1 Kings 8:43

KJV

Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as [do] thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} thou in heaven {H8064} thy dwelling {H3427} place {H4349}, and do {H6213} according to all that the stranger {H5237} calleth {H7121} to thee for: that all people {H5971} of the earth {H776} may know {H3045} thy name {H8034}, to fear {H3372} thee, as do thy people {H5971} Israel {H3478}; and that they may know {H3045} that this house {H1004}, which I have builded {H1129}, is called {H7121} by thy name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then hear in heaven where you live, and act in accordance with everything about which the foreigner is calling to you; so that all the peoples of the earth will know your name and fear you, as does your people Isra'el, and so that they will know that this house which I have built bears your name.

Berean Standard Bible

then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name.

American Standard Version

hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place, and do according to all that the foreigner calleth to thee for; that all the peoples of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon's prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem, particularly 1 Kings 8:43, reveals a profound and forward-thinking vision for God's universal renown. In this pivotal moment, Solomon petitions God not only to hear the prayers of His people Israel but also to respond to the supplications of the "stranger" – the non-Israelite who comes to the Temple seeking the Lord. The ultimate purpose of this divine responsiveness is explicitly stated: that all peoples of the earth might come to know God's name, fear Him with reverence, and recognize the Temple as the place where His name dwells, thereby extending His glory and truth far beyond the borders of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within King Solomon's extensive and climactic prayer of dedication for the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem, recorded in [1 Kings 8:22-53](/1_kings/8-22 "1 Kings 8:22-53 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Following the placement of the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place and the glorious descent of the cloud of the Lord's presence ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")), Solomon stands before the altar and offers a magnificent prayer. His prayer systematically addresses various scenarios where the people might turn to the Temple in prayer—times of war, famine, plague, sin, and even for the returning exiles. Within this comprehensive petition, the inclusion of the "stranger" (vv. 41-43) stands out as a remarkable and expansive vision, demonstrating that the Temple's purpose extended beyond the immediate nation of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was a monumental undertaking, fulfilling David's desire and Solomon's charge. It served as the central place of worship for the Israelite nation, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. In the ancient Near East, temples were typically exclusive to the patron deity and its worshippers. However, Solomon's prayer, particularly for the "stranger" (Hebrew: *nokri* or *ger*), reveals a unique aspect of Israel's God. While foreigners often resided within Israel's borders (e.g., the Gibeonites, [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Deception")), the idea of God hearing and responding to those from distant lands who came to Jerusalem to seek Him was revolutionary. This reflects the Abrahamic covenant's promise that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). The Temple, therefore, was not merely a national shrine but an intended beacon of divine truth and presence to the wider world, a concept echoed in later prophetic literature like [Isaiah 56:7](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - My House Will Be Called a House of Prayer for All Nations").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Universal Sovereignty and Reputation**. Solomon's plea is that God's actions in response to the stranger's prayer will cause "all people of the earth" to know and fear Him, extending His renown far beyond Israel's borders. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Inclusivity and Outreach**, demonstrating God's heart for all nations even in the Old Testament era, foreshadowing the global scope of His redemptive plan. Thirdly, it solidifies the concept of **The Temple as a Beacon for Nations**, not just an exclusive sanctuary but a testimony to God's presence for all who would seek Him. Finally, the phrase "know thy name, to fear thee" emphasizes the profound biblical theme of **Knowing and Fearing God**, which implies an intimate understanding of His character, power, and faithfulness, leading to reverent awe and worship, rather than mere intellectual assent.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _nokri_ or _ger_):** The KJV translates "stranger" from the Hebrew *nokri* (נָכְרִי) or *ger* (גֵּר). While *nokri* can sometimes denote a more distant or even hostile foreigner, in this context, it refers to a non-Israelite who comes from a distant land specifically to seek the Lord and pray toward the Temple. This individual is not merely a transient visitor but one who has heard of God's great name and desires to approach Him. The inclusion of such a person in Solomon's prayer signifies a remarkable openness and God's universal accessibility.
* **Know thy name (Hebrew, _yêḏəʿû šimḵā_):** The phrase "know thy name" (יֵדְעוּ שִׁמְךָ) is profoundly significant in Hebrew thought. To "know" God's name is not merely intellectual recognition but an experiential, relational understanding of His character, attributes, power, and faithfulness. It implies an intimate acquaintance with His essence and a recognition of His unique identity as the one true God. This knowledge leads to the proper response of reverence and worship.
* **Fear thee (Hebrew, _yir'ûḵā_):** To "fear thee" (יִרְאוּךָ) in this biblical context does not primarily mean terror, but rather a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and majesty. It is a response of humble submission and obedience that stems from truly knowing who God is. The desire is that the nations would fear God *as* Israel does, implying a shared, proper worship and recognition of His supreme authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for:"** Solomon begins by appealing to God's transcendence, acknowledging that heaven is His true dwelling place, not the Temple itself. Yet, he implores God to specifically pay attention to the prayers directed towards this house. The petition for the "stranger" is remarkable, asking God to respond to the requests of non-Israelites who come seeking Him, demonstrating God's universal accessibility and compassion.
* **"that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as [do] thy people Israel;"** This clause articulates the ultimate, missional purpose behind God's responsiveness to the stranger. The goal is not just the individual's benefit, but the global recognition of God's unique identity and character. "Knowing God's name" implies a deep, experiential understanding of who He is, leading to a reverent "fear" – a profound awe and worship – akin to that practiced by His covenant people, Israel. This highlights God's desire for His glory to be universally acknowledged.
* **"and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name."** The final clause connects the Temple directly to God's universal renown. The Temple, though built by human hands, is consecrated as the place where God's name is invoked and where His presence is uniquely manifested. The stranger's experience of answered prayer, therefore, serves as a powerful testimony to the nations that the God of Israel is the one true God, and that His presence is indeed associated with this sacred dwelling, making it a beacon for all who seek Him.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple") is rich with literary artistry. In verse 43, **Repetition** is employed with the phrase "know thy name," emphasizing the central purpose of God's universal revelation. The structure of the prayer itself, moving from specific scenarios for Israel to the inclusion of the stranger, demonstrates a profound **Expansion** of vision, illustrating God's redemptive plan beyond national boundaries. The phrase "as [do] thy people Israel" functions as a **Simile**, drawing a direct comparison to establish the desired quality of reverence and knowledge among the nations. Furthermore, the entire prayer, including this verse, serves as a powerful **Supplication**, a fervent plea to God, showcasing Solomon's role as an intercessor for both Israel and the nations. The Temple itself acts as a potent **Symbolism**, representing God's presence among His people and serving as a focal point for prayer and a beacon for the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:43 stands as a remarkable Old Testament testament to God's universal heart and missional purpose. It reveals that from the very inception of Israel's central place of worship, God's intention was for His glory to extend beyond the covenant nation to "all people of the earth." This challenges any notion of an exclusively nationalistic deity, instead presenting the God of Israel as the sovereign Lord of all creation, whose desire is for all humanity to come to a saving knowledge and reverent fear of Him. The Temple, therefore, was not merely a sanctuary for Israel but a prophetic sign of God's future global outreach, foreshadowing the New Covenant era when the knowledge of the Lord would cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. This verse underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan, rooted in His covenant with Abraham, which promised blessing to all families of the earth through Israel.

* [Isaiah 56:7](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - My House Will Be Called a House of Prayer for All Nations")
* [Psalm 86:9](/psalm/86-9 "Psalm 86:9 - All Nations Shall Worship You")
* [Zechariah 8:22-23](/zechariah/8-22 "Zechariah 8:22-23 - Many Peoples and Strong Nations Will Come to Seek the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:43 offers profound insights and challenges for contemporary believers and the Church. It reminds us that God's heart has always been global, encompassing every nation, tribe, and tongue. This divine perspective calls us to move beyond insular faith communities and embrace a missional posture, recognizing that our worship and witness should serve as a beacon to those outside the faith, just as the Temple was intended to be for the stranger. We are called to welcome, serve, and share the Gospel with those from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating the inclusive love of God. Furthermore, this verse underscores the importance of prayer for the nations, interceding for the spiritual awakening and salvation of people groups who have not yet come to know God's name. Our lives, our churches, and our collective efforts should reflect this expansive vision, striving to be places where God's name is glorified and His truth is made known to all, leading them to a reverent fear and worship of the One True God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's prayer for the "stranger" challenge our understanding of God's universal love and redemptive plan?**
* **In what ways can our local church or individual lives become a "beacon" for those outside our faith community, drawing them to know God's name?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper "fear" (reverence and awe) of God in our own lives, and how might this impact our witness to others?**
* **What specific actions can we take to pray for and engage with people from different cultural or national backgrounds who are seeking spiritual truth?**

### FAQ
**What does "stranger" mean in this context?**

Answer: In 1 Kings 8:43, the "stranger" (Hebrew: *nokri* or *ger*) refers to a non-Israelite, a foreigner from a distant land, who has heard of the Lord God of Israel and comes to Jerusalem to pray towards the Temple. This is not just any transient visitor, but someone who genuinely seeks to approach and acknowledge the God of Israel. Solomon's prayer specifically includes these individuals, highlighting God's universal reach and willingness to hear prayers from all who sincerely seek Him, regardless of their national origin. This concept is further developed in passages like [Isaiah 56:3-7](/isaiah/56-3 "Isaiah 56:3-7 - Foreigners Who Bind Themselves to the Lord").

**Why is it important that "all people of the earth may know thy name"?**

Answer: The phrase "know thy name" in biblical thought signifies far more than mere intellectual recognition; it implies an intimate, experiential understanding of God's character, attributes, power, and faithfulness. For "all people of the earth" to know God's name means for His unique identity as the one true God to be universally acknowledged and revered. This is the ultimate goal of God's self-revelation throughout history, as seen in His covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")) and His desire for His glory to fill the whole earth ([Numbers 14:21](/numbers/14-21 "Numbers 14:21 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Earth")). Solomon's prayer anticipates the global impact of God's redemptive plan.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of the Temple being a "house of prayer for all nations"?**

Answer: 1 Kings 8:43 directly foreshadows the prophetic declaration in [Isaiah 56:7](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - My House Will Be Called a House of Prayer for All Nations"), where God explicitly states, "these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer... for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." Solomon's prayer for the stranger demonstrates that from its very dedication, the Temple was envisioned not as an exclusive national shrine, but as a universal beacon where God's name would be known and honored by people from every land. It was meant to be a place where God would hear and respond to the prayers of all who genuinely sought Him, thereby manifesting His glory to the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's prayer for the "stranger" in 1 Kings 8:43 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true Temple and the embodiment of God's universal redemptive purpose. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem served as a temporary focal point for God's presence and a prophetic sign, it was limited by its physical boundaries and the Old Covenant. Jesus, however, declares Himself to be greater than the Temple ([Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Jesus is Greater Than the Temple")), and through His atoning sacrifice, He tore down the "wall of hostility" that separated Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Wall of Hostility")). In Christ, there is no longer "Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")). The desire for "all people of the earth" to know God's name is perfectly realized in the Great Commission, where disciples are commanded to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). Through faith in Christ, anyone, regardless of their background, can now draw near to God, not through a physical building, but through the living access provided by Jesus' blood ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). He is the ultimate "house of prayer for all nations," welcoming all who come to Him to know the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), fulfilling Solomon's ancient prayer in a way far grander than could have been imagined.

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.