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:

When thy people {H5971} Israel {H3478} be smitten down {H5062} before {H6440} the enemy {H341}, because they have sinned {H2398} against thee, and shall turn again {H7725} to thee, and confess {H3034} thy name {H8034}, and pray {H6419}, and make supplication {H2603} unto thee in this house {H1004}:

"When your people Isra'el sin against you and in consequence are defeated by an enemy; then if they turn back to you, acknowledge your name, and pray and make their plea to you in this house;

When Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and they return to You and confess Your name, praying and pleading with You in this temple,

When thy people Israel are smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; if they turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication unto thee in this house:

Commentary

1 Kings 8:33 is a pivotal part of King Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication for the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. This verse addresses a specific, hypothetical future scenario where the nation of Israel would face military defeat and hardship as a direct consequence of their disobedience to God.

Context

Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8 is a profound theological statement, foreseeing various challenges the people of Israel might encounter. He dedicates the Temple not merely as a dwelling place for God, but as a central point for prayer, repentance, and national reconciliation with the Almighty. The prayer covers scenarios ranging from famine and plague to warfare, always emphasizing the importance of turning back to God. This particular verse highlights the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where blessings were promised for obedience, and curses for disobedience, as outlined in the Law of Moses (see Deuteronomy 28:15-68).

Key Themes

  • Consequence of Sin: The verse explicitly states that Israel would be "smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee." This underscores the biblical principle that disobedience to God often leads to negative consequences, including national adversity and defeat.
  • Path to Restoration: Despite judgment, God always provides a pathway back to Him. The conditions for restoration are clearly laid out: "turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house." This emphasizes God's mercy and willingness to forgive.
  • Repentance and Confession: The act of "turning again" (Hebrew: shuv, meaning to repent or return) signifies a genuine change of heart and direction. Confessing God's name implies acknowledging His sovereignty, justice, and covenant faithfulness, and taking responsibility for one's actions.
  • The Temple's Role: The Temple was consecrated as a place where God's presence resided and where the people could appeal to Him, expecting to be heard. It served as a physical focal point for national repentance and divine intervention.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Smitten down": The Hebrew word used here, nāgaph (נָגַף), often implies being struck or defeated, particularly in battle, indicating a decisive blow.
  • "Turn again": This is a crucial phrase, from the Hebrew verb shuv (שׁוּב), which is foundational to the concept of repentance in the Old Testament. It means to turn back, to return, signifying a change of direction from sin towards God.
  • "Confess thy name": To "confess" (Hebrew: yādâ, יָדָה) God's name involves acknowledging His character, attributes, and authority. It's an act of worship and submission, often coupled with admitting one's own wrongdoing.
  • "Supplication": The Hebrew word tĕḥinnâ (תְחִנָּה) refers to an earnest plea for favor or mercy, highlighting the humble and desperate nature of the prayer being offered.

Practical Application

While this verse speaks of ancient Israel and the Temple, its principles resonate deeply today. For individuals and nations, the pattern remains:

  • Sin has Consequences: Disobedience to God's ways can lead to various forms of "being smitten down," whether personally, socially, or nationally.
  • God's Mercy Endures: Even in judgment, God provides a way back. He is always ready to receive those who genuinely repent and turn to Him. This echoes the promise found in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
  • The Importance of Repentance and Prayer: True change begins with acknowledging sin and actively turning away from it. Prayer and confession are vital spiritual disciplines for restoration and renewed fellowship with God.
  • The Believer as God's Temple: In the New Testament, believers are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This means that the principles of prayer, confession, and turning to God can be applied directly to our personal lives, as God hears and responds to the contrite heart.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 26:17 (6 votes)

    And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

  • Deuteronomy 28:25 (5 votes)

    The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

  • 2 Chronicles 6:24 (4 votes)

    And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house;

  • 2 Chronicles 6:25 (4 votes)

    Then hear thou from the heavens, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers.

  • Jonah 3:10 (4 votes)

    And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.

  • Deuteronomy 28:48 (4 votes)

    Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all [things]: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.

  • Leviticus 26:39 (4 votes)

    And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.