1 Kings 8:41

_MOREOVER CONCERNING A STRANGER, THAT IS NOT OF THY PEOPLE ISRAEL, BUT COMETH OUT OF A FAR COUNTRY FOR THY NAME'S SAKE;_ Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel. Not only was prayer made in that house to be answered, but the petitions were to be granted in so conspicuous a manner that their accomplishment was to become, even to unbelievers, a proof of Yahweh's supreme existence and illimitable power. Solomon in this part of his dedication-prayer speaks of strangers, not of Israelite descent, repairing to worship God in that temple, as a known and allowable usage (cf Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17). There were probably a great number of foreigners resident in Canaan among the Jews, and it would certainly be increased in the reign of Solomon (see, for _ GEER_ ...

22-53 In this excellent prayer, Solomon does as we should do in every prayer; he gives glory to God. Fresh experiences of the truth of God's promises call for larger praises. He sues for grace and favour from God. The experiences we have of God's performing his promises, should encourage us to depend upon them, and to plead them with him; and those who expect further mercies, must be thankful for former mercies. God's promises must be the guide of our desires, and the ground of our hopes and expectations in prayer. The sacrifices, the incense, and the whole service of the temple, were all typical of the Redeemer's offices, oblation, and intercession. The temple, therefore, was continually to be remembered. Under one word, "forgive," Solomon expressed all that he could ask in behalf of his people. For, as all misery springs from sin, forgiveness of sin prepares the way for the removal of...

Verse 41. _MOREOVER, CONCERNING A STRANGER_] The FIFTH case relates to heathens coming from other countries with the design to become proselytes to the true religion; that they might be received, blessed, and protected as the true Israelites, that the name of Jehovah might be known over the face of the earth....

Nothing is more remarkable in the Mosaic Law than its liberality with regard to strangers, both in general Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 25:35; Deuteronomy 10:19 and in religious matters Numbers 15:14; Deuteronomy 31:12. It is quite in the spirit of these enactments that Solomon, having first prayed to God on behalf of his fellow-countrymen, should next go on to intercede for the strangers, and to ask for their prayers the same acceptance which he had previously begged for the prayers of faithful Israelites....

EXPOSITION THE DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE.—The stately and impressive service with which the Temple, the character and contents of which have now been described, was dedicated, is related in this chapter, and divides itself into four sections. We have (1) the removal of the ark and Solomon's ascription of praise on the occasion (1 Kings 8:1). (2) The prayer of consecration (1 Kings 8:23-11). (3) The benediction of the congregation (1 Kings 8:55-11), and (4) the festal sacrifices which followed on and completed the dedication ...

MOREOVER, CONCERNING A STRANGER THAT IS NOT OF THY PEOPLE ISRAEL,.... One of another country, not belonging to any of the tribes of Israel, yet having some knowledge of, and disposition to, the true worship of God: BUT COMETH OUT OF A FAR COUNTRY FOR THY NAME'S SAKE; as the Ethiopian eunuch did, to pray to him, worship him, and offer such sacrifices as were allowed a Gentile to do, Leviticus 22:18 led thereunto by the fame of him, as follows....

CHAPTER 8THE DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE _ 1. The great assembly (1 Kings 8:1)_ 2. The transportation of the ark (1 Kings 8:3) 3. The glory of the LORD filling the house (1 Kings 8:10) 4. Solomon's opening words (1 Kings 8:12) 5. Solomon's great prayer (1 Kings 8:22) 6. Solomon's benediction (1 Kings 8:54) 7. The sacrifices and the feast ...

SOLOMON'S DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE, PRAYER AND ADDRESS. This chapter is mainly Deuteronomic, being clearly written from the standpoint of one who has seen the Temple as the one national sanctuary of Israel, and has either witnessed its downfall or perceived that it was imminent. 1 Kings 8:1 is, however, probably from the early record of how the house of Yahweh was dedicated by Solomon, of which 1 Kings 8:62 is the continuation, the prayer of Solomon being Deuteronomic. In 1 Kings 8:12 f. we may have preserved an authentic poetic utterance of Solomon himself in the words of the dedication of the Temple. As they are given in the LXX they read as follows: Yahweh set the sun in heaven,...

STRANGER. foreigner, or alien. Already contemplated in Numbers 15:14.Deuteronomy 10:19....

_Moreover concerning a stranger_ Consideration for the stranger was a marked feature of the Jewish legislation. Cf. Exodus 22:21; Exodus 23:9; Exodus 23:12, &c. So he is not to be excluded from spiritual privileges. Josephus makes Solomon enlarge on this characteristic thus: "And I do not ask from Thee this help for the Hebrews alone when they offend; but even if any come from the ends of the earth, or from any land whatever and wish in this place to make petition unto Thee, hearken and grant their request. For thus it will be known to all men that Thou hast wished this house to be built for Thee by us, and that we are not unnatural nor hostile to strangers, but gladly desire that Thy help and the advantage of Thy blessings sh