1 Kings 8:59
And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the LORD, be nigh unto the LORD our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require:
The words belong to Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple, spoken kneeling before God in the presence of all Israel and many nations as a blessing after his prayer for Israel. In them he asks God to keep these words of supplication near Him day and night and to maintain the cause of His servant the king and the cause of His people Israel at all times as need and circumstance require. The request is that God's eyes be open toward that dedicated house night and day to hear prayer made toward that place. For God is not like heathen gods confined to temples built for them, but would meet His people by His Spirit when they assembled in that house dedicated to His worship.
Solomon joins the plea to the purpose that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God and there is none else. With it he calls for Israel's hearts to be wholly devoted to the Lord and to walk faithfully in His commands. The prayer shows Israel's dependence on God and seeking of His continuing care for His servant and people. The temple was a place for sincere worship, and those who worshiped God sincerely received His blessing.
The conditions for receiving God's blessing in worship are sincere worship and recognition of Him as the source of blessings, answered with reverence, gratitude, worship, and praise. God is minded to show favor and bring deliverance, vindicating His own honor as well as His people. The way to seek God by prayer and supplication remains open wherever the faithful are, even when the people are defeated or carried into captivity. Especially when in war or oppression by an enemy army the leaders and chief men enter the house of prayer to plead for help, He will maintain their cause as the matter requires.
Hezekiah's prayer for Judah and for God's honor was in harmony with and exemplifies this plea. When he spread Sennacherib's taunting letter before the Lord and prayed to be saved out of his hand so that all kingdoms of the earth may know that God alone is Lord, he prayed for deliverance and for the honor of God. God honored the dedication prayer when fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices and the glory of the Lord filled the house so the priests could not enter, and all Israel bowed with faces to the ground and worshiped.
Families are to carry out this passage in daily life by teaching it to children in instruction and example. Its prayer for the Lord to remain near and uphold His people is reflected in the promise that He is near to those who value His gifts and trace their good things to Him. Yet Solomon later acted contrary to the devotion he prayed for.