Then hear you from heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, and of your people Israel, when you have taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain on your land, which you have given to your people for an inheritance.
when thou hast
1 Kings 8:35,36 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: …
Psalm 25:4,5,8,12 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths…
Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
good way
Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
Jeremiah 42:3 That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.
send rain
1 Kings 18:40-45 And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there…
Job 37:11-14 Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: …
Psalm 68:9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.
and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel
Forgiveness is central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This plea for forgiveness acknowledges human fallibility and the need for divine mercy. It echoes the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, where atonement was necessary for reconciliation with God (Leviticus 16). The request for forgiveness also foreshadows the ultimate forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ, as seen in the New Testament (Ephesians 1:7).
so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk
This phrase highlights the desire for divine guidance and instruction. The "good way" refers to living according to God's commandments and statutes, as outlined in the Torah. It reflects the wisdom literature's emphasis on walking in righteousness (Proverbs 3:5-6). The teaching aspect points to the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers into all truth, as promised in John 16:13.
May You send rain on the land
Rain is a symbol of God's blessing and provision, crucial for an agrarian society like ancient Israel. The request for rain signifies dependence on God for sustenance and prosperity. This aligns with the covenantal promises in Deuteronomy 28, where obedience leads to blessings, including rain. The withholding of rain was often seen as a sign of divine displeasure (1 Kings 17:1).
that You gave Your people as an inheritance
The land of Israel is portrayed as a divine gift, fulfilling the promises made to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:7). This inheritance is both a physical territory and a spiritual heritage, symbolizing God's faithfulness to His covenant. The concept of inheritance also points to the New Testament promise of believers' inheritance in Christ, as seen in Ephesians 1:11.
- Solomon recognizes that God’s dwelling is above creation (2 Chronicles 6:30; Psalm 11:4), yet he prays with confidence that the Lord listens.
- The phrase underscores God’s accessibility: though enthroned in glory (Isaiah 66:1), He bends to hear sincere petitions offered in faith.
- By appealing to God’s heavenly throne, Solomon affirms both God’s sovereignty and His readiness to respond (Psalm 34:15).
- The immediate request after “hear” is “forgive,” revealing the link between Israel’s drought and their sin (Deuteronomy 28:23–24).
- Forgiveness restores covenant fellowship (Exodus 34:6–7; Psalm 130:3–4).
- Notice the dual identity: “servants” emphasizes humble dependence, “people Israel” recalls God’s electing love (Isaiah 41:8–9).
- For the believer today, this showcases the ongoing need to confess and receive cleansing (1 John 1:9).
- Forgiveness is not an end in itself; it reopens the channel for divine instruction (Psalm 32:8; Jeremiah 6:16).
- “The good way” speaks of a life aligned with God’s revealed will (Psalm 25:8–10; Isaiah 30:20–21).
- Restoration leads to transformation: God forgives, then guides, cultivating obedience and holiness.
- Practical takeaway: repentance positions us to hear and follow the Lord’s direction.
- Rain is covenant blessing for obedience (Deuteronomy 11:13–15) and its withholding a warning sign (1 Kings 8:35–36).
- By asking for rain, Solomon connects spiritual renewal with tangible provision (Joel 2:23–25; Acts 14:17).
- The land itself is God’s gift; rain displays His continuing faithfulness to His promise (Genesis 15:18; Joshua 23:14).
- The passage reminds us that material needs are legitimately brought to God, who delights to care for His own.
2 Chronicles 6:27 pictures a covenant cycle: God’s people sin, they humbly pray toward His house, He hears from heaven, forgives, teaches, and then refreshes the land with rain. Solomon’s prayer ties spiritual health to practical blessing, showing that a repentant, obedient heart invites both divine guidance and tangible provision.
(27) Then hear thou from heaven.--Rather, (to) heaven or (in) heaven, as in Kings. (Comp. Note on 2Chronicles 6:23.) The versions read "from heaven."When thou . . . way.--For thou pointest them to the good way. A construction only found here. Comp. Psalm 27:11, where we see the simple accusation as in Kings, which is probably right here also, 'el (to) being an error for 'eth (so the versions). Making this change, the verse coincides with 1Kings 8:36.
Verse 27. - When thou hast taught them; rather, when thou art guiding them to the right way.