1 kings 8:31 - “If a man sins against his neighbor, and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house;
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What does "1 kings 8:31" mean?
This verse (1 Kings 8:31) describes a scenario where a person is suspected of having wronged their neighbor. Let's break it down:
"If a man sins against his neighbor...": This establishes the context - a person has potentially committed a wrongdoing against another person. This could be anything from stealing to lying about them, physical harm, etc.
"...and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear...": Because there's no proof or witnesses, and the matter is unresolved, an oath is administered. This means the person is compelled to make a formal, solemn promise to God, swearing that they are innocent of the accusation. The idea is that people would be afraid to lie under oath, fearing divine retribution if they did.
"...and he comes and swears before your altar in this house...": This indicates that the oath is taken in a sacred place, specifically "before your altar in this house." In this context, the "house" is the Temple in Jerusalem, and the "altar" is the altar of sacrifice. Swearing before the altar in the Temple was considered the most solemn form of oath. This was believed to increase the gravity of the oath and encourage truthfulness, as it was made in the presence of God in his sacred space.
In essence, the verse describes a legal or quasi-legal procedure for resolving disputes when there is no other evidence. It relies on the belief that the fear of divine judgment will compel the accused person to speak truthfully when swearing an oath in a sacred place.
The broader context within 1 Kings 8 is Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple. Solomon anticipates various scenarios where people will turn to God in the Temple for justice, forgiveness, and guidance. This verse is one example he uses to illustrate how the Temple should be a place where disputes can be resolved fairly and justly with God as a witness. He is asking God to be attentive to the prayers and oaths made in the Temple and to render righteous judgment.
This verse reflects the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel, where oaths were taken very seriously, and the Temple was considered a place of divine presence and justice.
1 kings 8:31 - “If a man sins against his neighbor, and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house;
What does "1 kings 8:31" mean?
This verse (1 Kings 8:31) describes a scenario where a person is suspected of having wronged their neighbor. Let's break it down:
"If a man sins against his neighbor...": This establishes the context - a person has potentially committed a wrongdoing against another person. This could be anything from stealing to lying about them, physical harm, etc.
"...and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear...": Because there's no proof or witnesses, and the matter is unresolved, an oath is administered. This means the person is compelled to make a formal, solemn promise to God, swearing that they are innocent of the accusation. The idea is that people would be afraid to lie under oath, fearing divine retribution if they did.
"...and he comes and swears before your altar in this house...": This indicates that the oath is taken in a sacred place, specifically "before your altar in this house." In this context, the "house" is the Temple in Jerusalem, and the "altar" is the altar of sacrifice. Swearing before the altar in the Temple was considered the most solemn form of oath. This was believed to increase the gravity of the oath and encourage truthfulness, as it was made in the presence of God in his sacred space.
In essence, the verse describes a legal or quasi-legal procedure for resolving disputes when there is no other evidence. It relies on the belief that the fear of divine judgment will compel the accused person to speak truthfully when swearing an oath in a sacred place.
The broader context within 1 Kings 8 is Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple. Solomon anticipates various scenarios where people will turn to God in the Temple for justice, forgiveness, and guidance. This verse is one example he uses to illustrate how the Temple should be a place where disputes can be resolved fairly and justly with God as a witness. He is asking God to be attentive to the prayers and oaths made in the Temple and to render righteous judgment.
This verse reflects the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel, where oaths were taken very seriously, and the Temple was considered a place of divine presence and justice.