In Solomon’s blessing of the people that follows (verses 56-61), it is important that this not be seen as a prayer to God, but as an actual blessing of the people. God is not addressed, but is referred to in the third person. In verse 57 Solomon includes himself with the people and uses first person plural pronouns (“our” and “us”). In verse 59 Solomon refers to himself in the third person as “his servant,” which is a common Hebrew way of showing deference (see the comments on verse 28). It may be better to render this as a first person singular pronoun in many languages.

Blessed be the LORD: Once again, the context of the verb “bless” may require that it be translated “Praise” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version) or “honor” in many languages.

Has given rest: The Hebrew noun rendered rest comes from the same root as the verb rendered “has given rest” in 1 Kgs 5.4. The rest is almost certainly a reference to political peace and security as in 5.4 (see the comments there) and not a reference to rest from building the Temple, now that it has been finished. In some languages the best translation may be “caused to live in peace.”

Promised is literally “said,” but in this context the verb promised expresses the sense.

Not one word has failed of all his good promise is literally “one word has not fallen from his good word.” This is metaphorical language meaning that none of what God said has failed to happen. The Hebrew word translated promise is literally “word,” and while it is singular in form, the meaning is clearly plural. Bible en français courant, however, retains the singular form with the following rendering: “indeed he realized/fulfilled in all its detail the marvelous promise that he had made.”

Which he uttered by Moses his servant: For God’s promise of peace made through Moses, see Deut 12.10. Josh 21.44-45 also affirms that God kept his promise to give his people peace.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .