Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 8:36. It's a really important passage about God’s judgment and forgiveness. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying God wants to help His people, Israel, and He's willing to forgive them for their mistakes – both individually and as a group. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Then hear thou in heaven,” - This means God is speaking to Himself, but also to those who are listening (like the people of Israel). It's like a message from above. “and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk…” – This is the core of the verse. It’s asking God to forgive the mistakes and wrongdoings of Israel's leaders and people. “thy servants” - This refers to the kings and rulers of Israel. “and thy people Israel” – This means all the Israelites as a whole. “that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk…” - This is the key part. God wants to guide them towards righteousness, moral behavior, and doing what’s right. “and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.” – This speaks of blessings and prosperity. It means God wants to restore Israel's land and provide them with a good harvest (rain) because they have been blessed by him. It’s like a promise of abundance and well-being. In simpler terms: God is reminding the leaders of Israel that they need to forgive their people for past mistakes, and then teach them how to live a righteous life so they can be blessed with prosperity and a good future. It’s a call for God's guidance and protection over his people. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of repentance (turning away from wrongdoing) and seeking God's forgiveness. It speaks to the idea that God sees everyone as accountable for their actions and wants to help them make amends. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Compare this verse to another passage about forgiveness or repentance?