1 Kings 8:58

KJV

That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

That he may incline {H5186} our hearts {H3824} unto him, to walk {H3212} in all his ways {H1870}, and to keep {H8104} his commandments {H4687}, and his statutes {H2706}, and his judgments {H4941}, which he commanded {H6680} our fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In this way he will incline our hearts toward him, so that we will live according to his ways and observe his mitzvot, laws and rulings which he ordered our fathers to obey.

Berean Standard Bible

May He incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep the commandments and statutes and ordinances He commanded our fathers.

American Standard Version

that he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his ordinances, which he commanded our fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:58 encapsulates a profound petition from King Solomon during the dedication of the Temple, asking God to supernaturally direct the hearts of His people towards Him. This divine inclination is sought not as an end in itself, but as the essential means by which Israel might consistently walk in God's ways and diligently observe His comprehensive Law—His commandments, statutes, and judgments—thereby living faithfully in accordance with the covenant established with their ancestors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of Solomon's extensive and eloquent prayer of dedication, which spans [1 Kings 8:22-61](/1_kings/8-22-61 "1 Kings 8:22-61 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). The prayer unfolds immediately after the Ark of the Covenant has been solemnly placed in the Temple's Most Holy Place and the glorious presence of the Lord has filled the house, preventing the priests from ministering ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")). Standing before the altar, Solomon blesses the congregation and then pours out this comprehensive appeal for God's continued presence, mercy, and guidance for His people. Verse 58 specifically builds upon Solomon's preceding request in [1 Kings 8:57](/1_kings/8-57 "1 Kings 8:57 - God's Presence with Israel"), where he asks that the Lord's presence would remain with Israel as it had been with their forefathers, setting the stage for a plea for divine enablement to live in a manner worthy of that divine presence. The prayer as a whole is a theological masterpiece, articulating Israel's understanding of God's transcendence, immanence, and covenant faithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem, approximately 960 BCE, represents a pinnacle in Israelite history, symbolizing the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God among His people. This momentous event occurred during the zenith of the united monarchy under Solomon, a period characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and national consolidation. The Temple was not merely an architectural marvel but the very physical nexus of God's covenant with Israel, the place where His presence was uniquely manifested and where atonement could be made for sin. For the Israelites, adherence to the Mosaic Law—comprising the "commandments, statutes, and judgments"—was the foundational expression of their national identity and their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. This prayer profoundly underscores the cultural understanding that national well-being, divine blessing, and continued divine favor were inextricably linked to collective and individual obedience to God's revealed will, as outlined in the Torah given to their "fathers" at Mount Sinai.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme encapsulated in [1 Kings 8:58](/1_kings/8-58 "1 Kings 8:58 - God's Inclination for Obedience") is the profound recognition that true, lasting obedience to God's will is not solely a matter of human resolve but fundamentally requires divine enablement. Solomon's plea for God to "incline our hearts unto him" acknowledges the inherent human tendency to stray and the absolute necessity of God's gracious intervention to direct the human will towards righteousness. This highlights a deep biblical truth: a vibrant spiritual walk and genuine covenant faithfulness are ultimately dependent on God's active work within the human heart. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the holistic nature of obedience, encompassing both an inner disposition ("incline our hearts") and outward actions ("walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments"). This comprehensive view reflects the multifaceted demands of the covenant and the fervent desire for Israel to remain steadfast in their unique relationship with Yahweh, as articulated throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in [Deuteronomy 6:4-9](/deuteronomy/6-4-9 "Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - The Shema and Love for God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Incline (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** The Hebrew verb נָטָה (_nâṭâh_) literally means "to stretch out," "to turn aside," "to bend," or "to dispose." In this context, it signifies a divine act of gently but powerfully turning, directing, or disposing the human heart towards God. It implies a gracious, sovereign influence that aligns the will of the people with God's desires, rather than a forced or coercive submission. This word underscores the theological truth that genuine spiritual orientation and obedience are ultimately gifts of God's grace, enabling human free will to choose righteousness and walk in His ways.
* **Hearts (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** The Hebrew noun לֵבָב (_lêbâb_) refers to the heart, understood in biblical anthropology as the innermost core of a person—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. When Solomon prays for God to "incline our hearts," he is appealing for a divine reorientation of the very center of their being, affecting their desires, thoughts, and intentions. This emphasizes that true obedience is not merely external conformity but stems from an internal disposition that is rightly aligned with God.
* **Ways (Hebrew, _derek'_):** The Hebrew noun דֶּרֶךְ (_derek_) literally means "road" or "path," but in biblical usage, it very often functions as a powerful metaphor for one's entire lifestyle, conduct, or manner of living. To "walk in all his ways" therefore signifies a comprehensive and consistent adherence to God's character, principles, and commands in every aspect of life. It denotes a continuous journey of ethical and spiritual conformity, reflecting a transformed inner disposition through outward actions. This is not merely about performing isolated acts of piety, but about a holistic pattern of life that aligns with God's revealed will.
* **Commandments, Statutes, and Judgments (Hebrew, _mitsvâh, chôq, mishpâṭ'_):** This triad of terms—מִצְוָה (_mitsvâh_), חֹק (_chôq_), and מִשְׁפָּט (_mishpâṭ_)—collectively refers to the comprehensive body of the Mosaic Law given to Israel. "Commandments" (_mitsvâh_) generally refers to divine precepts or moral injunctions. "Statutes" (_chôq_) often denotes divine decrees or ordinances, particularly those that are fixed, unchangeable, or ritualistic. "Judgments" (_mishpâṭ_) refers to legal decisions, civil laws, or judicial pronouncements, emphasizing the just and righteous nature of God's rule. Together, these terms emphasize the totality, breadth, and multifaceted nature of God's requirements for His people, encompassing moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects of the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That he may incline our hearts unto him":** This opening clause presents the core petition, acknowledging God's sovereign initiative in the realm of human will and desire. It is a prayer for divine grace to reorient the inner disposition of the people, turning their affections and intentions away from self-reliance or idolatry and towards Yahweh. It highlights the biblical understanding that true spiritual obedience originates from a heart transformed and directed by God.
* **"to walk in all his ways":** This phrase describes the desired outcome of the heart's inclination. It signifies a life of consistent, comprehensive obedience that extends to every facet of existence. "His ways" refers to God's character, His revealed will, and the ethical standards He has set forth. This is a prayer for a lifestyle that mirrors God's righteousness and reflects a deep, abiding relationship with Him.
* **"and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments":** This clause specifies the practical outworking of "walking in all his ways." It emphasizes diligent adherence to the Mosaic Law in its entirety. By listing the three primary categories of divine legislation, Solomon underscores the comprehensive nature of the required obedience—encompassing moral principles, ritual observances, and civil justice. This is a plea for the nation to uphold the specific stipulations of their covenant with God.
* **"which he commanded our fathers":** This concluding phrase grounds the prayer in the historical continuity of God's covenant faithfulness. It reminds both God and the people that the laws being prayed over are not new or arbitrary, but are the very statutes given to their ancestors, particularly at Sinai. This emphasizes the enduring nature of the covenant and the call for each generation to uphold the spiritual heritage passed down through the patriarchs and Moses.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in this verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Supplication**, as the entire verse functions as a direct plea to God, demonstrating Israel's humble dependence on divine intervention for spiritual vitality and sustained faithfulness. **Metaphor** is vividly evident in the phrases "incline our hearts" and "walk in all his ways." The "heart" serves as a metaphor for the inner core of a person—their will, affections, and intellect—while "walking" is a common biblical metaphor for one's conduct or lifestyle. The request to "incline" the heart suggests a gentle yet powerful divine turning, guiding the inner being towards righteousness. Furthermore, the listing of "commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments" functions as a **Merism** or **Triadic Formula**, where three distinct but related terms are used to represent the entirety or comprehensive scope of God's Law. This emphasizes the holistic and all-encompassing nature of the obedience being sought, leaving no aspect of life outside the divine purview. The language throughout the prayer is deeply imbued with **Covenantal Language**, echoing the stipulations, promises, and historical narratives found in the books of Deuteronomy and Exodus, reinforcing Israel's identity as God's covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:58 profoundly illustrates the biblical tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the pursuit of righteousness. Solomon's prayer acknowledges that while God commands obedience, the capacity and desire to obey are ultimately gifts of His grace. This theological truth is foundational: true spiritual transformation and sustained faithfulness are not merely human achievements but require God's active work within the heart. It highlights that the Law, though perfect, cannot by itself produce the willing obedience it demands; it requires a divine inclination of the heart. This sets the stage for later prophetic promises of a new covenant where God would write His law on the heart, ensuring a willing and enabled obedience that goes beyond external conformity to internal transformation.

* [Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Deuteronomy 30:6 - Circumcision of the Heart")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on the Heart")
* [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's heartfelt prayer in 1 Kings 8:58 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless model for our own spiritual aspirations and petitions. It reminds us that our capacity to love God, to obey His Word, and to walk in His ways is not solely a matter of willpower or self-discipline, but fundamentally depends on the gracious work of the Holy Spirit within us. Just as Israel needed God to "incline their hearts," we too must recognize our inherent spiritual weakness and our constant need for divine enablement to align our desires with God's will. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence, praying earnestly for a heart that is not only willing but supernaturally enabled to pursue righteousness. It underscores the importance of God's written Word as our authoritative guide, urging us to diligently study and apply His "commandments, statutes, and judgments" so that our lives may truly reflect our covenant relationship with Him, walking faithfully in His light and demonstrating His character to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's role in "inclining our hearts" impact your understanding of spiritual growth and your approach to obedience?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need God to "incline your heart" towards Him, and how can you pray for this divine intervention?**
* **What practical steps can you take to deepen your commitment to "walk in all His ways" and "keep His commandments, statutes, and judgments" in your daily life?**
* **How does Solomon's prayer encourage your own prayer life regarding a desire for greater faithfulness and transformation, acknowledging your dependence on God?**

### FAQ
**Why does Solomon pray for God to "incline" their hearts rather than simply commanding them to obey?**

Answer: Solomon's prayer reflects a profound biblical understanding of human nature and the nature of true obedience. While God's commands are clear and binding, the human heart, left to its own devices, is prone to wander and resist God's will (cf. [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")). Solomon recognizes that genuine, sustained obedience flows not merely from external compulsion but from an internal desire and alignment with God. Therefore, he prays for God's gracious, supernatural intervention to reorient the people's affections and wills, making them willing and able to obey. This highlights that true faithfulness is a gift of divine grace, enabling human response, a theme echoed in the New Testament (e.g., [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in Us")).

**What is the significance of the repetition of "commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments"?**

Answer: The repetition of "commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments" (Hebrew: _mitsvâh, chôq, mishpâṭ_, in their plural forms) is a rhetorical device used to emphasize the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of God's Law. These three terms collectively refer to the entire body of the Mosaic Law, encompassing its moral principles, ritual ordinances, and civil regulations. By listing them, Solomon underscores that God's requirements for Israel were holistic, covering every aspect of their national and personal life. It's a plea for obedience that is not partial or selective, but complete and devoted to the totality of God's revealed will, as given to their "fathers" at Sinai (cf. [Deuteronomy 4:1-8](/deuteronomy/4-1-8 "Deuteronomy 4:1-8 - Keep the Statutes and Rules")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's prayer for God to "incline our hearts" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant He inaugurated. The Old Covenant, though righteous and good, revealed humanity's inherent inability to perfectly keep God's Law due to the fallen nature of the heart. The very need for God to "incline" the heart pointed to a deeper spiritual problem that the Law itself could not remedy. In Christ, this problem is comprehensively addressed: He perfectly "walked in all his ways" and "kept his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments," fulfilling the Law's righteous requirements on our behalf ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). More significantly, through His atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection, Christ made possible the New Covenant, prophesied by Jeremiah and Ezekiel, where God's Law is no longer merely an external code but is supernaturally written upon the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant and the Law on the Heart")). The Holy Spirit, given to all who believe in Christ, is the divine agent who now "inclines" our hearts, empowering us to "walk in all his ways" and live lives of genuine, Spirit-enabled obedience, not by human effort alone, but by abiding in Christ ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ for Fruitfulness")) and "walking by the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walking by the Spirit")). Thus, what Solomon prayed for as a future hope for Israel is now a present reality for all who are in Christ, as God truly works in us "both to will and to work for his good pleasure" ([Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Working in Us")), enabling a relationship of joyful and empowered obedience.

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

Psalms 119:36

Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

Ezekiel 36:26

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:27

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].

Jeremiah 31:33

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

Hebrews 13:21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Song Of Solomon 1:4

Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.