1 Kings 8:50

KJV

And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:

KJV (with Strong's)

And forgive {H5545} thy people {H5971} that have sinned {H2398} against thee, and all their transgressions {H6588} wherein they have transgressed {H6586} against thee, and give {H5414} them compassion {H7356} before {H6440} them who carried them captive {H7617}, that they may have compassion {H7355} on them:

Complete Jewish Bible

and forgive your people who have sinned against you - forgive their transgressions which they have committed against you, and give them compassion in the sight of their captors, so that they will show compassion toward them;

Berean Standard Bible

May You forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all the transgressions they have committed against You, and may You grant them compassion in the eyes of their captors to show them mercy.

American Standard Version

and forgive thy people who have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee; and give them compassion before those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:50 encapsulates a profound and prophetic plea from King Solomon's dedication prayer for the First Temple. This verse, situated within a broader supplication for Israel's future, earnestly implores God to extend His divine forgiveness to His people for their inevitable sins and transgressions. Furthermore, it seeks God's intervention to stir compassion in the hearts of their captors, should Israel face the dire consequences of disobedience and exile, thereby highlighting the absolute dependence of the nation on God's mercy, even in the midst of judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of Solomon's lengthy and comprehensive prayer of dedication for the newly completed 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 manifestation of God's glory, Solomon stands before the altar and offers a prayer that anticipates various future scenarios for Israel, ranging from drought and famine to war and, critically, exile due to sin. The prayer moves from general petitions for the nation's well-being to specific pleas for divine intervention in times of distress, each scenario concluding with a request for God to hear from heaven and act. Verse 50 specifically addresses the potential future reality of Israel being carried away captive by their enemies as a consequence of their unfaithfulness, positioning it as a desperate cry for mercy and restoration even in the most severe circumstances.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's prayer reflects an acute awareness of the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel, particularly as outlined in the Mosaic Law, notably in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). This covenant promised blessings for obedience and curses, including exile and subjugation, for disobedience. The historical trajectory of Israel, marked by cycles of faithfulness and apostasy, made the prospect of captivity a very real and ever-present threat. For a people whose identity was inextricably linked to the land and the Temple, exile was the ultimate catastrophe, signifying a profound breach in their relationship with Yahweh. Culturally, the idea of a deity intervening on behalf of a defeated people to soften the hearts of their conquerors was not unique to Israel, but Solomon's specific appeal underscores the unique relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people, and His sovereign power over all nations, even those who were hostile.

* **Key Themes:** Solomon's prayer, and specifically [1 Kings 8:50](/1_kings/8-50 "1 Kings 8:50 - Solomon's Plea for Forgiveness and Compassion in Exile"), powerfully articulates several enduring themes. **Divine Forgiveness** is central, as the verse is fundamentally a plea for God to pardon His people's sins and transgressions, highlighting God's character as merciful and willing to restore even after rebellion. The theme of **Mercy in Exile** is profoundly evident, as Solomon anticipates the painful reality of future exiles (which would later be fulfilled in the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities) and pleads for God's compassion to pursue His people even into foreign lands, as seen in the later promises of return in [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Promise of Restoration"). A remarkable and specific request is for God to **Sovereignly Influence Captors**, asking Him to move the hearts of Israel's enemies to show them compassion, demonstrating Solomon's understanding that God's authority extends even over the decisions and dispositions of gentile rulers and nations, as suggested by [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"). Finally, the verse implicitly acknowledges the **Consequences of Sin**, recognizing that captivity is a direct result of the people's "transgressions," thus underscoring the gravity of sin and its inevitable repercussions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forgive (Hebrew, _salach'_):** This verb (סָלַח) specifically denotes divine forgiveness, indicating a unique act of God's grace to pardon sin. Unlike human forgiveness, which can be conditional or limited, _salach_ implies a complete and sovereign act of pardoning, often in the context of a covenant relationship. It is not merely overlooking a fault but actively removing the guilt and consequences of sin, allowing for reconciliation. Solomon's use of this word emphasizes that only God can truly absolve His people of their transgressions.
* **Transgressions (Hebrew, _pesha'_):** The noun (פֶּשַׁע) carries the strong connotation of rebellion, revolt, or a deliberate breach of trust or covenant. It is not merely an accidental misstep or error, but a willful act of turning away from a rightful authority or established agreement. In the context of Israel, it signifies a conscious defiance of God's commands and His covenant, highlighting the severity and intentionality of the people's sin that would lead to such dire consequences as exile.
* **Compassion (Hebrew, _rachamim'_):** This plural noun (רַחֲמִים) is derived from the root _rechem_, meaning "womb," conveying a deep, visceral, and tender mercy or pity, akin to a parent's profound love and empathy for a child. It speaks of an inner yearning and profound emotional response to suffering. Solomon's plea for God to "give them compassion" implies a request for God to supernaturally implant this deep, heartfelt pity in the hearts of the captors, moving them to act mercifully towards the exiled Israelites.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee,"**: This initial clause establishes the primary request: divine forgiveness. Solomon acknowledges that Israel's suffering stems from their sin against God, underscoring the theological principle that sin breaks covenant and invites judgment. The plea is for God to exercise His unique prerogative to pardon, restoring the relationship despite human failure.
* **"and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee,"**: This expands on the previous clause, emphasizing the totality and deliberate nature of Israel's unfaithfulness. The repetition of "transgressed" (from _pesha'_) highlights the willful rebellion and covenant-breaking that characterizes their sin, reinforcing the idea that their actions are not accidental but a conscious turning away from God's commands. The request is for a comprehensive pardon, covering the full scope of their defiance.
* **"and give them compassion before them who carried them captive,"**: Here, the prayer shifts from internal divine action (forgiveness) to external divine influence. Solomon asks God to supernaturally intervene in the hearts of the foreign nations who would conquer and exile Israel. This is a plea for God to soften the hearts of their enemies, moving them from hostility to a profound, empathetic pity, thereby mitigating the harshness of their captivity.
* **"that they may have compassion on them:"**: This final clause states the desired outcome of God's intervention. The purpose of God granting compassion to the captors is so that the captors themselves will then show compassion to the exiled Israelites. It is a request for a tangible, practical manifestation of God's mercy, leading to better treatment, reduced suffering, and potentially, conditions favorable for eventual return.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated use of "sinned against thee" and "transgressed against thee," which serves to emphasize the gravity and comprehensive nature of Israel's unfaithfulness and their direct accountability to God. This repetition also creates a sense of earnest pleading, underscoring the depth of Solomon's concern. **Parallelism** is also present, particularly in the structure of the two main requests: "forgive thy people... and all their transgressions..." followed by "give them compassion... that they may have compassion on them." This structural balance highlights the two facets of the plea: internal spiritual restoration (forgiveness) and external providential intervention (compassion from captors). The entire verse functions as a **Supplication** or **Plea**, a specific form of prayer characterized by an earnest request for divine assistance, often in a context of distress or need. The **Anticipation** of future exile also serves as a prophetic device, showing Solomon's foresight and God's foreknowledge of Israel's historical trajectory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:50 stands as a powerful testament to God's enduring character of mercy and His sovereign control over all nations and circumstances. It reveals a profound understanding of the covenant relationship, where human sin incurs divine judgment, yet divine grace offers a path to forgiveness and restoration. The plea for compassion from captors underscores the theological truth that God's power extends beyond the boundaries of Israel, influencing the hearts of even hostile foreign rulers for the sake of His people. This verse prefigures the consistent biblical theme that even in the darkest moments of consequence for sin, repentance and prayer can access God's boundless compassion, which can manifest in unexpected ways, even through the actions of those who are enemies. It highlights that God's ultimate desire is not merely punishment, but the restoration of His people.

* [Psalm 103:8-12](/psalm/103-8 "Psalm 103:8-12 - The Lord's Compassion and Forgiveness")
* [Nehemiah 9:27-31](/nehemiah/9-27 "Nehemiah 9:27-31 - God's Patience and Mercy in Israel's History")
* [Daniel 9:9](/daniel/9-9 "Daniel 9:9 - God's Compassion and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This poignant prayer from Solomon offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us of the enduring realities of sin, divine judgment, and God's unfathomable mercy. It calls us to a posture of humility and constant repentance, recognizing that our well-being, individually and corporately, is inextricably linked to our faithfulness to God. Even when we face the painful consequences of our choices, whether personal or societal, this verse assures us that God remains a God of compassion and forgiveness, ever ready to hear our prayers when we turn to Him with contrite hearts. It also broadens our perspective on prayer, encouraging us to intercede not only for ourselves but for those who are suffering under oppression, and even for the hearts of those who hold power over others, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty to work in unexpected ways for His people's good and for the manifestation of His justice and mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community's life do we need to seek God's forgiveness for "transgressions" – deliberate acts of rebellion against His will?**
* **How does Solomon's prayer for compassion from captors challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty over difficult or hostile circumstances?**
* **When facing the natural consequences of sin, how can I lean into God's character of "compassion" rather than despair?**
* **What specific prayers can I offer for those who are oppressed or held captive today, asking God to move the hearts of their oppressors?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Solomon praying for forgiveness and compassion from captors before the exile actually happened?**

Answer: Solomon's prayer demonstrates profound prophetic insight and a deep understanding of the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel. By praying for these specific scenarios, he acknowledges the very real possibility that Israel's future disobedience could lead to the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), including exile. This foresight highlights the seriousness of sin and the inevitability of its consequences, even for God's chosen people. Simultaneously, it underscores God's foreknowledge and His enduring mercy, showing that even in anticipation of judgment, a path for repentance and restoration through divine compassion is available. It sets a precedent for how Israel should respond to future calamities, always turning back to God in prayer and repentance, as seen later in figures like Daniel during the Babylonian exile ([Daniel 9](/daniel/9 "Daniel 9 - Daniel's Prayer of Confession")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 8:50, with its earnest plea for forgiveness and compassion, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Solomon's prayer anticipates a future where Israel's sin would lead to dire consequences, necessitating divine intervention for pardon and mercy. Christ, however, is the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world, offering a forgiveness that is not merely a temporary reprieve but an eternal cleansing ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He is the ultimate High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for "all their transgressions" ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Moreover, the compassion Solomon sought from captors pales in comparison to the boundless compassion of God revealed in Christ, who, though innocent, suffered the ultimate captivity of death to set us free from the dominion of sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Through His atoning work, believers are not merely given compassion by earthly captors but are fully reconciled to God, brought into His family, and made citizens of a heavenly kingdom that transcends all earthly powers and principalities ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, Solomon's prayer, though rooted in the Old Covenant, points forward to the new and better covenant established in Christ's blood, where true and lasting forgiveness, and the deepest form of divine compassion, are fully realized ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")).

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 106:46

He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

2 Chronicles 30:9

For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children [shall find] compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God [is] gracious and merciful, and will not turn away [his] face from you, if ye return unto him.

Acts 7:10

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Ezra 7:27

¶ Blessed [be] the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put [such a thing] as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem:

Ezra 7:28

And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God [was] upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.

Ezra 7:6

This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he [was] a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

Nehemiah 2:4

Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.