serves as the focal point for Israel's covenant relationship with God, a sacred space dedicated to His honor and where His unique identity is encountered.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 8:20, with its powerful declaration of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises concerning the Davidic King and the Temple, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Solomon, as the son of David who built the physical Temple and sat on the throne, serves as a significant type of the Messiah. The promises made to David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Everlasting Covenant with David") speak of an eternal dynasty and an enduring kingdom, which Solomon's reign only partially and temporarily fulfilled. It is Jesus, the true "son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), whose kingdom is truly eternal and whose throne is everlasting ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). Furthermore, while Solomon built a house for God's name, Jesus himself is the ultimate "Temple" where God's presence truly dwells among humanity. He boldly declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of the physical edifice but of the temple of his body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Through Christ, believers are incorporated as living stones into a spiritual temple ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), and the Holy Spirit indwells them, making them the new dwelling place of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the promises of God performed in Solomon's day foreshadowed the greater reality of God's ultimate performance of His word in Jesus, who is both the promised eternal King and the true, living Temple, through whom we have eternal access to God's presence. Indeed, in the New Jerusalem, there will be no need for a temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - The Lamb is the Temple")).

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

1 Chronicles 28:5

And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

1 Chronicles 28:6

And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him [to be] my son, and I will be his father.

Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:

Ezekiel 37:14

And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 12:25

For I [am] the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.

Romans 4:21

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

1 Kings 8:15

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,