1-kings 8:44
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
If your people go out to battle against their enemy, wherever you shall send them, and shall pray to the LORD toward the city which you have chosen, and toward the house that I have built for your name:
American King James Version (AKJV)
If your people go out to battle against their enemy, wherever you shall send them, and shall pray to the LORD toward the city which you have chosen, and toward the house that I have built for your name:
American Standard Version (ASV)
If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatsoever way thou shalt send them, and they pray unto Jehovah toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name;
Basic English Translation (BBE)
If your people go out to war against their attackers, by whatever way you may send them, if they make their prayer to the Lord, turning their faces to this town of yours and to this house which I have made for your name:
Webster's Revision
If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray to the LORD towards the city which thou hast chosen, and towards the house that I have built for thy name:
World English Bible
"If your people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatever way you shall send them, and they pray to Yahweh toward the city which you have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for your name;
English Revised Version (ERV)
If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatsoever way thou shalt send them, and they pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name:
Definitions for 1-kings 8:44
Clarke's 1-kings 8:44 Bible Commentary
If thy people go out to battle - The Sixth case refers to wars undertaken by Divine appointment: whithersoever thou shalt send them; for in no other wars could they expect the blessing and concurrence of the Lord; in none other could the God of truth and justice maintain their cause. There were such wars under the Mosaic dispensation, there are none such under the Christian dispensation: nor can there be any; for the Son of man is come, not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. Except mere defensive war, all others are diabolic; and, query, if there were no provocations, would there be any attacks, and consequently any need of defensive wars?
Wesley's 1-kings 8:44 Bible Commentary
8:44 To battle - In a just cause, and by thy warrant or commission.Shall pray - Whereby he instructs them, that they should not trust, eitherto the strength or justice of their arms, but only to God's help andblessing. Chosen - For thy dwelling - place, and the seat of thy temple.Towards the house - For to it they were to turn their faces in prayer; toprofess themselves worshippers of the true God, in opposition to idols; andto strengthen their faith in God's promises and covenant, the tables whereofwere contained in that house. Soldiers in the field must not think itenough that others pray for them: they must pray for themselves. And theyare here encouraged to expect a gracious answer. Praying should always goalong with fighting.
