1 Kings 8:35
When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:
Original Language Analysis
בְּהֵֽעָצֵ֥ר
is shut up
H6113
בְּהֵֽעָצֵ֥ר
is shut up
Strong's:
H6113
Word #:
1 of 19
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
שָׁמַ֛יִם
When heaven
H8064
שָׁמַ֛יִם
When heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
2 of 19
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
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֶֽחֶטְאוּ
because they have sinned
H2398
יֶֽחֶטְאוּ
because they have sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
וְהִֽתְפַּלְל֞וּ
against thee if they pray
H6419
וְהִֽתְפַּלְל֞וּ
against thee if they pray
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
9 of 19
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
הַמָּק֤וֹם
toward this place
H4725
הַמָּק֤וֹם
toward this place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
וְהוֹד֣וּ
and confess
H3034
וְהוֹד֣וּ
and confess
Strong's:
H3034
Word #:
13 of 19
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמֶ֔ךָ
thy ~
H8034
שְׁמֶ֔ךָ
thy ~
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
15 of 19
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
וּמֵֽחַטָּאתָ֥ם
from their sin
H2403
וּמֵֽחַטָּאתָ֥ם
from their sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
16 of 19
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
יְשׁוּב֖וּן
and turn
H7725
יְשׁוּב֖וּן
and turn
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
17 of 19
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
Deuteronomy 11:17And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.1 Kings 8:33When thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house:Leviticus 26:19And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:Revelation 11:6These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.Luke 4:25But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;2 Samuel 24:13So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.
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?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:
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.