1 Kings 8:36
Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.
Original Language Analysis
תִּשְׁמַ֣ע
Then hear
H8085
תִּשְׁמַ֣ע
Then hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 24
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם
thou in heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם
thou in heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
3 of 24
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
לְחַטַּ֤את
the sin
H2403
לְחַטַּ֤את
the sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
5 of 24
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
לְעַמְּךָ֖
and of thy people
H5971
לְעַמְּךָ֖
and of thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 24
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 24
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 24
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תוֹרֵ֛ם
that thou teach
H3384
תוֹרֵ֛ם
that thou teach
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
10 of 24
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדֶּ֥רֶךְ
way
H1870
הַדֶּ֥רֶךְ
way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
12 of 24
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
הַטּוֹבָ֖ה
them the good
H2896
הַטּוֹבָ֖ה
them the good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
13 of 24
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֵֽלְכוּ
H1980
יֵֽלְכוּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
15 of 24
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
נָתַ֥תָּה
and give
H5414
נָתַ֥תָּה
and give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
17 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
19 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
21 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָתַ֥תָּה
and give
H5414
נָתַ֥תָּה
and give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
22 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 27:11Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.1 Samuel 12:23Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:Jeremiah 6:16Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.Psalms 94:12Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;Jeremiah 14:22Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.1 Kings 18:1And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.1 Kings 18:45And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.
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
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.
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.