1 Kings 8:36
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.
1 Kings 8:36 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referring to is a prayer from King Solomon during the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. In this verse, Solomon is asking God to listen to the prayers of His people and forgive them when they sin. He is also seeking God's guidance to show them the right path to walk in. Solomon acknowledges that the land of Israel is a gift from God to His people, and asks for rain to nourish the land, which is crucial for their livelihood. This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness, guidance, and blessings from God, as well as recognizing His role as the provider and caretaker of His people. It serves as a reminder of the need for humility, repentance, and dependence on God in all aspects of life.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the theme of forgiveness and restoration through God's grace. In this passage, King Solomon is praying for God's forgiveness for the sins of the Israelites and asking for the guidance to walk in the righteous path. This verse demonstrates the importance of humility and repentance before God, highlighting the need for divine intervention in guiding His people towards righteousness. The phrase "give rain upon thy land" symbolizes God's provision and blessings upon the land that He has given to His people as an inheritance. This verse emphasizes the interconnectedness of forgiveness, guidance, and blessing from God, illustrating the importance of seeking His will and obeying His commands for a fruitful and blessed life.
1 Kings 8:36 in other translations
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.
World English Bible
then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, and of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on your land, which you have given to your people for an inheritance.
Douay-Rheims
Then hear thou them in heaven, and forgive the sins of thy servants, and of thy people Israel: and shew them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people in possession.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then heare thou in heauen, and pardon the sinne of thy seruants and of thy people Israel (when thou hast taught the the good way wherein they may walke) and giue raine vpon the land that thou hast giuen to thy people to inherite.