1 Kings 8:36

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then hear {H8085} thou in heaven {H8064}, and forgive {H5545} the sin {H2403} of thy servants {H5650}, and of thy people {H5971} Israel {H3478}, that thou teach {H3384} them the good {H2896} way {H1870} wherein they should walk {H3212}, and give {H5414} rain {H4306} upon thy land {H776}, which thou hast given {H5414} to thy people {H5971} for an inheritance {H5159}.

Complete Jewish Bible

hear in heaven, forgive the sin of your servants and of your people Isra'el - since you keep teaching them the good way by which they should live - and send down rain on your land, which you have given your people as their inheritance.

Berean Standard Bible

then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk. May You send rain on the land that You gave Your people as an inheritance.

American Standard Version

then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou teachest them the good way wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:36 captures a pivotal moment in King Solomon's dedication prayer for the newly constructed Temple in Jerusalem. This verse articulates a profound plea for divine intervention in the face of national sin and its consequences, specifically drought. Solomon intercedes on behalf of Israel, asking God to hear their repentance from His heavenly dwelling, to grant forgiveness for their transgressions, to instruct them in the righteous path, and to restore the essential life-giving rain to the land given as their inheritance. It underscores the deep interdependency between Israel's spiritual obedience and their physical well-being, rooted in the Mosaic covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within King Solomon's monumental prayer of dedication for the First Temple, recorded in [1 Kings 8:22-53](/1_kings/8-22 "1 Kings 8:22-53 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Following the Ark of the Covenant's placement and the descent of the LORD's glory, Solomon stands before the altar and addresses various hypothetical scenarios of national calamity that might befall Israel if they stray from God's covenant. Verses [1 Kings 8:31-40](/1_kings/8-31 "1 Kings 8:31-40 - Specific Pleas in Solomon's Prayer") outline a series of conditional prayers, each beginning with a potential sin or disaster (e.g., oath-breaking, defeat in battle, famine, pestilence). Specifically, [1 Kings 8:35-36](/1_kings/8-35 "1 Kings 8:35-36 - Prayer for Drought and Repentance") addresses the consequence of drought, a severe form of divine judgment in an agrarian society, directly linking it to the people's sin. Solomon's prayer here is not merely a request for relief but a deep theological statement about God's justice, mercy, and the pathway to restoration through repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Temple was a monumental event in Israelite history, signifying the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, a fulfillment of David's desire. In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, rain was not merely a meteorological phenomenon but a direct sign of divine favor or displeasure. The withholding of rain, leading to drought and famine, was a frequently invoked covenant curse for disobedience, as explicitly outlined in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 26:19-20](/leviticus/26-19 "Leviticus 26:19-20 - Consequences of Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 11:17](/deuteronomy/11-17 "Deuteronomy 11:17 - The Promise of Rain and Warning of Drought")). The king, as the mediator between God and the people, bore the responsibility of intercession, particularly in times of national crisis. Solomon's prayer reflects the cultural understanding that national well-being was inextricably linked to covenant faithfulness, and that repentance was the prescribed path to avert or reverse divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings - History of the Kings of Israel and Judah") and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Transcendence and Immanence**: God "hears in heaven" (transcendence) yet actively engages with human affairs through forgiveness and provision (immanence). Secondly, **Sin and Repentance** are central; the prayer acknowledges Israel's capacity for sin and the necessity of turning back to God for reconciliation, underscoring that forgiveness is conditional upon genuine repentance. Thirdly, the theme of **Divine Instruction and Guidance** is prominent, as Solomon prays for God to "teach them the good way wherein they should walk," emphasizing that true restoration involves not just pardon but a renewed commitment to God's moral and ethical standards. Finally, the verse reinforces the **Covenantal Relationship and God's Faithfulness**, particularly concerning the land as an "inheritance" given by God, reminding both God and the people of their unique bond and God's sovereign ownership and provision. The connection between spiritual obedience and physical blessing, though not always a strict formula, remains a foundational principle of the Mosaic Covenant, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy - The Second Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forgive (Hebrew, _sālaḥ_):** This verb specifically refers to divine forgiveness, the act by which God pardons sin. It is almost exclusively used in the context of God forgiving His people, particularly in response to their repentance or intercession. Unlike other Hebrew words for "pardon" or "cleanse," _sālaḥ_ emphasizes God's sovereign act of removing guilt and restoring relationship, often in a covenantal context. In [1 Kings 8:36](/1_kings/8-36 "1 Kings 8:36 - Solomon's Prayer for Forgiveness and Rain"), it signifies God's willingness to turn from wrath and restore favor when His people turn from their sin.
* **Good way (Hebrew, _derekh ṭôḇāh_):** This phrase denotes a path that is morally upright, righteous, and pleasing to God. It is not merely about finding a pleasant or easy route, but about discerning and following a divinely ordained course of life, characterized by adherence to God's commandments and wisdom. It implies a deep connection to the Torah and prophetic instruction, guiding one towards a life of blessing and covenant fidelity. The prayer for God to "teach them the good way" highlights the need for divine illumination and guidance for true spiritual and ethical living.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥălāh_):** This term refers to a possession, property, or heritage, often specifically land, passed down through generations. In the context of Israel, "thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance" profoundly connects to God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Promise of Land to Abram")). It underscores that the land is not merely a geographical territory but a sacred trust, a divine gift, and a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His people. The withholding of rain, therefore, directly impacts this sacred inheritance, making the plea for rain a plea for the restoration of God's blessing upon His covenant gift.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel,"**: This opening clause establishes the locus of God's dwelling ("in heaven") and the nature of the plea: a request for divine attention and, crucially, for forgiveness. The petition for "forgive the sin" acknowledges the people's culpability as the root cause of their distress, implying a prior act of disobedience that led to the drought. The distinction between "thy servants" (likely referring to the king and leaders) and "thy people Israel" indicates a comprehensive scope of sin and a collective need for pardon.
* **"that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk,"**: This clause reveals that Solomon's prayer extends beyond mere relief from suffering; it is a profound desire for spiritual restoration and moral guidance. The request for God to "teach them the good way" signifies a longing for renewed instruction and a commitment to living in accordance with God's will. It implies that true repentance involves not just turning *from* sin but turning *to* God's righteous path, seeking His wisdom and direction for future conduct.
* **"and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance."**: This final clause articulates the specific physical blessing sought: rain. The drought is understood as a consequence of sin, and its cessation is linked to God's forgiveness and the people's renewed obedience. The phrase "thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance" serves as a powerful theological anchor, reminding God (and the people) of His covenant promises concerning the land. It appeals to God's faithfulness to His own word and His enduring commitment to the land He graciously bestowed upon Israel, emphasizing that the land's well-being is intrinsically tied to the covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Solomon's prayer in [1 Kings 8:36](/1_kings/8-36 "1 Kings 8:36 - Solomon's Prayer for Forgiveness and Rain") employs several potent literary devices. The entire passage is structured as a **Supplication** or **Petitionary Prayer**, a direct address to God seeking intervention. There is a clear element of **Conditional Covenant** at play, where the granting of rain is implicitly tied to the people's repentance and God's forgiveness, reflecting the "if...then..." structure prevalent in Mosaic law. The phrase "give rain upon thy land" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "rain" stands in for the broader concept of divine blessing, provision, and restoration of fertility and life. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Parallelism** between the spiritual state of the nation (sin, need for forgiveness, desire for instruction) and their physical circumstances (drought, need for rain), highlighting the interconnectedness of these realms in the biblical worldview. The repeated emphasis on "thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance" functions as a powerful **Appeal to Covenant Loyalty**, reminding God of His own promises and establishing a basis for the requested intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:36 stands as a profound theological statement on God's character and the nature of His relationship with His covenant people. It underscores that God is both transcendent, dwelling "in heaven," yet immanently involved in the affairs of humanity, hearing prayers and responding to repentance. The verse highlights the biblical principle that sin has consequences, often affecting the physical realm, but that God's mercy is available through genuine confession and a turning back to His ways. It emphasizes that true restoration involves not just the removal of judgment but also divine instruction for righteous living. The prayer for rain, a physical necessity, is deeply spiritual, rooted in the understanding that all provision flows from God's hand and is often contingent on the people's faithfulness to the covenant, particularly concerning the land given as an inheritance. This passage serves as a timeless model for corporate and individual repentance, demonstrating the pathway from disobedience to reconciliation and renewed blessing.

* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise to Heal the Land")
* [Psalm 32:5](/psalms/32-5 "Psalm 32:5 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [Jeremiah 6:16](/jeremiah/6-16 "Jeremiah 6:16 - The Ancient Paths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's prayer in [1 Kings 8:36](/1_kings/8-36 "1 Kings 8:36 - Solomon's Prayer for Forgiveness and Rain") offers enduring lessons for believers today. It calls us to a posture of humility and honest self-assessment, recognizing that our actions, both individual and corporate, have spiritual consequences. When we face difficulties, whether personal struggles or broader societal challenges, this verse prompts us to first examine our hearts and confess any sin that might be hindering God's blessing. It reminds us that God is always ready to hear and forgive those who genuinely repent and turn to Him. Furthermore, it highlights that true repentance is not merely regret for consequences but a sincere desire to be taught and to walk in "the good way"—God's righteous path. Our dependence on God extends to all areas of life, from spiritual guidance to physical provision. Just as Israel depended on rain for sustenance, we depend on God for every good and perfect gift, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness to meet our needs as we seek His kingdom first.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "droughts" or difficulties in my life or community might be prompting a call to deeper repentance and reliance on God?**
* **How does my understanding of God's forgiveness align with the idea that He also "teaches us the good way" for future living?**
* **In what specific areas do I need to ask God to "teach me the good way wherein I should walk," and how am I actively seeking that instruction?**
* **How does the concept of God's "land" as an "inheritance" inform my understanding of stewardship and responsibility for the resources and blessings He has given me?**

### FAQ

**Why is rain so important in this prayer, and what does it symbolize?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, rain was absolutely vital for crops, livestock, and human survival. Its presence signified God's blessing and faithfulness to the covenant, while its absence (drought) was a severe form of divine judgment for disobedience, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). In [1 Kings 8:36](/1_kings/8-36 "1 Kings 8:36 - Solomon's Prayer for Forgiveness and Rain"), rain symbolizes God's physical provision, the restoration of fertility to the land, and the renewal of His covenant favor after a period of judgment brought on by sin. It represents the tangible manifestation of God's forgiveness and His willingness to bless His repentant people.

**What does "the good way wherein they should walk" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: "The good way" (Hebrew: _derekh ṭôḇāh_) refers to a life lived in accordance with God's commandments, moral principles, and wisdom. It's not just about avoiding evil but actively pursuing righteousness and holiness. Practically, it means seeking God's instruction through His Word ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")) and prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our decisions and actions. It encompasses ethical conduct, justice, mercy, and humility, reflecting the character of God in our daily lives. For Israel, it meant adherence to the Torah; for believers today, it means living out the teachings of Christ and the New Covenant, empowered by the Spirit.

**How does this prayer reconcile God's justice with His mercy?**

Answer: [1 Kings 8:36](/1_kings/8-36 "1 Kings 8:36 - Solomon's Prayer for Forgiveness and Rain") beautifully illustrates the interplay of God's justice and mercy. The drought itself is a manifestation of God's justice, a consequence of Israel's sin, demonstrating that God is holy and does not tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely. However, the prayer for forgiveness and the promise of rain upon repentance reveal God's profound mercy. His justice demands accountability for sin, but His mercy provides a pathway for reconciliation and restoration when His people turn back to Him. It shows that God's justice is not punitive for its own sake, but corrective, aiming to bring His people back into right relationship, where His mercy can then flow freely. This dynamic is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the cross where God's justice and mercy meet perfectly in Christ ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's prayer in [1 Kings 8:36](/1_kings/8-36 "1 Kings 8:36 - Solomon's Prayer for Forgiveness and Rain") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon, as king and intercessor, pleads for God to "hear in heaven, and forgive the sin" and to "teach them the good way." Jesus, however, is not merely an intercessor but the divine Son, the ultimate High Priest who perpetually intercedes for His people before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). He is the very embodiment of "the good way," declaring Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus secured the forgiveness of sins, not just for Israel, but for all who believe, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, the "rain" Solomon prayed for, symbolizing physical provision and blessing, is spiritually fulfilled in Christ through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who brings spiritual life, renewal, and empowers believers to walk in God's ways ([Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - The Outpouring of the Spirit"); [Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - God's Spirit in His People")). The "inheritance" of the land, once a physical promise, is transformed in Christ into a spiritual inheritance of eternal life and co-heirship with Him in God's heavenly kingdom ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ"); [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Thus, what Solomon anticipated and prayed for conditionally, Jesus definitively accomplished and freely offers to all who are in Him.

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

Psalms 27:11

Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

1 Samuel 12:23

Moreover 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 6:16

Thus 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 25:4

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

Psalms 25:5

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou [art] the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

1 Kings 18:1

¶ And 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.

Jeremiah 14:22

Are 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].