What is the meaning of 1 Kings 8:28?

Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant

• Solomon recognizes that prayer is effective because God Himself “regards” it—He turns His face toward His people (Psalm 34:15).

• The king’s words show humility; he calls himself “Your servant,” echoing Moses’ posture in Numbers 12:7.

• By joining “prayer” and “plea,” Solomon covers both worshipful requests and urgent petitions, confident that God welcomes every need (Philippians 4:6).

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O LORD my God

• Solomon addresses God by the covenant name “LORD” (YHWH) and the relational title “my God,” reinforcing personal trust (Exodus 3:15; Psalm 18:2).

• This coupling blends reverence and intimacy: the sovereign Creator is also the believer’s refuge (Proverbs 18:10).

• It reminds Israel that covenant loyalty flows from a living relationship, not mere ritual (Deuteronomy 6:5).

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so that You may hear the cry and the prayer

• Solomon believes God not only observes but actively “hears” (2 Chronicles 7:15). Hearing implies readiness to respond (Isaiah 59:1).

• “Cry” highlights earnest desperation (Psalm 61:1); “prayer” underscores thoughtful communion (Psalm 141:2).

• The phrase teaches that God’s ear is attentive to both the brokenhearted and the reflective seeker (Psalm 145:18-19).

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that Your servant is praying before You today

• “Before You” stresses God’s immediate presence filling the newly dedicated temple, yet Solomon knows even heaven cannot contain Him (1 Kings 8:27).

• “Today” roots the request in a real moment of history, illustrating that every day is the proper day to seek the Lord (Hebrews 4:7).

• By repeating “Your servant,” Solomon models ongoing dependence; leaders and people alike stand equal before God (1 Peter 5:6-7).

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summary

Solomon’s single verse is a tapestry of humility, covenant faith, and confident expectation: God turns toward His servants, listens attentively, and invites prayers both urgent and reflective. Believers today share that same assurance—our God, both majestic and personal, regards every cry offered in faith.