38. if they return] Compare Leviticus xxvi. 39–41; Deuteronomy xxx. 1, 2 (passages anticipating captivity and also repentance in captivity).
³⁹then hear thou from heaven, even from thy dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause[¹]; and forgive thy people which have sinned against thee.
[¹] Or, right.
39. their cause] Render with margin, their right (as in verse 35).
40–42 (no parallel in 1 Kings).
The Invocation.
The end of the prayer in 1 Kings viii. 51–53 is quite different, and less effective.
⁴⁰Now, O my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open; and let thine ears be attent, unto the prayer that is made in this place.
40. attent] i.e. attentive. Compare vii. 15 (the same English word for the same Hebrew word).
⁴¹Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness[¹].
[¹] Or, good.