King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 8:9 Mean?

1 Kings 8:9 in the King James Version says “There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. when the: or, where the

1 Kings 8:9 · KJV


Context

7

For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.

8

And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day. ends: Heb. heads holy: or, ark

9

There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. when the: or, where the

10

And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD,

11

So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of dedication of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. God's covenant faithfulness remains steadfast despite human unfaithfulness, ultimately fulfilled in the new covenant through Christ.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
  2. What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אֵ֚ין1 of 20
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בָּֽאָר֔וֹן2 of 20

There was nothing in the ark

H727

a box

רַ֗ק3 of 20

save

H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

שְׁנֵי֙4 of 20

the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לֻח֣וֹת5 of 20

tables

H3871

probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal

הָֽאֲבָנִ֔ים6 of 20

of stone

H68

a stone

אֲשֶׁ֨ר7 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִנִּ֥חַ8 of 20

put

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

שָׁ֛ם9 of 20
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מֹשֶׁ֖ה10 of 20

which Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בְּחֹרֵ֑ב11 of 20

there at Horeb

H2722

choreb, a (generic) name for the sinaitic mountains

אֲשֶׁ֨ר12 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

כָּרַ֤ת13 of 20

made

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

יְהוָה֙14 of 20

when the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עִם15 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בְּנֵ֣י16 of 20

a covenant with the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל17 of 20

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּצֵאתָ֖ם18 of 20

when they came out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֵאֶ֥רֶץ19 of 20

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָֽיִם׃20 of 20

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 8:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 8:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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