1 Kings 8:27
Verse
Context
Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication
26And now, O God of Israel, please confirm what You promised to Your servant, my father David.27But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.28Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? - This expression is full of astonishment, veneration, and delight. He is struck with the immensity, dignity, and grandeur of the Divine Being, but especially at his condescension to dwell with men: and though he sees, by his filling the place, that he has come now to make his abode with them, yet he cannot help asking the question, How can such a God dwell in such a place, and with such creatures? Behold, the heaven - The words are all in the plural number in the Hebrew: השמים ושמי השמים hashshamayim, ushemey hashshamayim; "the heavens, and the heavens of heavens." What do these words imply? That there are systems, and systems of systems, each possessing its sun, its primary and secondary planets, all extending beyond each other in unlimited space, in the same regular and graduated order which we find to prevail in what we call our solar system; which probably, in its thousands of millions of miles in diameter, is, to some others, no more than the area of the lunar orbit to that of the Georgium Sidus. When God, his manifold wisdom, his creative energy, and that space which is unlimited, are considered, it is no hyperbole to say that, although the earth has been created nearly six thousand years ago, suns, the centres of systems, may have been created at so immense a distance that their light has not yet reached our earth, though travelling at the rate of one hundred and ninety thousand miles every second, or upwards of a million times swifter than the motion of a cannon ball! This may be said to be inconceivable; but what is even all this to the vast immensity of space! Had God created a system like ours in every six days since the foundation of the world, and kept every seventh as a Sabbath; and though there might have been by this time [A.M. 5823 ineunte, a.d. 1819, ineunte] three hundred and three thousand five hundred and seventy-five mundane systems, they would occupy but a speck in the inconceivable immensity of space. Reader, all this and millions more is demonstrably possible; and if so, what must God be - illud inexprimibile - who i-n-h-a-b-i-t-e-t-h E-t-e-r-n-i-t-y!
John Gill Bible Commentary
But will God indeed dwell on the earth?.... Is it true? Can any credit be given to it? Who could ever have thought it, that so great and glorious a Being, who inhabits eternity, dwells in the highest heavens, should ever condescend to dwell on earth? Such was the amazing condescension of Christ, the Son of God, to tabernacle in human nature with men on earth, to which Solomon perhaps might have respect; his temple being the figure of his body, in which the Godhead dwells, Joh 2:19. behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, cannot contain thee; not, only the visible heavens, but the third heaven, where the throne of God is, and is the habitation of angels and saints; though there God makes the most glorious displays of himself yet he is so immense and infinite, that he is not to be comprehended and circumscribed in any place whatever: how much less this house that I have builded? Though temples built for idols contain them, and are large enough, yet Solomon had no notion, when he built his temple, though it was for the name of God, that he was restrained to it, but dwelt everywhere, filling heaven and earth with his presence.
1 Kings 8:27
Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication
26And now, O God of Israel, please confirm what You promised to Your servant, my father David.27But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.28Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Omnipresence and Immanence
By A.W. Tozer5.1K44:42Attributes of God1KI 8:27PSA 139:7MAT 22:39LUK 24:45ACT 17:27ROM 15:3In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the distance between humanity and God. He shares a personal experience of praying with a friend on a hill, feeling both the darkness and the presence of God. The speaker also recalls a moment of nearness to God while praying under an apple tree with other preachers. He then references the Song of Solomon, highlighting the story of the bridegroom and the bride. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the uniqueness and beauty of Jesus, even in the face of adversity. Additionally, he challenges the audience to consider their own self-centeredness and self-indulgence, suggesting that there is enough potential resources within the audience to greatly support the church and missionary efforts.
(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 1-9
By Chuck Smith1.7K1:27:45ExpositionalEXO 40:342SA 7:251KI 8:272CH 7:1PSA 89:20JHN 16:24ROM 8:32In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being motivated by the love of Jesus Christ. He references the apostle Paul's statement that the love of Christ constrains him to preach the gospel. The preacher also mentions the example of King David, who desired to build a house for the Lord but was not allowed to do so. Instead, his son Solomon built the temple, which testifies to God's faithfulness. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God loves us and is willing to bless us abundantly, as demonstrated by the sacrifice of His own Son.
Attributes of God - Wrath, Eternity, Infiity and Foreknowledge
By William MacDonald1.1K42:31Attributes of God1KI 8:27JER 23:24JHN 5:24ACT 15:18ROM 1:18In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the finite nature of human life and the infinite nature of God. They emphasize the privilege of serving God and encourage young people to dedicate their lives to Him. The speaker shares their personal journey of realizing that making money is not the ultimate purpose of life, but rather serving God. They also highlight the importance of recognizing the wrath of God and the need for repentance, while expressing gratitude for being saved from condemnation through Jesus Christ.
The Universality of Prayer
By Stephen Kaung9501:19:391KI 8:27MAL 3:10MAT 6:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of food scarcity in the world and attributes it to the influence of the evil one. He emphasizes that God always provides plenty of food, but it is the greed and selfishness of mankind that deprives others of it. The preacher refers to Psalm 104, which highlights God's role as the provider of food for all living creatures. He also emphasizes the importance of living in the present and trusting God to provide for our needs, rather than worrying about the future. The sermon concludes with a parable about forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of extending forgiveness to others as God has forgiven us.
Attributes of God #7 "The Omnipresence of God"
By A.W. Tozer0Reconciliation with GodOmnipresence of God1KI 8:27JER 23:23A.W. Tozer explores the omnipresence of God, emphasizing that God is not limited by space and is present everywhere, close to all creation. He explains that while God is always near, the sense of distance felt by humanity arises from moral dissimilarity due to sin, which alienates us from God. Tozer highlights that true reconciliation between God and man is achieved through Jesus Christ, who embodies both divine and human nature, allowing for a restoration of fellowship. He stresses that the conscious presence of God is what brings joy and fulfillment to believers, contrasting it with the absence of God's manifest presence in hell. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a deeper understanding of God's nearness and the transformative power of His presence in our lives.
Attributes of God #8 "God's Omnipresence and Immanence"
By A.W. Tozer0God's PresenceSpiritual Transformation1KI 8:27ACT 17:27A.W. Tozer emphasizes God's omnipresence and immanence, explaining that God is everywhere and penetrates all things, yet many Christians feel a sense of divine remoteness due to their moral dissimilarity from God. He discusses the importance of atonement, justification, and regeneration in reconciling humanity with God, highlighting that true communion requires a likeness to God's nature. Tozer urges believers to recognize their unlikeness to God, such as selfishness and unholiness, which hinders their sense of His presence. He calls for repentance and a deeper yearning for God's nearness, reminding that while God is always present, the manifestation of His presence is often clouded by our own shortcomings. The sermon concludes with a call to action for believers to seek a closer relationship with God through repentance and transformation.
The Divine Guest
By F.B. Meyer0Divine HospitalityFaith in God's PromisesGEN 18:11KI 8:27PRO 8:31ISA 57:15JER 32:17MAT 25:45LUK 24:30ACT 13:39HEB 11:11REV 3:20F.B. Meyer reflects on the profound moment when God visited Abraham in the plains of Mamre, emphasizing the significance of divine hospitality and the importance of recognizing God's presence in our lives. He draws parallels between Abraham's humble service to his guests and our own interactions with others, suggesting that Christ often comes to us disguised as strangers. Meyer encourages believers to embrace faith, reminding them that nothing is too hard for the Lord, and that true faith is rooted in the promises of God. He concludes with the assurance that God desires to dwell with us, transforming our lives through His presence and promises.
The Infinite Condescension of Jehovah, Manifested in Dwelling on the Earth.
By John Gill0Divine CondescensionGod's Presence1KI 8:27PSA 139:7John Gill preaches on the profound mystery of God's condescension in choosing to dwell on earth, as illustrated by Solomon's dedication of the temple. He emphasizes the incredible nature of God's presence among sinful humanity, highlighting that despite the earth's corruption, God still desires to be with His people. Gill reflects on the incarnation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate manifestation of this divine condescension, where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us to bring salvation. He also discusses God's ongoing presence in the lives of believers, affirming that Christ dwells in the hearts of those who love Him. The sermon concludes with a call to recognize and cherish this intimate relationship with God.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? - This expression is full of astonishment, veneration, and delight. He is struck with the immensity, dignity, and grandeur of the Divine Being, but especially at his condescension to dwell with men: and though he sees, by his filling the place, that he has come now to make his abode with them, yet he cannot help asking the question, How can such a God dwell in such a place, and with such creatures? Behold, the heaven - The words are all in the plural number in the Hebrew: השמים ושמי השמים hashshamayim, ushemey hashshamayim; "the heavens, and the heavens of heavens." What do these words imply? That there are systems, and systems of systems, each possessing its sun, its primary and secondary planets, all extending beyond each other in unlimited space, in the same regular and graduated order which we find to prevail in what we call our solar system; which probably, in its thousands of millions of miles in diameter, is, to some others, no more than the area of the lunar orbit to that of the Georgium Sidus. When God, his manifold wisdom, his creative energy, and that space which is unlimited, are considered, it is no hyperbole to say that, although the earth has been created nearly six thousand years ago, suns, the centres of systems, may have been created at so immense a distance that their light has not yet reached our earth, though travelling at the rate of one hundred and ninety thousand miles every second, or upwards of a million times swifter than the motion of a cannon ball! This may be said to be inconceivable; but what is even all this to the vast immensity of space! Had God created a system like ours in every six days since the foundation of the world, and kept every seventh as a Sabbath; and though there might have been by this time [A.M. 5823 ineunte, a.d. 1819, ineunte] three hundred and three thousand five hundred and seventy-five mundane systems, they would occupy but a speck in the inconceivable immensity of space. Reader, all this and millions more is demonstrably possible; and if so, what must God be - illud inexprimibile - who i-n-h-a-b-i-t-e-t-h E-t-e-r-n-i-t-y!
John Gill Bible Commentary
But will God indeed dwell on the earth?.... Is it true? Can any credit be given to it? Who could ever have thought it, that so great and glorious a Being, who inhabits eternity, dwells in the highest heavens, should ever condescend to dwell on earth? Such was the amazing condescension of Christ, the Son of God, to tabernacle in human nature with men on earth, to which Solomon perhaps might have respect; his temple being the figure of his body, in which the Godhead dwells, Joh 2:19. behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, cannot contain thee; not, only the visible heavens, but the third heaven, where the throne of God is, and is the habitation of angels and saints; though there God makes the most glorious displays of himself yet he is so immense and infinite, that he is not to be comprehended and circumscribed in any place whatever: how much less this house that I have builded? Though temples built for idols contain them, and are large enough, yet Solomon had no notion, when he built his temple, though it was for the name of God, that he was restrained to it, but dwelt everywhere, filling heaven and earth with his presence.