and mighty hand
The "mighty hand" is a metaphor for God's power and intervention in human history. It recalls the Exodus narrative, where God delivered Israel from slavery with a "mighty hand" (Exodus 13:9). This expression underscores God's ability to act decisively and powerfully on behalf of His people. It also serves as a reminder of His past faithfulness, encouraging trust in His continued protection and provision.

and outstretched arm—
The "outstretched arm" complements the "mighty hand," emphasizing God's readiness to act and His active involvement in the world. This imagery is often associated with deliverance and salvation, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:34 and Psalm 136:12. It conveys the idea of God reaching out to save and support His people, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who is described as the arm of the Lord in Isaiah 53:1.

when he comes and prays toward this temple,
This phrase refers to the foreigner who, upon hearing of God's great name and mighty deeds, is drawn to worship Him. The temple in Jerusalem was the designated place for God's presence and the focal point of Israelite worship. Praying toward the temple signifies acknowledging God's dwelling place and seeking His favor. This anticipates the inclusion of Gentiles in the worship of the true God, a theme further developed in the New Testament (e.g., Acts 10:34-35). The temple itself is a type of Christ, who declared Himself the true temple (John 2:19-21), where all nations can come to find reconciliation with God.

• Solomon anticipates that “foreigners” (1 Kings 8:41) will actually hear reports of the LORD’s deeds—just as Jericho heard before Israel arrived (Joshua 2:10) and as the Philistines trembled after the ark returned (1 Samuel 6:6).

• History bears this out: Rahab confessed, “we have heard” (Joshua 2:10-11); the Queen of Sheba came because she “heard of the fame of Solomon” connected to the LORD (1 Kings 10:1).

• The phrase underscores God’s plan for the nations (Genesis 12:3; Psalm 67:2), revealing that Israel’s worship was always meant to broadcast His glory beyond its borders.

• “Name” in Scripture points to person and reputation (Exodus 3:15; Psalm 8:1). Here it highlights the uniqueness and holiness of God (Deuteronomy 28:58).

• God had already “made a name” for Himself by redeeming Israel from Egypt (2 Samuel 7:23). Reports of that redemption inspire awe and draw outsiders.

• When people today proclaim what God has done in Christ (Philippians 2:9-11), they echo the same heartbeat: His name is worthy to be known and feared.

• The “mighty hand” recalls the Exodus deliverance (Deuteronomy 4:34; 7:19). It affirms real, historical intervention, not myth or metaphor.

• This power continues: David praised the same hand that “saved” him from enemies (Psalm 18:35).

• For believers, the same hand secures eternal life (John 10:28-29), assuring that divine strength remains active on behalf of all who trust Him.

• Paired with “mighty hand,” the outstretched arm pictures decisive, sovereign action (Exodus 6:6; Jeremiah 32:21).

• The image conveys both reach and tenderness—an arm extended to rescue. Isaiah later applies it to God’s future salvation for the nations (Isaiah 52:10).

• The cross perfectly displays that arm stretched wide (Luke 23:33-34), embracing Jew and Gentile alike (Ephesians 2:13).

• The foreigner’s physical journey to Jerusalem fulfills God’s invitation for all peoples to “come” (Isaiah 2:3; Zechariah 8:22-23).

• Acts provides New-Testament echoes: the Ethiopian eunuch traveled to worship (Acts 8:27), Cornelius sought God (Acts 10:1-2).

• Such movement underscores personal response; hearing about God leads to seeking Him (Romans 10:17).

• Turning toward the temple recognized it as God’s chosen earthly dwelling (2 Chronicles 6:32-33). Daniel later faced Jerusalem in exile (Daniel 6:10), demonstrating continued confidence in this promise.

• Direction signaled faith in the God who promised to hear “from heaven” (1 Kings 8:30). The focus was never the building itself, but the God who met His people there.

• Jesus, “something greater than the temple” (Matthew 12:6), now mediates access (Hebrews 10:19-22). Yet the principle endures: approach the LORD in the way He provides, with confidence that He hears.

1 Kings 8:42 reveals the missionary pulse of Scripture. God’s deeds create worldwide acclaim so that even those far away are drawn to seek Him. His great name, mighty hand, and outstretched arm testify to real acts of salvation. When anyone—Israelite or foreigner—comes and prays according to His appointed way, God promises to listen. The passage assures that the LORD’s heart has always been for all nations, and His power to save remains unchanged.