1 Kings 8:35

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:

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:

"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;

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,

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

1 Kings 8:35 is a pivotal part of King Solomon's dedication prayer for the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. This specific verse addresses a scenario where Israel might face divine judgment, particularly drought, as a consequence of their sin.

Context of 1 Kings 8:35

After completing the magnificent Temple, Solomon leads the nation in a profound prayer of dedication. His prayer, spanning 1 Kings 8:23-53, anticipates various future challenges and the people's potential failures. He acknowledges God's omnipresence but also the Temple's role as a designated place where God's name dwells and where His people can seek Him in repentance. This verse is one of several hypothetical situations Solomon presents to God, seeking a promise of divine intervention and forgiveness if the people turn back to Him during times of national distress caused by their disobedience. It reflects the covenant relationship established earlier, where blessings followed obedience and curses followed disobedience, as outlined in books like Deuteronomy 28.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consequences of Sin: The verse clearly states that "heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee." This highlights the biblical principle that sin has tangible consequences, often affecting the natural world and societal well-being. It serves as a stark reminder of God's justice and His use of affliction as a means of discipline.
  • Divine Discipline as a Call to Repentance: God's withholding of rain is not merely punishment but a call to repentance. The affliction ("when thou afflictest them") is intended to lead the people to acknowledge their wrongdoing and turn back to Him.
  • The Power of Prayer and Confession: Solomon's prayer emphasizes the importance of "pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin." The Temple was to be a focal point for national prayer, symbolizing God's presence among them. Confession involves acknowledging God's sovereignty and admitting one's own guilt.
  • God's Readiness to Forgive: Underlying this plea is the faith that God is merciful and ready to forgive those who genuinely repent. This theme is famously echoed in God's later response to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14, promising to "hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" if His people humble themselves and turn from their wicked ways.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "turn from their sin" is significant. In Hebrew, the root word is shuv (Χ©Χ•Χ‘), which means "to turn back," "to return," or "to repent." It implies a complete change of direction, not just regret, but a genuine turning away from wrongdoing and a turning back towards God. This active turning is crucial for receiving divine forgiveness and restoration.

Practical Application

1 Kings 8:35 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Sin has Consequences: While we may not always experience direct physical consequences like drought for every sin, unconfessed sin can lead to spiritual dryness, broken relationships, and a hindered walk with God.
  • God Desires Repentance: When we face difficulties, whether personal struggles or broader societal issues, it's an opportunity to examine our hearts and consider if God is calling us to repentance. God's discipline is ultimately for our good, leading us to a deeper relationship with Him.
  • Prayer is Powerful: Like the Israelites turning towards the Temple, we are called to pray and confess our sins to God. Through Christ, we have direct access to God's throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), and He promises to forgive us when we confess (1 John 1:9).

This verse underscores the enduring truth that God is just in His judgments but also abundant in mercy towards those who humbly seek Him and turn from their wicked ways.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 26:19 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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;