Useful Bible Studies > 1 Kings Commentary > chapter 8
Troubles in our lives are not always the result of our evil deeds (John 9:1-3). However, sometimes they can be – so at such times, we should examine our hearts and lives in front of God (1 Corinthians 11:27-30).
During the life of David, there was not enough food, probably because of a lack of rain, for three years (2 Samuel 21:1). That happened because of the evil deeds of Saul’s family when Saul was the king.
Solomon prayed about the future occasions when the people’s evil deeds would cause a lack of rain. When they were wealthy because of good harvests, they might neglect their relationship with God. The lack of rain caused them to remember how much they depended on God’s help in their daily lives.
So, in that difficult situation, they were at last ready to turn back to God. They would return to his temple, his house; and they would desperately pray to him. They would confess their evil deeds and they would stop their wrong behaviour.
Solomon prayed that God would accept their prayers in their troubles. He asked God, in his great kindness, to forgive them. Solomon did not simply pray for rain so that they could continue their lives as previously. He prayed for a real change in their attitudes. He wanted God to teach them how to live in the manner that pleases him. Then they would live in the right way on the land that God gave to his special nation, Israel.
Next part: Prayers about serious illnesses and the failure of harvests (1 Kings 8:37-40)
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