1 Kings 8:35

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

When heaven {H8064} is shut up {H6113}, and there is no rain {H4306}, because they have sinned {H2398} against thee; if they pray {H6419} toward this place {H4725}, and confess {H3034} thy name {H8034}, and turn {H7725} from their sin {H2403}, when thou afflictest {H6031} them:

Complete Jewish Bible

"When they sin against you, and in consequence the sky is shut, so that there is no rain; then, if they pray toward this place, acknowledge your name and turn from their sin when you have brought them low;

Berean Standard Bible

When the skies are shut and there is no rain because Your people have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and they turn from their sins because You have afflicted them,

American Standard Version

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 dost afflict them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:35 is a pivotal segment of King Solomon's dedication prayer for the newly consecrated Temple in Jerusalem. In this verse, Solomon anticipates a future scenario where the nation of Israel might face divine judgment, specifically a severe drought, as a direct consequence of their disobedience and sin. He then appeals to God, establishing the Temple as a focal point for the people's repentance, asking that if they humble themselves, pray towards this sacred place, confess their wrongdoing, and genuinely turn from their sinful ways during their affliction, God would mercifully hear from heaven and forgive them, restoring the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Solomon's extensive dedication prayer for the Temple, recorded in [1 Kings 8](/1-kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Solomon's Temple Dedication Prayer"). Following the Ark of the Covenant's placement and the manifestation of God's glory (1 Kings 8:10-11), Solomon blesses the assembly (1 Kings 8:14-21) and then offers this profound prayer (1 Kings 8:22-53). His prayer is structured around a series of hypothetical future scenarios where the people might sin and face judgment. For each scenario, Solomon pleads with God to hear their prayers of repentance offered towards the Temple and to grant forgiveness. Verse 35 specifically addresses drought, one of the most devastating forms of judgment in an agrarian society, linking it directly to the people's sin and God's subsequent affliction as a call to repentance. This pattern of sin, judgment, repentance, and restoration is a recurring motif throughout the Deuteronomistic History.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was the crowning achievement of Solomon's reign, fulfilling David's desire to build a permanent dwelling for God's name. In ancient Israel, rain was not merely a meteorological phenomenon but a direct sign of divine favor or displeasure. The land of Israel, particularly the central highlands, was heavily reliant on seasonal rains for agricultural prosperity. Drought, therefore, was a potent symbol and a tangible consequence of God's judgment, as explicitly outlined in the covenant curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The Temple, though acknowledged by Solomon as unable to contain the omnipresent God (1 Kings 8:27), served as the designated place where God's name dwelt and where His people could approach Him. Praying "toward this place" was a culturally understood act of turning one's heart and attention towards the divine presence, a practice that continued even in exile (cf. [Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel's Prayer Toward Jerusalem")).
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 8:35](/1-kings/8-35 "1 Kings 8:35 - Solomon's Prayer for Rain") powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **consequences of sin**, demonstrating that disobedience to God's covenant commands leads to tangible, often severe, judgment, such as the withholding of rain. Secondly, it highlights **divine discipline as a call to repentance**, emphasizing that God's affliction is not merely punitive but redemptive, designed to prompt His people to acknowledge their sin and turn back to Him. Thirdly, the verse stresses the **power and necessity of prayer and confession**, particularly when offered with a repentant heart. The Temple, as the focal point, symbolizes God's accessibility and His readiness to hear the contrite. Finally, it implicitly affirms **God's mercy and readiness to forgive**, even in the face of profound national sin, provided there is genuine turning away from evil and a return to Him. This theme is echoed in God's later response to Solomon in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2-chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise of Healing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shut up (Hebrew, _ʿāṣar'_):** The Hebrew verb עָצַר (`ʿāṣar`) means "to restrain," "to hold back," or "to shut up." In this context, it vividly describes God's active withholding of rain, implying a deliberate act of divine control over the natural elements. It is not merely a natural phenomenon but a direct consequence orchestrated by God as a form of judgment or discipline. This word underscores God's sovereignty over creation and His use of it to interact with humanity's moral choices.
* **Sinned (Hebrew, _ḥāṭāʾ'_):** The verb חָטָא (`ḥāṭāʾ`) is the most common Hebrew word for "sin." Its primary meaning is "to miss the mark," "to go astray," or "to fail." Here, it directly links the drought to the people's moral and spiritual deviation from God's covenant. It emphasizes that sin is not just a human failing but an offense against God ("sinned against thee"), breaking the sacred relationship and inviting divine response.
* **Turn (Hebrew, _shuv'_):** The verb שׁוּב (`shuv`) is a crucial theological term in the Old Testament, meaning "to turn," "to return," or "to repent." It signifies a complete change of direction, a turning away from sin and a turning back towards God. It implies not just regret or remorse, but a decisive action of reorientation of one's life and allegiance. This turning is presented as a prerequisite for divine forgiveness and restoration, highlighting the active role of the human will in the process of repentance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain,"**: This clause describes the specific divine judgment. "Heaven is shut up" is a powerful metaphorical expression indicating God's control over the skies and the withholding of the life-giving rain. It signifies a direct, supernatural intervention, not merely a natural drought, emphasizing the severity of the affliction and its divine origin.
* **"because they have sinned against thee;"**: This is the explicit causal link. The drought is not random but a direct consequence of the people's sin against God. This reinforces the covenantal understanding that obedience brings blessing and disobedience brings curses, establishing a clear moral framework for the nation's well-being.
* **"if they pray toward this place,"**: This introduces the condition for God's merciful response. "This place" refers to the newly dedicated Temple. While God is omnipresent, the Temple was consecrated as the specific geographical and spiritual focal point where His name dwelt and where His people could direct their prayers in faith, symbolizing their turning to Him.
* **"and confess thy name,"**: This specifies the nature of their prayer. "Confess thy name" implies acknowledging God's sovereignty, His character, and His righteousness, often in conjunction with admitting one's own guilt and unworthiness. It is a public or communal declaration of allegiance to God and an admission of the sin that led to the affliction.
* **"and turn from their sin,"**: This is the critical component of true repentance. It goes beyond mere verbal confession to demand a genuine change of heart and action. The Hebrew "shuv" (turn) signifies a complete reorientation—a turning away from the sinful path and a turning back to God's ways and commands. This active turning is essential for receiving forgiveness.
* **"when thou afflictest them:"**: This final clause clarifies the context in which this repentance occurs. The affliction (the drought) is not just punishment but also a divine instrument designed to bring the people to their senses, to humble them, and to prompt this very process of prayer, confession, and turning from sin. It underscores God's redemptive purpose even in His discipline.

#### Literary Devices
1 Kings 8:35 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Conditional Clause** ("if they pray... then..."). This structure is characteristic of covenant theology, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between human action (sin, repentance) and divine response (judgment, forgiveness). The verse also uses **Metonymy** when referring to "heaven is shut up" to signify drought; the "heaven" is not literally closed, but its function of providing rain is withheld. The Temple itself functions as a powerful **Symbol**, representing God's presence and providing a tangible focal point for prayer and national repentance. Furthermore, there is an inherent **Antithesis** at play: the contrast between the destructive consequences of sin (drought, affliction) and the restorative power of genuine repentance (forgiveness, healing). This highlights the stark choices before the nation and God's consistent character as both just and merciful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:35 is deeply rooted in the Deuteronomic covenant theology, which posited a direct correlation between Israel's obedience to God's commands and the blessings they would receive, versus the curses that would befall them for disobedience. This verse vividly illustrates God's justice in bringing judgment for sin, but equally, it emphasizes His profound mercy and readiness to forgive when His people genuinely repent. It underscores that God's discipline is not arbitrary but purposeful, aiming to draw His people back into right relationship with Him. The Temple, while a physical structure, serves as a powerful symbol of God's accessibility and His desire to meet with His people, even in their brokenness. The act of "turning from their sin" is presented as the crucial human response, highlighting the active role of free will in the process of salvation and restoration.

* [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Drought as a Covenant Curse")
* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2-chronicles/7-14 "God's Promise of Healing")
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Call to Repentance and God's Abundant Pardon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 8:35 offers timeless principles for believers today, reminding us that the spiritual realities of sin, judgment, repentance, and forgiveness remain constant. While we may not experience literal drought for every sin, unconfessed sin can lead to spiritual dryness, a sense of separation from God, and a lack of His blessing in our lives. God's discipline, whether personal struggles or broader societal challenges, is often His compassionate call to examine our hearts and turn back to Him. It's an invitation to humble ourselves, confess our sins, and genuinely turn away from anything that displeases Him. Just as the Israelites looked to the Temple, we are called to direct our prayers and hearts towards God, knowing that through Christ, we have direct access to His throne of grace. This verse encourages us to view difficulties not just as obstacles, but as opportunities for deeper repentance and renewed intimacy with our merciful God, who is always ready to forgive those who sincerely seek Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing "spiritual drought" or a sense of distance from God, and could this be a consequence of unconfessed sin?**
* **How do I respond when God "afflicts" me through difficult circumstances? Do I seek to understand His purpose and turn to Him in repentance, or do I become resentful?**
* **What does it mean for me to "confess God's name" and "turn from my sin" in a practical, daily sense?**
* **How does the understanding that God uses discipline to call us to repentance shape my view of suffering and hardship?**

### FAQ

**Does God still use natural disasters like drought as judgment today?**

Answer: The Bible clearly teaches that God has sovereign control over creation and can use natural phenomena, including drought, as a means of judgment or discipline, as seen in 1 Kings 8:35 and throughout the Old Testament. While we must be careful not to simplistically attribute every natural disaster to a specific sin, the principle remains that God is just and can use various means to call humanity to repentance. More broadly, the New Testament emphasizes that all creation groans under the weight of sin (cf. [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")), and ultimately, the greatest judgment for sin was borne by Christ on the cross. For believers, God's discipline is primarily redemptive, aimed at spiritual growth and conformity to Christ (cf. [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for Our Good")).

**Is the Temple still relevant for prayer today, since it no longer exists?**

Answer: While the physical Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, its spiritual significance has been fulfilled and transformed in the New Covenant. The Temple was a symbol of God's presence among His people and a designated place for prayer and sacrifice. In the New Testament, Jesus declares Himself to be the true Temple (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")), and through His sacrifice, believers now have direct access to God's presence. Furthermore, the Church, as the body of Christ, is described as God's spiritual temple (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")), and individual believers are temples of the Holy Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1-corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")). Therefore, while we no longer pray towards a physical building, the principle of praying "toward this place" is fulfilled by praying in the name of Jesus, who is our access point and mediator to the Father.

**What is the difference between regret and true repentance as described in this verse?**

Answer: 1 Kings 8:35 highlights true repentance through the phrase "turn from their sin." Regret is a feeling of sorrow or remorse over past actions, which may or may not lead to a change in behavior. True repentance, however, involves a fundamental change of mind, heart, and direction. The Hebrew word "shuv" (turn) implies a complete reorientation—a decisive turning *away* from the sinful path and a turning *back* towards God and His righteous ways. It's not just feeling bad about sin, but actively forsaking it and pursuing obedience to God. This genuine turning is what God seeks and what opens the door to His forgiveness and restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 8:35, with its emphasis on sin, divine judgment, and the necessity of repentance towards a designated "place" for forgiveness, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, towards which the Israelites were to pray, was a shadow pointing to the reality of Christ. Jesus himself declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up, speaking of the temple of his body](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")." He is the true and perfect Temple, the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. No longer do we need to pray towards a physical building; instead, we pray in the name of Jesus, who is our High Priest and Mediator, granting us direct access to the Father's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). The "sin" that brought about judgment in Solomon's day is comprehensively addressed by Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross; He is the "[Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")!" Furthermore, the "turning from their sin" (repentance) is made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent. The Spirit convicts us of sin and empowers us to live a new life, enabling genuine transformation that was often elusive under the Old Covenant. Thus, the promise of forgiveness and healing of the land, contingent on repentance in 1 Kings 8:35, is fully realized in the New Covenant through faith in Christ, who not only forgives our sins but also transforms our hearts, bringing ultimate spiritual restoration and reconciliation with God ([2 Corinthians 5:17-19](/2-corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 26:19

And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:

1 Kings 8:33

When 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:

Deuteronomy 11:17

And [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.

2 Samuel 24:13

So 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.

Revelation 11:6

These 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 4:25

But 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 Chronicles 6:26

When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; [yet] if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them;