1 Kings 9:8

KJV

And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

KJV (with Strong's)

And at this house {H1004}, which is high {H5945}, every one that passeth {H5674} by it shall be astonished {H8074}, and shall hiss {H8319}; and they shall say {H559}, Why hath the LORD {H3068} done {H6213} thus unto this land {H776}, and to this house {H1004}?

Complete Jewish Bible

This house, now so exalted - everyone passing by will gasp in shock at the sight of it and will ask, 'Why has ADONAI done this to this land and to this house?'

Berean Standard Bible

And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and will hiss and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’

American Standard Version

And though this house is so high, yet shall every one that passeth by it be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath Jehovah done thus unto this land, and to this house?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 9:8 delivers a profound and sobering warning from God to King Solomon, immediately following the dedication of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This verse vividly describes the dire consequences of Israel's potential disobedience: should the nation forsake its covenant with the Lord, their glorious "house"—the very Temple Solomon had just built as a symbol of God's presence—would become an object of utter astonishment, scorn, and derision among surrounding nations. Passersby would be compelled to question the reason for such desolation, articulating the profound query, "Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?" This serves as a powerful testament to the conditional nature of God's blessings and the seriousness of covenant infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of God's second appearance to King Solomon, recorded in [1 Kings 9:1-9](/1_kings/9 "1 Kings 9 - God's Second Appearance to Solomon"). It immediately follows the grand dedication of the Temple in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple"), where Solomon offered a lengthy prayer of dedication, acknowledging God's faithfulness and pleading for His continued presence and blessing upon Israel. God's response in chapter 9 is a direct answer to Solomon's prayer, affirming His acceptance of the Temple and His commitment to His covenant with David ([1 Kings 9:5](/1_kings/9-5 "1 Kings 9:5 - God's Promise to Solomon")). However, this affirmation is immediately followed by a crucial conditional warning, emphasizing that while God's promises are sure, Israel's continued enjoyment of those blessings, and indeed the very existence of the Temple, hinges on their obedience to His commands. Verse 8 specifically highlights the Temple, the very heart of their national and religious identity, as the primary visible casualty of spiritual rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple, completed after seven years of labor, represented the pinnacle of Israelite achievement and the tangible dwelling place of God among His people. It was a massive, opulent structure, built with the finest materials and craftsmanship, intended to be a permanent sanctuary for the Ark of the Covenant and a center for worship. In the ancient Near East, the prosperity and stability of a nation were often directly linked to the favor of its gods, and the destruction of a temple or capital city was seen as a clear sign of divine displeasure and judgment. The warning in [1 Kings 9:8](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8 - Warning of Desolation") taps into this cultural understanding, predicting that if Israel turned away from the Lord, their glorious Temple would become a spectacle of ruin, prompting universal astonishment and scorn, thereby fulfilling the curses outlined in the Deuteronomic covenant, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - A Byword Among Nations").
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 9:8](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8 - Warning of Desolation") powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent throughout the books of Kings and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it reinforces the **Conditional Covenant**, demonstrating that God's blessings—including the security of the Davidic throne, the land, and the Temple—were not unconditional but depended entirely on Israel's faithfulness to the Mosaic covenant and the laws given to them at Sinai ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - The Covenant at Sinai")). Secondly, it illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment**, portraying God as righteous and just, who will not tolerate persistent sin and idolatry. The desolation described is not random but a direct, inevitable consequence of forsaking the Lord. Thirdly, the theme of **Astonishment and Scorn** highlights the public nature of Israel's potential downfall, serving as a stark warning to other nations about the consequences of defying the one true God. Finally, the "Why" question signifies a recognition of God's hand in the judgment, even by those outside Israel, underscoring that the destruction would be so profound that it would compel observers to seek a divine explanation. This foreshadows the later exiles and the destruction of both Temples.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **High (גָּבֹהַּ, _gavoha'_):** The Hebrew word translated "high" can refer to physical elevation, indicating the Temple's prominent position on Mount Moriah. However, it also carries a deeper semantic range, denoting prominence, grandeur, importance, or even arrogance. In this context, it emphasizes the Temple's exalted status as the spiritual and architectural pinnacle of the nation. Its fall from such a "high" position would therefore be all the more shocking and devastating, signifying a profound reversal of fortune and divine favor.
* **Astonished (שַׁמֵּם, _shamem_):** This verb conveys a profound sense of desolation, appallment, or being stunned. It describes a state of utter shock and horror at the extent of destruction or ruin. The use of _shamem_ here suggests that the sight of the ruined Temple and desolate land would evoke not just surprise, but a deep, unsettling sense of dread and bewilderment, indicating an unprecedented catastrophe.
* **Hiss (שָׁרַק, _sharaq_):** To "hiss" implies a sound of scorn, derision, or contempt. It suggests that observers would not only be shocked by the desolation but would also express mockery or disdain for the fallen glory of Israel and its Temple. This imagery is often used in prophetic literature to describe the public humiliation and reproach that would befall a disobedient nation, as seen in [Jeremiah 19:8](/jeremiah/19-8 "Jeremiah 19:8 - Jerusalem a Desolation and Derision"). It underscores the complete reversal of Israel's status from a blessed nation to an object of international ridicule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at this house, [which] is high":** This phrase directly refers to the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, which Solomon had just completed. The descriptor "high" emphasizes its physical prominence on Mount Moriah, but also its spiritual and national significance as the center of Israelite worship and the symbol of God's presence. The impending desolation is made more poignant by the contrast with its current exalted status.
* **"every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss":** This vivid imagery portrays the reaction of foreign observers to the future ruin of the Temple and the land. "Astonished" (Hebrew _shamem_) conveys profound shock and horror at the extent of the destruction, while "hiss" (Hebrew _sharaq_) denotes scorn, derision, and contempt. The combination suggests that the desolation would be so complete and devastating that it would elicit both bewildered awe and mocking disdain from those who witnessed it.
* **"and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?":** This rhetorical question indicates that the destruction would be so clearly a divine act of judgment that even foreign observers would attribute it to the Lord. It implies a recognition that such a catastrophic downfall could only be the result of a powerful deity's intervention, prompting an inquiry into the specific reasons for God's wrath against a people and a sanctuary once so favored.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [1 Kings 9:8](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8 - Warning of Desolation") employs several powerful literary devices to convey its solemn message. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as this verse explicitly predicts the future destruction of the Temple and the desolation of the land, which historically occurred with the Babylonian exile in 586 BC and again with the Roman destruction in AD 70. This prophetic warning serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: the very "house" built to honor God and secure His presence becomes a monument to His judgment due to human sin. The Temple, intended as a source of glory, becomes a source of shame and scorn. Furthermore, the use of **Vivid Imagery** in phrases like "astonished, and shall hiss" creates a powerful mental picture of the public humiliation and utter devastation that awaits Israel. The question "Why hath the LORD done thus?" employs **Rhetorical Question** to emphasize the profound and undeniable nature of God's judgment, forcing observers to acknowledge divine agency in the catastrophe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning in [1 Kings 9:8](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8 - Warning of Desolation") is deeply rooted in the Deuteronomic theology of blessings and curses, where obedience to God's covenant leads to prosperity and life, while disobedience results in judgment and desolation. This verse underscores the absolute sovereignty of God, who is faithful not only to His promises of blessing but also to His warnings of judgment. It reveals that God's presence, even in a magnificent Temple, is not a guarantee of perpetual favor if His people abandon their covenant obligations. The question "Why hath the LORD done thus?" highlights God's justice and His commitment to upholding His moral order, even if it means bringing judgment upon His own chosen people. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that true security and blessing come not from physical structures or past achievements, but from an ongoing, obedient relationship with the living God.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon")
* [Lamentations 2:15-16](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15-16 - Scorn for Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The solemn warning in [1 Kings 9:8](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8 - Warning of Desolation") carries profound and enduring implications for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that our relationship with God, while grounded in His grace, involves a call to obedience and faithfulness. Just as God's covenant with Israel had conditions, so too does our walk with Him require a commitment to His Word and His ways. This verse challenges us to examine the "temples" in our own lives—our hearts, our families, our churches, and our communities. Are they built on the solid foundation of Christ and His commands, or are there areas of compromise, idolatry, or neglect that could lead to spiritual desolation or a tarnished witness? The astonishment and scorn predicted for the physical Temple should prompt us to consider the impact of our collective and individual faithfulness on the world's perception of God. Our actions, both public and private, reflect on the God we claim to serve, and a lack of integrity or devotion can cause the world to question the very power and goodness of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my personal "temple" (my body, my heart) be at risk of becoming a cause for astonishment or scorn in the eyes of the world, due to unfaithfulness or compromise?**
* **How does the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel inform my understanding of God's expectations for me as a New Testament believer?**
* **What specific areas of my life, or our church's life, need to be brought into greater alignment with God's will to ensure a strong and vibrant witness?**
* **How does the historical fulfillment of this prophecy (the destruction of the Temple) strengthen my faith in God's faithfulness to both His promises and His warnings?**

### FAQ
**Did God truly destroy His own Temple?**

Answer: Yes, in a sense. While God did not physically demolish the Temple with His own hands, He allowed its destruction as a direct consequence of Israel's persistent disobedience and idolatry, as prophesied in [1 Kings 9:8](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8 - Warning of Desolation") and elsewhere. The first Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC ([2 Kings 25:8-9](/2_kings/25-8 "2 Kings 25:8-9 - Destruction of the Temple")), and the second Temple by the Romans in AD 70. These events were understood by the prophets and later by New Testament writers as divine judgment, demonstrating that God's presence is not bound to a physical structure if His people abandon their covenant with Him. His holiness demands that sin be addressed, even among His chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The solemn warning concerning the physical Temple in [1 Kings 9:8](/1_kings/9-8 "1 Kings 9:8 - Warning of Desolation") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, though glorious, was always a temporary shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to [the temple of His body](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as a Temple") ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). The physical Temple's destruction, prophesied here and later fulfilled, underscored its inadequacy as a permanent dwelling for God and a perfect means of atonement. Christ, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, became the ultimate and eternal Temple, the true dwelling place of God, where humanity can perfectly encounter the divine ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, the Greater Tabernacle")). Furthermore, in the New Covenant, believers themselves, individually and corporately, are declared to be the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple") ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple"); [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). Thus, the warning of desolation for the physical structure transforms into a spiritual imperative for the Church, the body of Christ, to live in faithfulness and purity, lest its witness become compromised and bring reproach upon the name of the Lord, who now dwells not in a house made with hands, but in His redeemed people ([Acts 7:48](/acts/7-48 "Acts 7:48 - God Does Not Dwell in Temples Made by Hands")).

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

Deuteronomy 29:24

Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what [meaneth] the heat of this great anger?

Deuteronomy 29:26

For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and [whom] he had not given unto them:

Jeremiah 22:8

And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city?

Jeremiah 22:9

Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.

2 Chronicles 7:21

And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house?

Jeremiah 19:8

And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.

Jeremiah 22:28

[Is] this man Coniah a despised broken idol? [is he] a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?