1 Kings 8:22

Translations

Modern

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven,

Traditional

And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:

Literal

And Solomon stood before the face of the altar of YHWH in front of all the assembly of Israel, and he spread out his hands toward the heavens.

Latin

Stetit autem Salomon ante altare Domini in conspectu ecclesiæ Israël, et expandit manus suas in cælum,

Original

Hebrew

English

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven,

Notes

1 Kings 8:22

As Solomon prayed, he lifted his hands toward heaven and knelt before the Lord on a platform in clear view of the congregation (1 Kings 8:54; 2 Chronicles 6:13). Jesus criticized people who pretended to be religious without true belief (Matthew 6:5–8). But Solomon’s public devotion was sincere, leading his people in worship and encouraging them to rely fully on God. A nation that knows and obeys the Lord, and whose leaders rule justly, is especially blessed (2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 33:12; 45:6–7; 144:15; Proverbs 29:2; Isaiah 11:1–5).

1 Kings 8:22–61

Solomon's prayer of dedication for the temple praised God and blessed the people. He highlighted God's faithfulness to His promises and his own part in building the temple. Solomon prayed for God to keep answering their prayers (1 Kings 8:22–30). He then made seven specific requests to God (1 Kings 8:31–53) and ended with a blessing (1 Kings 8:54–61).

1 Kings 8:1–66

Solomon's building efforts peaked when he moved the ark to the new temple. The king prayed (1 Kings 8:22–53) and offered praise and blessings (8:56–61) to dedicate the temple to the Lord. After the dedication, the people celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. The story highlights Solomon praising God and blessing the people (1 Kings 8:12–61).

1 Kings 6:1–8:66

The construction of the Temple and palace complex, along with the temple's dedication celebration, are key events in the 1 Kings account of Solomon's time. The temple, built to honor God, was Israel's most important building. Therefore, the writer of 1 Kings documented its construction details thoroughly.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Completion of the Second Temple God’s Covenant with David God’s Covenant with Israel’s Kings Promised Land The Church as God’s Temple

Events

Reign of Solomon

Related verses

Ezra 9:5
At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation with my tunic and cloak torn, and I fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the LORD my God,
1 Kings 8:54
Now when Solomon had finished praying this entire prayer and petition to the LORD, he got up before the altar of the LORD, where he had been kneeling with his hands spread out toward heaven.
Exodus 9:33
Then Moses departed from Pharaoh, went out of the city, and spread out his hands to the LORD. The thunder and hail ceased, and the rain no longer poured down on the land.
Exodus 9:29
Moses said to him, “When I have left the city, I will spread out my hands to the LORD. The thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail, so that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s.
Isaiah 1:15
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.
Psalm 63:4
So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands.
2 Kings 23:3
So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.
Psalm 28:2
Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.
2 Chronicles 6:12–42
Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands.
Job 11:13
As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him,
2 Kings 11:14
And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!”
1 Timothy 2:8
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.

Parallels

2 Chronicles 6:12–42

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom

Glossary

Book of Jashar Kings, Books of First and Second Temple

Topics

Dedication: Subjects of Temple of Solomon Prayer: Answer To, Promise Prayer: Importunity In Prayer: Postures in Standing Sin: Forgiveness of the First Temple: Solemnly Dedicated to God by Solomon

1 Kings 8:22

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Translations

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Related verses

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Glossary

Topics