Pentecost Season · Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year C
1 Kings 8:41-43
Solomon's Prayer for the Foreigner
June 4, 2028
Overview & Insights
“…that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel…” (1 Kings 8:43)
Solomon stands before the altar and the assembly of Israel at the temple's dedication, praising God's covenant faithfulness. He prays specifically that when a foreigner comes to pray toward this house, God would hear from heaven and answer, so that all peoples of the earth may know God's name.
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Commentary
1 Kings 8 Commentary: The Dedication of the Temple Enduring Word · David Guzik
Guzik covers Solomon's dedication prayer, including his plea on behalf of the foreigner.
1 Kings 8:41 Commentaries BibleHub
Collects classic commentators on Solomon's prayer for the outsider who prays toward the Temple.
1 Kings 8 - Barnes' Notes StudyLight
Barnes' notes trace the structure and intent of Solomon's dedication prayer.
Commentary on 1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43 Working Preacher
Pairs this same reading with the centurion's story, exploring the theme of the outsider who has faith.
Background & Word Study
1 Kings course Enter the Bible
An overview of Solomon's reign and the Temple's dedication that frames this prayer.
1-2 Kings BibleProject
Shows how the Temple dedication fits the larger story arc of the books of Kings.
1 Kings 8:41 Interlinear BibleHub
Gives the Hebrew word by word for the foreigner who comes from a distant land.
1 Kings 8 Sefaria
The Hebrew text of Solomon's dedication prayer for reading it in its original language.
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