1 Kings 8:56

KJV

Blessed [be] the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H1288} be the LORD {H3068}, that hath given {H5414} rest {H4496} unto his people {H5971} Israel {H3478}, according to all that he promised {H1696}: there hath not failed {H5307} one {H259} word {H1697} of all his good {H2896} promise {H1697}, which he promised {H1696} by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872} his servant {H5650}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Blessed be ADONAI, who has given rest to his people Isra'el, in accordance with everything he promised. Not one word has failed of his good promise, which he made through Moshe his servant.

Berean Standard Bible

“Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel according to all that He promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises He made through His servant Moses.

American Standard Version

Blessed be Jehovah, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by Moses his servant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:56 captures King Solomon's profound declaration of God's perfect faithfulness to His covenant promises, delivered during the dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem. This verse stands as a powerful testament to the Lord's unwavering reliability, affirming that every word He spoke through Moses concerning Israel's inheritance, security, and establishment in the Promised Land has been meticulously fulfilled, thereby granting His people the promised rest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a climactic declaration within King Solomon's extensive 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 Ark of the Covenant's placement in the Most Holy Place and the glorious descent of the cloud of the Lord's glory ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1-kings/8-10 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")), Solomon blesses the assembly and then offers this magnificent prayer. Verse 56 specifically serves as a powerful benediction and an affirmation of God's past faithfulness, setting the stage for Solomon's subsequent exhortations to Israel to remain loyal to the covenant ([1 Kings 8:57-61](/1-kings/8-57 "1 Kings 8:57-61 - Solomon's Exhortation to Israel")). It marks a moment of profound fulfillment and divine validation, acknowledging that the long-awaited promises of a settled land and a permanent dwelling for God's name have materialized.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Temple under Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) was a monumental event, marking the zenith of Israel's united monarchy. It symbolized the nation's stability, prosperity, and God's enduring presence among His people. For centuries, since the Exodus, Israel had been a nomadic people, dwelling in tents and carrying the Tabernacle. The construction of a permanent, magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, the capital, signified the fulfillment of the promise of "rest" from their wanderings and from their enemies, a concept deeply rooted in the Mosaic covenant ([Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - The Promise of Rest and Inheritance")). Culturally, the Temple was the central place of worship, sacrifice, and national identity, embodying the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. Solomon's prayer, therefore, was not merely a religious ritual but a profound political and theological statement affirming God's sovereignty over Israel's history and destiny.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Faithfulness:** The central and most prominent theme is God's absolute reliability and perfect integrity. Solomon's declaration that "there hath not failed one word of all his good promise" underscores that God is a promise-keeper who fulfills His word precisely as spoken. This attribute of God is foundational to Israel's identity and hope, assuring them that His character is unchanging and trustworthy ([Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")).
* **Rest for Israel:** The "rest" (Hebrew: _nuakh_) given to Israel signifies far more than mere cessation of physical wandering or warfare. It encompasses a state of security, peace, and settledness in the Promised Land, free from external threats and internal strife. This rest was a key component of the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Covenant with Abraham")) and a recurring promise throughout the Mosaic law, particularly in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws for Worship in the Promised Land"). The building of the Temple in Jerusalem symbolized the culmination of this promised rest, establishing a fixed point for God's presence among His people.
* **Fulfillment of Mosaic Promises:** Solomon explicitly links the current state of rest and blessing to promises made "by the hand of Moses his servant." This refers to the numerous stipulations, blessings, and prophecies given through Moses concerning the land, the covenant, and God's abiding presence, as detailed across the Pentateuch. The successful settlement of Israel, their establishment as a kingdom, and the construction of the Temple served as tangible, undeniable proofs that God had indeed fulfilled every single promise made through His servant Moses, affirming the veracity of the entire Mosaic revelation ([Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - Not One Word Failed")).
* **Thanksgiving and Blessing:** The opening phrase, "Blessed [be] the LORD," frames the entire declaration as an act of profound gratitude and adoration. Solomon's prayer is a model of thanksgiving, acknowledging God's active involvement in Israel's history, His sovereign power, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It calls the assembly to recognize and praise God for His perfect track record.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **נוּחַ (Hebrew, _nuakh'_):** Translated as "rest," this Hebrew verb signifies more than simply ceasing from labor or war. It conveys a deep sense of settledness, security, tranquility, and inner peace. In the context of Israel's history, it refers to the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people into the land of Canaan, where they would dwell securely, free from the oppression of enemies and the instability of wandering. It implies a state of being firmly established and at peace, both physically and spiritually, under God's protective hand. This "rest" was a long-sought condition, promised since the Exodus and finally realized in the Solomonic era.
* **לֹא נָפַל דָּבָר אֶחָד (Hebrew, _lo nafál davár eḥád'_):** This powerful phrase, literally "not fallen one word," is translated as "there hath not failed one word." The verb "to fall" (נָפַל, _naphal_) in this context means to fail, to be unfulfilled, or to come to nothing. The emphatic "not one word" underscores the absolute precision, completeness, and infallibility of God's promises. It is a declaration of divine integrity, asserting that every single detail of God's spoken word, no matter how small, has been brought to pass exactly as He declared it. This phrase emphasizes God's perfect reliability and the certainty of His covenant commitments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [be] the LORD":** This opening phrase is a profound expression of praise and adoration. It is a benediction, acknowledging God's inherent goodness, faithfulness, and sovereign power. Solomon, on behalf of all Israel, attributes all the blessings and the fulfillment of promises not to human effort or wisdom, but solely to the Lord. It sets a tone of gratitude and reverence, recognizing God as the ultimate source of all good things.
* **"that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised":** This clause identifies the specific reason for blessing the Lord: His provision of "rest" for Israel. This rest is understood as the secure possession of the Promised Land, freedom from enemies, and the establishment of a stable kingdom, culminating in the building of the Temple. The phrase "according to all that he promised" emphatically links this present reality to God's prior declarations. It highlights the direct correlation between God's spoken word and its tangible manifestation in history, affirming His meticulous fulfillment of His covenant obligations to His chosen people.
* **"there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant":** This final clause serves as a powerful summation and affirmation of God's perfect faithfulness. It reiterates with strong emphasis that not a single promise, no matter how minor, has gone unfulfilled. The "good promise" refers to the entirety of God's covenant blessings and provisions. The explicit mention of "Moses his servant" grounds these promises firmly in the Mosaic covenant, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Exodus through the establishment of the kingdom. It is a declaration that God's word is utterly reliable, demonstrating His unchanging character and His commitment to His people across generations.

#### Literary Devices
1 Kings 8:56 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. It begins with a **Benediction** ("Blessed be the LORD"), an act of praising and acknowledging God's inherent goodness and power, which frames the entire statement as an act of worship and gratitude. The verse then functions as a strong **Affirmation** or **Declaration**, unequivocally stating the fulfillment of God's promises. The phrase "there hath not failed one word" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute and total completeness of God's faithfulness; while literally true, its rhetorical force stresses the meticulous precision with which every single promise has been brought to pass. This serves as a powerful **Testimony** to God's character, drawing a direct link between His spoken word and historical reality. Furthermore, the verse employs **Covenant Language**, referencing "his good promise" and "Moses his servant," which immediately evokes the long history of God's relationship with Israel, rooted in His covenant commitments. The structure moves from praise to specific evidence of God's faithfulness, culminating in a sweeping statement of His perfect integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:56 stands as a monumental declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness, a cornerstone truth upon which all biblical theology rests. It affirms that the God of Israel is not merely a powerful deity, but a covenant-keeping God whose word is absolutely reliable. This verse teaches us that God's promises are not conditional on human performance in the way that they are *fulfilled* by His character, but rather they are rooted in His immutable nature. The "rest" given to Israel, culminating in the Temple's dedication, foreshadows a deeper, spiritual rest that God intends for His people. This historical fulfillment provides a powerful precedent for trusting God in all circumstances, reminding believers that His past faithfulness guarantees His future faithfulness. It underscores the profound truth that God's character is consistent across generations, and His commitment to His redemptive plan is unshakeable.

* [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - Not One Word Failed")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - He Who Promised is Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's declaration in 1 Kings 8:56 offers profound encouragement and a powerful anchor for faith in every generation. In a world characterized by broken promises, shifting allegiances, and pervasive uncertainty, this verse reminds us that God is utterly trustworthy. Just as He meticulously fulfilled every promise to ancient Israel, providing them with rest and a settled land, so too can we be confident that He will fulfill every promise He has made to us. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and praise within our hearts, prompting us to echo Solomon's "Blessed be the LORD!" When faced with personal trials, unmet expectations, or the daunting challenges of life, we can look back at God's perfect track record throughout redemptive history and find assurance. His faithfulness in the past is the guarantee of His faithfulness today and forever. This verse calls us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's reliability and to actively trust Him with our present anxieties and future hopes, knowing that not one word of His good promise will ever fail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's declaration of God's perfect faithfulness in 1 Kings 8:56 resonate with your personal experience of God's promises?**
* **What specific "rest" has God provided in your life, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, that testifies to His faithfulness?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently struggling to trust God's promises, and how can this verse encourage you to lean more fully on His unchanging character?**
* **How does acknowledging God's meticulous fulfillment of past promises (to Israel and to you) impact your worship and gratitude today?**

### FAQ
**What does "rest" mean for Israel in this context, and how was it fulfilled?**

Answer: The "rest" (Hebrew: _nuakh_) in 1 Kings 8:56 signifies a comprehensive state of security, peace, and settledness for the nation of Israel. It goes beyond merely ceasing from physical wandering or warfare. It refers to the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people into the land of Canaan, where they would be established, free from the oppression of enemies, and able to dwell securely. This promise was first given to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Promise of Land to Abraham")) and reiterated through Moses ([Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - The Promise of Rest and Inheritance")). Its fulfillment is seen in Israel's successful conquest and occupation of the land under Joshua ([Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God Gave Israel Rest")), and its culmination and symbolization in the reign of Solomon, marked by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and the construction of the permanent Temple in Jerusalem, signifying God's abiding presence among His people in their settled land.

**How does this verse, spoken by Solomon, relate to earlier declarations of God's faithfulness, particularly after the conquest of Canaan?**

Answer: 1 Kings 8:56 echoes and reinforces earlier declarations of God's faithfulness, most notably Joshua's statement at the end of the conquest in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God Gave Israel Rest and Fulfilled All Promises"). Joshua declared that "not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass." Solomon's statement, made centuries later, confirms that this faithfulness continued and culminated in the establishment of the kingdom and the building of the Temple. It demonstrates a consistent theme throughout Israel's history: God is always true to His word. While Joshua's declaration marked the fulfillment of the land promise, Solomon's marked the fulfillment of the promise of a permanent dwelling for God's name and a secure, unified kingdom, demonstrating God's ongoing, meticulous commitment to His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 8:56, with its profound declaration of God's perfect faithfulness in granting "rest" and fulfilling every promise, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "rest" that Israel experienced under Solomon was temporal and incomplete, a shadow of the true and lasting rest offered through Christ. Jesus Himself invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him and find rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me and I Will Give You Rest")). This spiritual rest is not merely the absence of trouble but a profound peace and security found in reconciliation with God through His atoning sacrifice. Furthermore, the New Testament unequivocally declares that all of God's promises, which were "yes" in Christ, are fulfilled through Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Just as God meticulously kept every promise made through Moses, so too has He fulfilled His ultimate promise of salvation, redemption, and eternal life through His Son. Jesus is the faithful servant, greater than Moses ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1 "Hebrews 3:1-6 - Christ Greater Than Moses")), through whom God has spoken His final and most comprehensive word ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). In Him, the ultimate Temple, God's presence dwells fully among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and the eternal rest and perfect faithfulness celebrated by Solomon are eternally secured for all who believe.

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

Joshua 23:14

And, behold, this day I [am] going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, [and] not one thing hath failed thereof.

Joshua 23:15

Therefore it shall come to pass, [that] as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

Joshua 21:44

And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

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 21:33

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

1 Samuel 3:19

¶ And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

Luke 1:72

To perform the mercy [promised] to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;