1 Kings 8:30

KJV

And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.

KJV (with Strong's)

And hearken {H8085} thou to the supplication {H8467} of thy servant {H5650}, and of thy people {H5971} Israel {H3478}, when they shall pray {H6419} toward this place {H4725}: and hear {H8085} thou in heaven {H8064} thy dwelling {H3427} place {H4725}: and when thou hearest {H8085}, forgive {H5545}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, listen to the plea of your servant, and also that of your people Isra'el when they pray toward this place. Hear in heaven where you live; and when you hear, forgive!

Berean Standard Bible

Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive.

American Standard Version

And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: yea, hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place; and when thou hearest, forgive.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem culminates in this profound petition, where he implores God to attentively hear the earnest pleas of His servant and the people of Israel. The prayer specifies that these supplications are offered "toward this place"—the Temple—with the understanding that God, from His transcendent dwelling in heaven, would mercifully listen and grant forgiveness for their sins. This verse encapsulates the Temple's pivotal role as a symbolic focal point for national prayer and reconciliation, emphasizing both God's majestic transcendence and His compassionate willingness to engage with humanity's sincere cries for pardon.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of King Solomon's monumental dedicatory prayer for the Temple, a prayer that spans [1 Kings 8:22-53](/1_kings/8-22 "1 Kings 8:22-53 - Solomon's Dedicatory Prayer"). The prayer itself is the climax of a momentous occasion: the seven-year construction of the Temple has concluded, and the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's covenant presence, has been solemnly placed within the Most Holy Place. Solomon, standing before the altar with hands outstretched, addresses the entire congregation. His prayer is comprehensive, anticipating various future scenarios where Israel might face distress, sin, or exile. [1 Kings 8:30](/1_kings/8-30 "1 Kings 8:30 - Solomon's Prayer for Hearing and Forgiveness") is one of several specific petitions (e.g., [1 Kings 8:33-34](/1_kings/8-33-34 "1 Kings 8:33-34 - Prayer for Defeat and Return"), [1 Kings 8:35-36](/1_kings/8-35-36 "1 Kings 8:35-36 - Prayer for Drought and Rain"), [1 Kings 8:46-50](/1_kings/8-46-50 "1 Kings 8:46-50 - Prayer for Exile and Repentance")) where Solomon requests God's divine intervention, hearing, and, crucially, forgiveness for His people when they turn to Him in prayer, particularly "toward this place." This specific petition establishes the Temple's enduring function as a spiritual conduit and a focal point for the nation's ongoing relationship with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the First Temple during Solomon's reign marked an unparalleled zenith in Israelite history, fulfilling the long-held desire of King David to build a permanent dwelling for God. This edifice was far more than a mere building; it became the central locus of Israelite worship, symbolizing God's covenant presence (the *Shekinah*) among His chosen people. While many ancient Near Eastern cultures believed their deities were confined within their temples, Solomon's prayer explicitly counters this notion, profoundly acknowledging God's transcendence: "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!" ([1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God's Transcendence")). Nevertheless, the Temple served as a divinely appointed earthly focal point, a designated place where God promised to meet His people. The act of praying "toward this place" became a deeply significant and enduring practice for Israelites, as exemplified centuries later by figures like [Daniel, who prayed three times a day with his windows open toward Jerusalem](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel Prays Towards Jerusalem"), even in exile. This practice symbolized a directed spiritual focus on God's chosen dwelling and His unwavering covenant promises.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 8:30](/1_kings/8-30 "1 Kings 8:30 - Solomon's Prayer for Hearing and Forgiveness") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Accessibility and Responsiveness**: God is not a remote or indifferent deity but one who actively "hearkens" and "hears" the earnest prayers of His people. This theme highlights God's personal engagement with humanity. Secondly, the **Symbolic Significance of the Temple** is paramount; it functions as a designated place for encounter, a tangible reminder of God's presence, and a point of spiritual orientation for Israel, even while acknowledging that God is not confined by its walls. It is a place where God's name dwells, and where His eyes and heart are continually fixed ([1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "1 Kings 8:29 - God's Presence in the Temple")). Thirdly, the culminating plea, "and when thou hearest, forgive," emphasizes the **Necessity of Divine Forgiveness**. This highlights humanity's persistent need for pardon and God's gracious willingness to restore fellowship. This motif of sin, repentance, and divine pardon is a recurring thread throughout Solomon's prayer, addressing various scenarios of disobedience and distress, and it is foundational to the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, finding its ultimate confirmation in God's later response to Solomon ([2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise to Hear and Heal")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shama'_ H8085):** This primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often implying attention, obedience, and a readiness to act. When applied to God, as in this verse, it signifies His active, attentive engagement with the prayers of His people. It conveys more than mere auditory perception; it denotes divine receptivity, consideration, and an intention to respond. It assures the petitioner that God is not only aware of their cries but is also inclined to pay heed and act on them.
* **supplication (Hebrew, _tᵉchinnâh'_ H8467):** Derived from a root meaning "to be gracious" or "to show favor," this noun specifically denotes an earnest plea or entreaty for grace, mercy, or favor. It carries the nuance of a humble request made from a position of dependence, acknowledging that the desired outcome relies entirely on the benevolence and compassion of the one being petitioned. It highlights the petitioner's reliance on divine compassion rather than any inherent right or demand.
* **forgive (Hebrew, _çâlach'_ H5545):** This primitive root is almost exclusively used in the Old Testament to describe God's unique act of pardoning sin. It signifies a unilateral act of divine mercy and sovereign grace, where God remits the guilt, punishment, and consequences of sin. Unlike human forgiveness, which can be conditional or limited, God's *salakh* is a definitive, restorative act that removes the barrier sin creates between Him and His people, allowing for renewed fellowship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel":** This opening clause establishes the direct and intimate address to God ("thou") and clearly defines the nature of the request as a "supplication," an earnest and humble plea for divine favor. The prayer is offered by Solomon ("thy servant") not merely on his own behalf, but corporately for the entire nation, "thy people Israel." This underscores the representative nature of Solomon's intercession and the covenantal relationship that binds God to His chosen people, who now bring their collective needs before Him.
* **"when they shall pray toward this place":** This phrase specifies the context and direction of the prayer. "This place" refers unequivocally to the newly dedicated Temple in Jerusalem. It highlights the Temple's symbolic and divinely appointed role as a focal point for prayer, a designated earthly point of contact where Israel could direct their petitions, believing that God would especially attend to prayers offered with spiritual orientation toward His chosen dwelling among them. It signifies a tangible, yet symbolic, act of faith and dependence.
* **"and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place":** This clause serves as a crucial theological clarification, reaffirming God's absolute transcendence and omnipresence. While the Temple is an earthly focal point for prayer, God's true and ultimate "dwelling place" is "in heaven." This prevents any idolatrous or anthropomorphic notion that God is confined to a man-made structure. It emphasizes God's sovereign power and authority, demonstrating that He hears from His exalted, heavenly throne, and that His response originates from beyond the limitations of the earthly realm.
* **"and when thou hearest, forgive":** This is the climactic and most profound request within the verse. It directly links God's act of "hearing" the supplication to His act of "forgiveness." The implication is that the primary and most urgent need of the people, when they turn to God in prayer, is the pardon of their sins. This underscores the foundational truth that sin creates a barrier in the relationship with God, and only His divine act of forgiveness can restore fellowship, avert judgment, and allow for renewed blessing. It powerfully reveals God's character as merciful, gracious, and ever-ready to pardon those who genuinely seek Him in repentance.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Kings 8:30](/1_kings/8-30 "1 Kings 8:30 - Solomon's Prayer for Hearing and Forgiveness") skillfully employs several literary devices to amplify its theological and emotional impact. **Apostrophe** is prominently featured, as Solomon directly addresses God ("hearken thou," "hear thou") as if He were physically present and listening. This direct address creates a profound sense of intimacy, urgency, and personal petition within the public prayer. The **Repetition** of the verb "hear" (implied in "hearken" and explicitly stated twice as "hear thou" and "when thou hearest") serves as a powerful rhetorical device. This reiteration underscores the central petition for divine attention and responsiveness, emphasizing the critical importance of God's active listening for the efficacy of prayer and the restoration of His people. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in the phrase "this place," which refers to the Temple. While the text explicitly states God is not confined to the Temple, the building **symbolizes** God's covenant presence among His people and serves as a tangible focal point for spiritual orientation. It represents the divinely appointed meeting place where the transcendent God chooses to interact with His people on earth, a sacred space for confession, intercession, and the reception of divine grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Kings 8:30](/1_kings/8-30 "1 Kings 8:30 - Solomon's Prayer for Hearing and Forgiveness") articulates a fundamental theological truth central to the Old Covenant: God is simultaneously transcendent, dwelling in the vastness of heaven, and immanent, actively engaged with the affairs and prayers of His people on earth. It establishes the Temple not as a prison for God, but as a divinely appointed, albeit symbolic, meeting place where Israel could seek God's face, primarily for the purpose of receiving forgiveness and restoration of fellowship. This verse encapsulates the essence of the Old Covenant relationship, where human sin necessitated a turning back to God, often through prescribed rituals and prayer directed towards His chosen dwelling. The emphasis on forgiveness highlights humanity's constant and desperate need for divine grace and God's unwavering commitment to mercy within the covenant framework, providing a pathway for reconciliation even in the face of disobedience and national distress.

* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "God's Promise to Hear and Heal")
* [Psalm 51:1-2](/psalms/51-1-2 "David's Prayer for Forgiveness")
* [Isaiah 66:1](/isaiah/66-1 "God's Heavenly Throne")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [1 Kings 8:30](/1_kings/8-30 "1 Kings 8:30 - Solomon's Prayer for Hearing and Forgiveness") offers timeless encouragement regarding the nature of prayer and the unchanging character of God. While the physical Temple no longer stands as our focal point, the essence of Solomon's plea remains profoundly relevant. We are called to pray with confidence, knowing that the God who "hearkens" from His heavenly dwelling is the very same God to whom we now have direct and unhindered access through Jesus Christ. Our prayers are no longer directed towards a physical building, but to the living God, whose presence is now accessible everywhere through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This verse profoundly reminds us of our ongoing need for divine forgiveness, urging us to approach God with humility and sincerity, acknowledging our sins and trusting in His boundless mercy. It encourages a life of continuous repentance and absolute reliance on God's grace, fostering a deep, abiding, and intimate relationship with our heavenly Father who is always ready to hear and to pardon.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's understanding of God's transcendence ("in heaven thy dwelling place") yet His immanence ("hearken thou") shape your own view of God's presence and accessibility in prayer?**
* **In what ways do you "pray toward this place" in your spiritual life today, even without a physical temple? What serves as your spiritual focal point for seeking God's presence and forgiveness?**
* **Why is the request for forgiveness so central to Solomon's prayer, and how does this reflect humanity's fundamental need in relationship with God?**
* **What does God's readiness to "hearken" and "forgive" tell you about His character, and how does this truth encourage and deepen your own prayer life?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean we must pray towards a physical building today to be heard by God?**

Answer: No, [1 Kings 8:30](/1_kings/8-30 "1 Kings 8:30 - Solomon's Prayer for Hearing and Forgiveness") reflects a specific historical and covenantal context for ancient Israel. The Temple in Jerusalem served as a symbolic focal point for prayer, representing God's chosen dwelling place among His people and the place where His name resided. However, the New Testament reveals that with the coming of Jesus Christ, the need for a physical temple as a mediator or specific prayer direction has been fulfilled and transcended. Jesus Himself declared that true worship would no longer be confined to a specific mountain or Jerusalem, but would be "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:21-24](/john/4-21 "John 4:21-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Believers now have direct access to God through Christ, who is our ultimate Temple and Great High Priest. We are encouraged to "approach the throne of grace with confidence" at any time, from any place, because of His finished work ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")).

**How does God "hear" from heaven, given that He is spirit and not limited by physical space?**

Answer: When the Bible speaks of God "hearing" from heaven, it does not imply a physical act of listening, as humans do. Instead, it is an anthropomorphism—a way of describing God's active awareness, attention, and responsiveness to the prayers and cries of His people. God is omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipresent (present everywhere), meaning He is inherently aware of all things, including every prayer offered. "Hearing" in this context signifies His attentive engagement, His willingness to acknowledge, consider, and act upon the supplications directed to Him. It assures us that our prayers do not go unnoticed but are received by a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His creation, ready to respond according to His perfect will and character. His "hearing" is an expression of His relational nature and His commitment to His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earnest supplication of [1 Kings 8:30](/1_kings/8-30 "1 Kings 8:30 - Solomon's Prayer for Hearing and Forgiveness") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Solomon's prayer for God to "hearken" and "forgive" through the Temple foreshadowed the perfect mediation and complete atonement provided by Christ. Jesus declared Himself to be the true and greater Temple, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring prophetically to His own body and resurrection ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus became the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). As our Great High Priest, He continually intercedes for us before the Father's throne in heaven, making our prayers acceptable and effective ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). This grants believers bold and confident access to God's presence, no longer through a physical building or a human priest, but by His own precious blood ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Bold Access Through Christ")). The forgiveness Solomon earnestly prayed for is now fully realized in Christ, in whom "we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption and Forgiveness in Christ")). Thus, the ancient plea for divine hearing and pardon is not only answered but perfected and eternally secured in the person and finished work of our Lord Jesus.

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 Kings 8:36

Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.

1 Kings 8:39

Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, [even] thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

1 Kings 8:34

Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers.

Daniel 9:19

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

Ecclesiastes 5:2

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Psalms 130:3

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

Psalms 130:4

But [there is] forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.