Introduction

The passage from 1 Kings 8:60 emphasizes the unicity of God and the revelation of His greatness to all nations. This verse occurs in the context of Solomon's dedication of the temple, where he prays for God's presence and glory to be fully manifested.

Commentary Insights

When examining this verse, several prominent commentators provide foundational insights:

• Matthew Henry: He highlights the purpose inherent in this verse: to declare God's sovereignty and truth to all the earth. Henry emphasizes that recognition of the Lord as the one true God is both a call to worship and a proclamation of faith to the nations.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes focuses on the idea that the recognition of God’s exclusivity as the sole deity sets the stage for both the unity of Israel and its distinct purpose as a nation marked by divine favor. He sees this verse as a summary of Israel's mission to reveal God's glory.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke delves into theological implications, pointing out that the acknowledgment of the Lord by all peoples is integral for understanding God’s redemptive plan. He argues that this verse not only affirms Yahweh's power over Israel but also His authority over all creation.

Thematic Connections and Cross-References

This verse finds its relevance across various Scripture passages, emphasizing core themes of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Here are some notable cross-references:

• Deuteronomy 4:35: “You were shown these things so that you might know that the LORD is God; besides him there is no other.”
• Isaiah 45:5: “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.”
• Jeremiah 10:10: “But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King.”
• Romans 3:30: “Since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.”
• 1 Corinthians 8:6: “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”
• Philippians 2:10-11: “At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
• Revelation 15:4: “Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Understanding Cross-References

Exploring the connections between Bible verses can enhance understanding and deepen one’s faith. Here are a few tools and methods for effective cross-referencing:

• Bible Concordances: These provide listings of where specific words or themes appear, helping to identify related passages.
• Cross-reference Guides: Many editions of the Bible include margin notes with cross-references, facilitating comparative Bible verse analysis.
• Chain Reference Systems: These guide readers through a series of interconnected verses, illustrating biblical themes over broad contexts.
• Topical Studies: These studies focus on specific themes, showing how different scriptures support the same idea.

Conclusion

The verse 1 Kings 8:60 serves as an important reminder of God's sovereignty and the centrality of His role not only in Israel’s history but also in the grand narrative of humanity. The connections to multiple scriptures enhance our understanding of God's unchanging nature and His call to worship Him alone.

Further Study Suggestions

For those interested in deeper study regarding cross-referencing biblical texts, consider exploring:

• How to find cross-references in the Bible: Understanding tools and techniques to make the most out of your study.
• Identifying connections between Old and New Testament: Exploring Christ's fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
• Cross-referenced themes in the Bible: Investigating overarching themes that unite both Testaments.
• Bible cross-references for sermon preparation: Utilizing references to enrich teaching and preaching.