1 Kings 8:41, commentary and pictures

This verse belongs to the prayer Solomon offered at the dedication of the temple he was appointed to build. At that dedication he felt his need of divine power. In the prayer he asked for his people that their hearts would be given to the Lord without division, showing himself at that time to be a just, compassionate, and God-fearing ruler. The prayer showed that Israel's dependence was in God, and the large and grand temple built by many people was honored by God as a sanctuary where they could meet to worship Him, with His blessing resting on those who worshiped Him sincerely.

The stranger is a foreigner who is not of Israel but comes out of a far country for His name's sake, having heard of His great name and power, His mighty hand and outstretched arm. Solomon asks God to hear that foreigner's prayer offered toward the temple and to answer the request, so that all peoples of the earth may know and fear Him and may recognize that the temple bears His name. In the reigns of David and Solomon Israel grew strong among the nations and gained many opportunities to wield mighty influence for truth and right, the name of Jehovah was exalted and held in honor, and the purpose for establishing Israel in the promised land seemed near fulfillment. Barriers were broken down, so that seekers after truth from heathen lands who came for His name's sake were not sent away unsatisfied, and through the resulting conversions God's church on earth was enlarged and prospered.

The prayer teaches that God is not confined to a temple, for He meets His people by His Spirit when they gather for worship, visits them wherever they are, and may be worshiped in every place. Despite receiving remarkable manifestations of divine power and offering this prayer, Solomon afterward abandoned his just rule, becoming tyrannical and oppressive, forsook the temple, and led his people into idol worship.