1 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 34
Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers.
Original Language Analysis
תִּשְׁמַ֣ע
Then hear
H8085
תִּשְׁמַ֣ע
Then hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
thou in heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
thou in heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
3 of 13
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
לְחַטַּ֖את
the sin
H2403
לְחַטַּ֖את
the sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
5 of 13
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
עַמְּךָ֣
of thy people
H5971
עַמְּךָ֣
of thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַהֲשֵֽׁבֹתָם֙
and bring them again
H7725
וַהֲשֵֽׁבֹתָם֙
and bring them again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
8 of 13
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers.
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.
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.