Verse 1

Then a said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

(a) After he had seen the glory of the Lord in the cloud.

Verse 11

And in it have I put the ark, wherein [is] the b covenant of the LORD, that he made with the children of Israel.

(b) Meaning the two tables, in which is contained the effect of the covenant that God made with our fathers.

Verse 12

And c he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:

(c) On a scaffold that was made for that purpose, that he praying for the whole people might be heard by all, as in (1 Kings 8:22).

Verse 13

For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and d spread forth his hands toward heaven,

(d) Both to give thanks for the great benefits of God bestowed on him, and also to pray for the perseverance and prosperity of his people.

Verse 20

That thine e eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place.

(e) That you may declare in effect that you have a continual care over this place.

Verse 22

If a man sin against his f neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him to make him swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house;

(f) By retaining anything from him, or by denying that which he has left him to keep, or do him any wrong.

Verse 23

Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way g upon his own head; and by justifying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness.

(g) Meaning, to give him that which he has deserved.

Verse 30

Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose h heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)

(h) He declares that the prayers of hypocrites cannot be heard, nor of any but of them who pray to God with a true faith and in true repentance.

Verse 32

Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and i pray in this house;

(i) He shows that before God there is no deception of person, but all people who fear him and work righteousness are accepted, (Acts 10:35).

Verse 34

If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that k thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;

(k) Meaning, that no one should enterprise any war, but at the Lord's command, that is, which is lawful by his word.

Verse 41

Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy l resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with m salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

(l) That is, into your temple.

(m) Let them be preserved by your power, and made virtuous and holy.

Verse 42

O LORD God, turn not away the face of n thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant.

(n) Hear my prayer, I who am your anointed king.