1 Kings 8:22

¶ 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:

And Solomon {H8010} stood {H5975} before {H6440} the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068} in the presence of {H5048} all the congregation {H6951} of Israel {H3478}, and spread forth {H6566} his hands {H3709} toward heaven {H8064}:

Then Shlomo stood before the altar of ADONAI in the presence of the whole community of Isra'el, spread out his hands toward heaven,

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

And Solomon stood before the altar of Jehovah in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven;

Commentary

Context of 1 Kings 8:22

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the Old Testament, occurring during the grand dedication of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. After seven years of construction, the magnificent Temple, built according to God's instructions given to David and Solomon, is finally complete. The Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets of the Law, has just been brought into the Most Holy Place, and the glory of the LORD (the Shekinah) has filled the Temple, signifying God's presence among His people (1 Kings 8:11). In this verse, King Solomon steps forward to lead the congregation in a powerful public prayer, setting the stage for one of the most significant prayers recorded in the Bible.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Leadership in Worship: King Solomon, the monarch of Israel, takes a humble and priestly posture before the altar. This demonstrates that even those in highest authority are subject to God and should lead their people in worship and supplication. His standing before the altar signifies his role as mediator and representative of the people before God.
  • Posture of Prayer: The act of "spreading forth his hands toward heaven" is a classic biblical posture of prayer and supplication. It symbolizes openness, surrender, dependence on God, and directing one's requests and adoration directly to the divine. This visual act underscores the sincerity and earnestness of Solomon's impending prayer.
  • Public and Communal Worship: Solomon performs this act "in the presence of all the congregation of Israel." This highlights the communal aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with God and the importance of corporate worship. The entire nation is witness to and participant in this moment of dedication and appeal to the LORD.
  • Access to God: Standing before the "altar of the LORD" signifies the foundational role of sacrifice and atonement in approaching a holy God. Although the Temple now houses God's presence, access to Him for prayer and forgiveness is still mediated through the sacrificial system.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "spread forth his hands toward heaven" is a common Hebrew idiom for prayer, found in various contexts throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Ezra 9:5, Psalm 141:2). It is not merely a physical action but a deeply symbolic one, indicating a heart lifted in earnest appeal and devotion to the Almighty. The "altar of the LORD" refers specifically to the great bronze altar in the Temple's outer court, where burnt offerings were made, emphasizing the sacrificial basis of their worship.

Practical Application

Solomon's example in 1 Kings 8:22 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  1. Humility in Prayer: Regardless of our status or position, we are all called to approach God with humility and reverence, acknowledging His supreme authority.
  2. Earnest Supplication: Our prayers should be intentional and heartfelt, reflecting a genuine dependence on God. The physical posture of prayer, while not mandatory, can often aid in focusing our hearts and minds on God.
  3. Importance of Corporate Worship: There is immense power and significance in gathering together as a community of faith to worship, pray, and seek God's face.
  4. Directing Our Prayers Heavenward: We are encouraged to direct our prayers to God, who is in heaven, trusting that He hears and responds to the cries of His people, just as Solomon did. Solomon's subsequent prayer beautifully illustrates this direct address to God.
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Cross-References

  • Ezra 9:5 (5 votes)

    ¶ And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God,

  • Exodus 9:33 (4 votes)

    And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.

  • 1 Kings 8:54 (4 votes)

    ¶ And it was [so], that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.

  • Exodus 9:29 (3 votes)

    And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; [and] the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth [is] the LORD'S.

  • Isaiah 1:15 (3 votes)

    And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

  • 1 Timothy 2:8 (2 votes)

    I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

  • 2 Kings 11:14 (2 votes)

    And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner [was], and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason.