1 Kings 8:59

KJV

And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require:

KJV (with Strong's)

And let these my words {H1697}, wherewith I have made supplication {H2603} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, be nigh {H7138} unto the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} day {H3119} and night {H3915}, that he maintain {H6213} the cause {H4941} of his servant {H5650}, and the cause {H4941} of his people {H5971} Israel {H3478} at all times {H3117}{H3117}, as the matter {H1697} shall require:

Complete Jewish Bible

May these words of mine, which I have used in my plea before ADONAI, be present with ADONAI our God day and night, so that he will uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Isra'el day by day.

Berean Standard Bible

And may these words with which I have made my petition before the LORD be near to the LORD our God day and night, so that He may uphold the cause of His servant and of His people Israel as each day requires,

American Standard Version

And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before Jehovah, be nigh unto Jehovah our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel, as every day shall require;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:59 concludes King Solomon's monumental prayer of dedication for the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates his fervent desire that his extensive supplications would remain perpetually before the LORD, ensuring God's continuous and active attention to the needs of both the king and the entire nation of Israel. It is a powerful plea for God to consistently uphold, defend, and vindicate His people, providing timely intervention and maintaining their well-being at all times.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the penultimate expression within Solomon's grand prayer of dedication (1 Kings 8:22-61), delivered after the Ark of the Covenant had been brought into the newly completed Temple and the glory of the LORD had 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")). Solomon has just articulated a series of specific petitions covering various scenarios—from national repentance and forgiveness of sins, to deliverance in war, and relief from natural disasters. Verse 59 functions as a climactic summary, an earnest request that God would not merely hear these prayers but would keep them "nigh" to Him, actively and continuously responding to them for the benefit of His covenant people. It sets the stage for Solomon's final blessing and exhortation to the people, urging them to be wholehearted with the Lord their God in the verses that follow ([1 Kings 8:60-61](/1_kings/8-60-61 "1 Kings 8:60-61 - Solomon's Concluding Exhortation")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Temple was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, signifying the culmination of David's vision and Solomon's monumental undertaking. It established Jerusalem as the spiritual and political center of the nation and marked God's tangible dwelling among His people. Solomon's prayer reflects the deep understanding of the covenant relationship established at Sinai, where Israel's prosperity and security were directly linked to their obedience and God's faithfulness to His promises, as detailed in the blessings and curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings often served as mediators between their people and the divine, and their prayers for national well-being were considered essential for divine favor and protection. Solomon's supplication here is in line with this role, seeking God's ongoing advocacy for His chosen nation, acknowledging His unique position as the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant**, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and especially to David concerning his lineage and the eternal kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Power and Necessity of Prayer**, demonstrating that earnest, persistent, and comprehensive supplication is a vital means by which God's people engage with His providence. Solomon's prayer is a model of intercession for national well-being and a testament to the belief that God hears and responds. Thirdly, the verse points to **God's Sovereignty and Providence**, asserting His active role in maintaining justice and providing for His people "at all times, as the matter shall require." It portrays God not as a distant deity but as an ever-present, intervening advocate, actively involved in the affairs of His people. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **National Identity and Destiny**, affirming Israel's unique status as God's chosen people whose cause God Himself would uphold, ensuring their security and flourishing according to His divine plan for their witness to the nations ([1 Kings 8:60](/1_kings/8-60 "1 Kings 8:60 - All the Earth May Know the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers to a "word," but by implication, it can also mean a "matter" or "thing," or even a "cause." In this context, "my words" refers to the comprehensive content of Solomon's preceding prayer, encompassing all the specific petitions and requests he has just articulated. It signifies the substance and weight of his supplication before the Lord.
* **supplication (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** From H2603, this primitive root means "to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)." It conveys an earnest, humble plea for favor or mercy, indicating a deep sense of need and dependence on divine intervention. Solomon's prayer is not merely a formal address but a heartfelt and specific outpouring of requests for God's gracious action.
* **cause (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, this word properly means a "verdict" pronounced judicially, or a "sentence" or "formal decree." It encompasses concepts of justice, right, privilege, and even the act or place of judgment. Here, when Solomon asks God to "maintain the cause," he is praying for God to act as a judge, advocate, and defender on behalf of himself and Israel, ensuring their rights are upheld, justice is served, and their well-being is secured according to God's righteous standards.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night":** This opening clause expresses Solomon's profound desire that his extensive and specific petitions, offered during the Temple dedication, would not be fleeting but would remain in God's perpetual and active remembrance. The phrases "day and night" emphasize the continuous nature of this desired divine attention, signifying that the prayers should always be present before God, receiving His constant consideration and readiness to act, reflecting an earnest plea for enduring divine engagement.
* **"that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel":** This is the core request, stating the purpose of the preceding plea for divine attention. Solomon asks God to actively defend, vindicate, and govern on behalf of both himself (as king and God's chosen servant) and the entire nation of Israel. It's a prayer for God to act as their ultimate advocate, ensuring their rights are upheld, justice is meted out, and their well-being is secured against all adversaries or challenges, whether internal or external, in accordance with His covenant promises.
* **"at all times, as the matter shall require":** This concluding phrase underscores the need for continuous, timely, and appropriate divine intervention. It acknowledges that challenges, needs, and circumstances are perpetual and ever-changing, arising constantly, and therefore require an ever-present God who acts precisely when and how He is needed. It's a recognition of human and national vulnerability and a profound trust in God's unfailing and perfectly timed providence, demonstrating a reliance on God's wisdom and power to respond appropriately to every situation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey Solomon's fervent plea. **Repetition** is evident in the phrases "day and night" and "at all times," which powerfully emphasize the desired continuity and persistence of God's attention and intervention. This reinforces the idea of an ever-present, vigilant God who is constantly aware of and responsive to His people's needs. **Metonymy** is used when "these my words" stands in for the entire content and intent of Solomon's comprehensive prayer, making the abstract concept of prayer more tangible and enduring before the divine. The entire verse functions as a **Petition** or **Supplication**, a direct and earnest appeal to God, highlighting the nature of prayer as a humble yet confident request for divine action and advocacy. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Personification** in the idea of "words" being "nigh unto the LORD," suggesting that the prayers themselves have a lingering, active presence before the divine throne, continually presenting the needs of the king and the people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:59 profoundly connects to the biblical theme of God's covenant faithfulness and His responsiveness to the prayers of His people. Solomon's plea rests on the foundational understanding that God is not only sovereign but also intimately involved in the affairs of His creation, especially His chosen nation. It echoes the promises of God to hear from heaven when His people turn to Him, confessing His name and praying toward the Temple ([1 Kings 8:30](/1_kings/8-30 "1 Kings 8:30 - God Hears from Heaven")), reinforcing the truth that God is the ultimate defender and sustainer of His covenant people. This verse also anticipates the broader prophetic message that God will indeed vindicate His people and maintain their cause, even through periods of judgment and exile, ultimately demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan and His character as a just and merciful God.

* [Psalm 121:4](/psalms/121-4 "Psalm 121:4 - The Lord's Unceasing Watchfulness")
* [Isaiah 59:1](/isaiah/59-1 "Isaiah 59:1 - The Lord's Arm is Not Too Short to Save")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's concluding plea in 1 Kings 8:59 offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding the nature and scope of prayer. It challenges us to move beyond merely personal petitions to embrace a broader, more comprehensive intercession for our communities, leaders, and nations. Solomon's desire for his words to be "nigh unto the LORD day and night" underscores the importance of persistence and consistency in prayer, reminding us that God is always attentive to the sincere cries of His people. We are called to trust in God's continuous providence and His active involvement in the affairs of humanity, knowing that He hears and responds to our supplications, always acting "as the matter shall require." This verse fosters a deep confidence that our God is not distant but is actively maintaining the cause of His servants and His people, providing His help and guidance precisely when needed. It encourages us to lay bare our needs and the needs of those we represent before Him, trusting in His unfailing faithfulness and His perfect timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's persistence in prayer, desiring his words to be "nigh unto the LORD day and night," challenge our own prayer lives and consistency?**
* **What "causes" in your personal life, family, church, or community do you need God to "maintain" and actively defend?**
* **How does knowing that God hears and acts "at all times, as the matter shall require" affect your confidence and trust in His providence?**

### FAQ

**Why does Solomon emphasize "day and night" and "at all times" in his prayer?**

Answer: Solomon's emphasis on "day and night" and "at all times" highlights the continuous nature of Israel's needs and the perpetual necessity of God's watchful care and intervention. It's a plea for ongoing divine providence, not just a one-time act. Solomon understood that challenges, temptations, and needs would arise constantly for both the king and the nation. Therefore, he sought God's unceasing attention and readiness to act, reflecting a deep understanding of human frailty and constant dependence on God. This echoes the biblical theme of God's unceasing watch over His people, as seen in passages like [Psalm 121:3-4](/psalms/121-3-4 "Psalm 121:3-4 - The Lord Keeps You").

**What does it mean for God to "maintain the cause" of His servant and His people?**

Answer: To "maintain the cause" (from the Hebrew word `mishpâṭ`, meaning "justice" or "judgment," and `ʻâsâh`, meaning "to do" or "to make") signifies God's active role as an advocate, defender, and vindicator. It means God would actively intervene to uphold the rights, ensure the well-being, and secure justice for His servant (Solomon) and His people (Israel). This includes protecting them from enemies, guiding them in righteousness, and restoring them when they falter. It's a prayer for divine governance and intervention to ensure Israel's flourishing according to God's covenant promises and to demonstrate His faithfulness to His chosen nation, as promised in passages like [Deuteronomy 32:36](/deuteronomy/32-36 "Deuteronomy 32:36 - The Lord Will Vindicate His People").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's profound prayer for continuous divine advocacy and the maintenance of Israel's cause finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Solomon, as king, acted as an intercessor for his people, his role was always temporary and imperfect. Jesus, however, is the eternal King and the ultimate High Priest, who truly intercedes for His people "day and night." The author of Hebrews declares that Jesus "always lives to intercede" for those who draw near to God through Him ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Eternal Intercessor")). Moreover, the Apostle Paul affirms that Christ Jesus, who died and was raised, "is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us" ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")). He is the true advocate who stands before God on behalf of His servants, not just the nation of Israel, but all who are united to Him by faith ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")). The Temple, where Solomon made his supplication, was a shadow pointing to Christ Himself as the true dwelling place of God and the ultimate locus of divine-human encounter, for He spoke of His body as the temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple, And I Will Raise It Up")). Through His finished work on the cross and His resurrection, Jesus has definitively "maintained the cause" of His people, securing their eternal salvation, justification, and standing before God, not merely "as the matter shall require" based on human need or merit, but based on His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, having canceled the record of debt that stood against us ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Victory in Christ")). In Christ, believers have a permanent and perfect advocate whose intercession ensures that their cause is eternally upheld before the Father.

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 141:2

Let my prayer be set forth before thee [as] incense; [and] the lifting up of my hands [as] the evening sacrifice.

John 17:9

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

Psalms 102:1

¶ A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.

Psalms 102:2

Hide not thy face from me in the day [when] I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day [when] I call answer me speedily.

Deuteronomy 33:25

Thy shoes [shall be] iron and brass; and as thy days, [so shall] thy strength [be].

Luke 11:3

Give us day by day our daily bread.

John 17:20

¶ Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;