1 kings 8:46 - If they sin against you (for there is no man who doesn’t sin), and you are angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near;

Generated Verse: 1 kings 8:46

What does "1 kings 8:46" mean?


This verse, 1 Kings 8:46, is part of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down its meaning:

"If they sin against you (for there is no man who doesn’t sin)": This acknowledges a fundamental truth about humanity: everyone is prone to sin. It's a realistic understanding that even God's chosen people will inevitably make mistakes and disobey Him.

"and you are angry with them": Sin has consequences, and God's righteous nature means that He cannot ignore wrongdoing. His anger is a response to their sin, a just and necessary reaction.

"and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near": This describes the potential consequence of Israel's continued sin. God, in His anger, might allow their enemies to conquer them and take them into exile. The phrase "far off or near" emphasizes that this punishment could come from any direction.

In essence, the verse is a conditional statement outlining a possible future scenario:

1. Condition: Israel sins and angers God.
2. Consequence: God allows them to be defeated and exiled by their enemies.

Key Implications:

Human Fallibility: The verse readily acknowledges the inherent sinfulness of humanity.
Divine Justice: God's anger is a just response to sin.
Consequences of Sin: Disobedience has real-world consequences, including potential punishment from God.
Theme of Covenant: This verse highlights the conditional nature of the covenant between God and Israel. Blessing is contingent upon obedience, while disobedience leads to hardship.

Historical Context:

This verse foreshadows events that would later happen to the nation of Israel, particularly the Babylonian exile. The people of Israel repeatedly turned away from God, leading to their conquest and captivity. Solomon's prayer serves as both a warning and a plea for God's mercy, even in the face of their inevitable failings.