1 Kings 8:44

1 Kings 8:44 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When Your people go to war against their enemies, wherever You send them, and when they pray to the LORD in the direction of the city You have chosen and the house I have built for Your Name,

King James Version KJV

¶ If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I have built for thy name:

American Standard Version ASV

If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatsoever way thou shalt send them, and they pray unto Jehovah toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name;

Bible in Basic English BBE

If your people go out to war against their attackers, by whatever way you may send them, if they make their prayer to the Lord, turning their faces to this town of yours and to this house which I have made for your name:

Free Bible Version FBV

When your people go to fight against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to you towards the city you have chosen and the house I have built to honor you,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

When thy people shall go out to battell against their enemie by the way that thou shalt sende them, and shall pray vnto the Lord towarde the way of the citie which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I haue built for thy Name,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'When Thy people doth go out to battle against its enemy, in the way that Thou dost send them, and they have prayed unto Jehovah the way of the city which thou hast fixed on, and of the house which I have builded for Thy name;

World English Bible WEB

“If your people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatever way you shall send them, and they pray to the LORD toward the city which you have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for your name,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray to the LORD towards the city which thou hast chosen, and towards the house that I have built for thy name:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If thy people go out to war against their enemies, by what way soever thou shalt send them, they shall pray to thee towards the way of the city, which thou hast chosen, and towards the house, which I have built to thy name:

Translation for Translators T4T

And if you send your people to go to fight against their enemies, if they pray to you, wherever they are, if they turn toward this city that you have chosen and toward this temple that I have caused to be built for you,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 8:44

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 8:44 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּי יֵצֵ֨א עַמְּ/ךָ֤ לַ/מִּלְחָמָה֙ עַל אֹ֣יְב֔/וֹ בַּ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּשְׁלָחֵ֑/ם וְ/הִתְפַּֽלְל֣וּ אֶל יְהוָ֗ה דֶּ֤רֶךְ הָ/עִיר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בָּחַ֣רְתָּ בָּ֔/הּ וְ/הַ/בַּ֖יִת אֲשֶׁר בָּנִ֥תִי לִ/שְׁמֶֽ/ךָ

כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj

יֵצֵ֨א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

עַמְּ/ךָ֤ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

לַ/מִּלְחָמָה֙ milchâmâh H4421 battle Prep | N-fs

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

אֹ֣יְב֔/וֹ ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal | Suff

בַּ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

תִּשְׁלָחֵ֑/ם shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff

וְ/הִתְפַּֽלְל֣וּ pâlal H6419 to pray Conj | V-Hithpael-3cp

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

דֶּ֤רֶךְ derek H1870 way N-cs

הָ/עִיר֙ ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בָּחַ֣רְתָּ bâchar H977 to choose V-Qal-Perf-2ms

בָּ֔/הּ Prep | Suff

וְ/הַ/בַּ֖יִת bayith H1004 place Conj | Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בָּנִ֥תִי bânâh H1129 to build V-Qal-Perf-1cs

לִ/שְׁמֶֽ/ךָ shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 8:44

כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

יֵצֵ֨א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

עַמְּ/ךָ֤ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

לַ/מִּלְחָמָה֙ milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Prep | N-fs

This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.

Definition: battle, war

Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

אֹ֣יְב֔/וֹ ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal | Suff

This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.

Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national

Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.

בַּ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

תִּשְׁלָחֵ֑/ם shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

וְ/הִתְפַּֽלְל֣וּ pâlal H6419 "to pray" Conj | V-Hithpael-3cp

To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.

Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray

Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

דֶּ֤רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cs

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

הָ/עִיר֙ ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

בָּחַ֣רְתָּ bâchar H977 "to choose" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.

Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected

Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.

בָּ֔/הּ "" Prep | Suff

וְ/הַ/בַּ֖יִת bayith H1004 "place" Conj | Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

בָּנִ֥תִי bânâh H1129 "to build" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.

לִ/שְׁמֶֽ/ךָ shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 8:44

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Context
Cross References
1 Kings 8:44 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 8:44
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 8:44
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 8:44
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44
Sermons on 1 Kings 8:44

Context — Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication

42for they will hear of Your great name and mighty hand and outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, 43then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name.

44When Your people go to war against their enemies, wherever You send them, and when they pray to the LORD in the direction of the city You have chosen and the house I have built for Your Name,

45then may You hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and may You uphold their cause. 46When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to his own land, whether far or near,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Chronicles 6:34	When Your people go to war against their enemies, wherever You send them, and when they pray to You in the direction of the city You have chosen and the house I have built for Your Name,
2	Psalms 78:67–69	He rejected the tent of Joseph and refused the tribe of Ephraim. But He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which He loved. He built His sanctuary like the heights, like the earth He has established forever.
3	1 Kings 8:16	‘Since the day I brought My people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from any tribe of Israel in which to build a house so that My Name would be there. But I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’
4	Psalms 132:13–14	For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home: “This is My resting place forever and ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired this home.
5	Daniel 9:17–19	So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary. Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your name.”
6	2 Samuel 5:23	So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.
7	Deuteronomy 31:3–6	The LORD your God Himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will dispossess them. Joshua will cross ahead of you, as the LORD has said. And the LORD will do to them as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, when He destroyed them along with their land. The LORD will deliver them over to you, and you must do to them exactly as I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
8	1 Samuel 30:8	and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”
9	Judges 4:6	She summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “Surely the LORD, the God of Israel, is commanding you: ‘Go and march to Mount Tabor, taking with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun.
10	Deuteronomy 20:1–4	When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

1 Kings 8:44 Summary

This verse, 1 Kings 8:44, talks about the Israelites praying to God when they go to war, and they pray towards the city and the house God has chosen. It means that even in difficult times, like when they're fighting, they look to God for help and remember that He is with them, similar to what is expressed in Deuteronomy 31:6. They know that God is their protector and guide, and they trust in Him, just like we can trust in God today, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By praying towards the temple, they're showing that they believe God is present and listening, and they're seeking His guidance and protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of praying towards the city and the house God has chosen in 1 Kings 8:44?

This act of prayer signifies the Israelites' recognition of God's presence and sovereignty over their lives, as seen in 1 Kings 8:44, and their dependence on Him for guidance and protection, similar to what is expressed in Psalm 5:7-8.

How does 1 Kings 8:44 relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?

The verse highlights the connection between physical battles and spiritual reliance on God, emphasizing the importance of prayer in times of conflict, as also seen in 2 Chronicles 20:15 and Ephesians 6:12.

What role does the temple play in the context of 1 Kings 8:44?

The temple, as the house built for God's Name, serves as a focal point for the Israelites' prayers and a symbol of God's presence among them, as mentioned in 1 Kings 8:43 and Deuteronomy 12:11.

How does this verse apply to believers today?

Although the physical temple is no longer the central place of worship, the principle of directing our prayers towards God's presence and seeking His guidance remains, as taught in Matthew 18:20 and Hebrews 4:16.

Reflection Questions

In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking God's guidance and protection in my own life, especially during challenging times?
How can I cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God, recognizing His sovereignty over my life and circumstances?
What role does prayer play in my life, especially when facing conflicts or difficulties, and how can I strengthen my prayer life?
In what ways can I acknowledge and honor God's presence in my life, similar to the Israelites' recognition of His presence in the temple?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 8:44

If thy people go out to battle against their enemy,.... In a foreign country, threatening to invade them, or having trespassed on their borders, or some way or other infringed on their liberties and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 8:44

If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I have built for

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44

Withersoever thou shalt send them, i.e. in a just cause, and by thy warrant or commission; whereby he implies that it was unlawful for them to undertake any war merely for their own glory or lust, or to enlarge their empire beyond its due bounds; and that they could not with safe conscience pray to God for his blessing upon such a war. And shall pray unto the Lord; whereby he instructs them that they should not trust either to the strength or justice of their arms, but only to God’ s help and blessing, which they were to pray for. The city which thou hast chosen, to wit, for thy dwelling-place, and the seat of thy temple. Toward the house that I have built for thy name; for to it they were to turn their faces in prayer; partly thereby to profess themselves to be the worshippers of the true God, in opposition to idols; and that they sought help from him, and from no other; and partly to strengthen faith in God’ s promises and covenant, the tables whereof were contained in that house.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44

1 Kings 8:44 If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and [toward] the house that I have built for thy name:Ver. 44. If thy people go out to battle.] Upon a necessary justice, or a just necessity. For that soldier can never answer it to God that strikes not more as a justicer, than as any enemy. And shall pray unto the Lord.] Soldiers must fight and pray, and pray and fight, as did the late king of Sweden.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44

(23-53) The prayer of Solomon, uttered (see 1 Kings 8:54) on his knees with hands uplifted to heaven, long and detailed as it is, is yet of extreme simplicity of idea. It begins (a), in 1 Kings 8:23-25, with a thankful acknowledgment of the fulfilment of one part of the great promise to David, and a prayer for the like fulfilment of the other; next (b), in 1 Kings 8:26-30, acknowledging that God’s presence can be limited to no Temple, it yet Asks that His peculiar blessing may rest on prayer uttered toward the place which He has hallowed; and then (c), in 1 Kings 8:31-53, applies that petition to the various contingencies, of oath taken in His name, of rain withheld, of disaster in battle, of famine and pestilence, of captivity in a foreign land, and extends it not only to Israel, but to the stranger who shall acknowledge and invoke the Lord Jehovah. Its constantly recurring burden is, “Hear Thou from heaven thy dwelling-place, and when Thou hearest, Lord, forgive.” It is plain that before Solomon’s mind there are continually present in some form the blessing and the curse pronounced in the Law (see Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28); and it is most true to human nature, and especially characteristic of the thoughtfulness of his philosophic temper, that over the bright hour of exultation there seems to hover a constant foreboding of evils and trials to come.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44

Verse 44. If thy people go out to battle] The SIXTH case refers to wars undertaken by Divine appointment: whithersoever thou shalt send them; for in no other wars could they expect the blessing and concurrence of the Lord; in none other could the God of truth and justice maintain their cause. There were such wars under the Mosaic dispensation, there are none such under the Christian dispensation: nor can there be any; for the Son of man is come, not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. Except mere defensive war, all others are diabolic; and, query, if there were no provocations, would there be any attacks, and consequently any need of defensive wars?

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 8:44

44. If thy people go out to battle] The case here is of a war undertaken by God’s direction, and therefore in a righteous cause. Under such circumstances the people may trust in Him for support. shall pray unto the Lord toward the city] Not only the Jews but other people were wont to turn their faces toward some sacred spot when praying in a distant land, as Daniel did in Babylon (Daniel 6:10). Thus the Mohammedans turn towards Mecca, and the early Christians inherited from the Jews the custom of turning to the east when they prayed. Cf. Tert. Apol. 16.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44

44. Whithersoever thou shalt send them — This indicates that the battle referred to is one undertaken by Divine counsel or sanction, as was every righteous war for the defence or honour of the nation.

Sermons on 1 Kings 8:44

	Sermon	Description
	Thoughts on 1 Samuel by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby reflects on the Book of 1 Samuel, emphasizing God's sovereignty and grace in the face of Israel's failures. He discusses how God provided Samuel as a prophet when
	Let the House Be Builded - Part 1of3 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's all-inclusive purpose. He highlights that while Christianity has many aspects, such as evangelism, teac
	Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the specific purpose and calling that God has for each individual. He encourages listeners to see
	The Credentials of True Ministry by George Warnock	George Warnock preaches about the significance of carrying the ark of God on the shoulders of anointed men, emphasizing the importance of walking in God's anointing and not delegat
	Zion, the City of Solemnities by William Gadsby	William Gadsby expounds on the spiritual significance of Zion as the true church of Christ, emphasizing its divine selection and the solemnities that characterize it. He describes
	Why Mount Zion? by George Warnock	George Warnock emphasizes the significance of Mount Zion as a divine union of king and priest, exemplified in David, and the establishment of a structure that embodies both authori
	Luke 13 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby discusses the distinction between the church of God and His governmental dealings with the world, emphasizing that while grace is evident in the church, God's jus

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1 Kings 8:44

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Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 8:44

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 8:44

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 8:44

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:44

Sermons on 1 Kings 8:44