1 Kings 8:22

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:22 captures a pivotal moment during the dedication of Solomon's magnificent Temple. Following the awe-inspiring descent of the LORD's glory, Solomon, as the divinely appointed king and representative of Israel, assumes a posture of profound reverence and intercession. Standing prominently before the newly consecrated altar, in full view of the assembled congregation, he stretches his hands heavenward, signaling the commencement of a comprehensive and deeply significant prayer on behalf of the entire nation. This act underscores his unique role as a spiritual leader and sets the stage for one of the most extensive and foundational prayers recorded in the Old Testament, affirming God's covenant faithfulness and the people's reliance upon Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate precursor to Solomon's monumental dedicatory prayer, which unfolds from [1 Kings 8:23](/1_kings/8-23 "Solomon's Prayer of Dedication") through [1 Kings 8:53](/1_kings/8-53 "Conclusion of Solomon's Prayer"). The narrative preceding this verse details the solemn procession of the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple's Most Holy Place, culminating in the dramatic filling of the sanctuary with the cloud of the LORD's glory ([1 Kings 8:1-11](/1_kings/8-1 "The Ark Brought to the Temple")). This divine manifestation signifies God's tangible presence and acceptance of the newly constructed dwelling. Solomon's action in verse 22 is the human response to this divine affirmation, a formal and public act of worship and covenant renewal that marks the spiritual culmination of years of labor and anticipation. The entire chapter, [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple"), is dedicated to this grand dedication, emphasizing the establishment of God's permanent dwelling among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was a generational undertaking, conceived by King David and brought to fruition by his son Solomon over seven years ([1 Kings 6:38](/1_kings/6-38 "Completion of the Temple")). Its dedication represented a zenith in Israelite history, fulfilling God's promise to dwell among His people and establishing a central, permanent locus for national worship, thereby replacing the portable Tabernacle. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, kings frequently held significant roles in religious ceremonies, often acting as chief mediators or priests for their nations. While Solomon was not of the Levitical priesthood, his divine appointment as king granted him the unique authority to lead the nation in this public act of worship and intercession, representing the collective body of Israel before God. The specific posture of spreading hands toward heaven was a universally recognized and deeply symbolic gesture of prayer and supplication across the ancient world, signifying openness, dependence, and direct appeal to the divine realm.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several core theological and narrative themes. The theme of **Divine Presence** is paramount, vividly demonstrated by the cloud of glory filling the Temple, confirming God's commitment to indwell among His people ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "The Cloud Fills the Temple")). **Covenant Faithfulness** is a central thread woven throughout, as Solomon's subsequent prayer meticulously recalls God's unwavering promises to David and Israel, concurrently emphasizing the people's reciprocal responsibility to obey the covenant stipulations ([1 Kings 8:23-26](/1_kings/8-23 "Solomon's Prayer for God's Faithfulness")). **Leadership in Worship** is prominently highlighted by Solomon's central and active role, demonstrating that even those in the highest positions of authority are ultimately subject to God and bear the responsibility of leading their people in devotion. Finally, the theme of **Communal Worship and Intercession** is profoundly evident in the presence of "all the congregation of Israel," underscoring the corporate nature of Israel's relationship with God and the critical importance of national prayer for forgiveness, guidance, and divine blessing, as extensively detailed throughout Solomon's prayer in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stood (Hebrew, _‘âmad'_):** From H5975, this primitive root signifies "to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)." In this context, it denotes more than mere physical standing; it implies taking a formal, established, and deliberate posture. Solomon's 'standing' is an intentional assumption of his role as the people's representative, signifying readiness for a solemn and official act of address or service before God. It carries a sense of permanence and authority in the moment.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** Derived from H4196, meaning "an altar." This refers specifically to the great bronze altar of burnt offering situated in the outer court of the Temple. This altar was the focal point of Israel's sacrificial system, where atonement for sin and expressions of devotion were made. Solomon's position "before" it signifies that his prayer, though not a sacrifice itself, was offered within the framework of God's established means of access, acknowledging that approach to a holy God was mediated through sacrificial rites.
* **Spread forth his hands (Hebrew, _pâras kaph'_):** This idiomatic expression combines H6566 (_pâras_, "to break apart, disperse, spread forth") and H3709 (_kaph_, "the hollow hand or palm"). It describes a common and highly symbolic posture of prayer and supplication in ancient Israel. This gesture conveys an attitude of openness, vulnerability, earnest appeal, and complete dependence on God. It is a physical manifestation of a heart lifted in petition, surrender, and adoration, directing one's entire being toward the divine in fervent prayer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD":** This clause establishes Solomon's specific location and the sacred focal point of his action. By standing before the bronze altar, Solomon positions himself at the symbolic heart of Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God. The altar, where blood sacrifices were offered, represented the divinely ordained means by which a holy God could commune with an unholy people. Solomon, though king, approaches God on the basis of this established system, acknowledging the necessity of atonement and mediation, even as he prepares to intercede. His 'standing' is a posture of both respect and representative authority, signifying his readiness to act on behalf of the nation.
* **"in the presence of all the congregation of Israel":** This phrase underscores the public and communal nature of this momentous occasion. Solomon's prayer was not a private devotion but a corporate act, witnessed by the entire nation assembled for the Temple's dedication. This public setting emphasized the collective covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the importance of corporate worship and the king's role as the people's representative. It also served to unify the nation in this profound act of dedication and dependence upon God, making the entire assembly participants in the solemn appeal that was about to be made.
* **"and spread forth his hands toward heaven":** This describes Solomon's specific physical posture, a classic and deeply meaningful biblical gesture of prayer. The act of extending or spreading the hands toward heaven symbolizes an earnest reaching out to God, an act of supplication, surrender, and receptivity. It signifies a direct address to the divine, acknowledging God's heavenly dwelling and His supreme authority. This posture visually communicates humility, dependence, and the pouring out of one's heart in fervent prayer, preparing the way for the profound and extensive intercession that immediately follows.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound significance and emotional weight. **Imagery** is prominently used, painting a vivid and memorable picture of King Solomon, the nation's leader, assuming a humble yet authoritative posture before the sacred altar, with his hands outstretched towards the heavens. This visual representation immediately communicates the solemnity, earnestness, and reverence of the moment. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the actions described: the "altar of the LORD" symbolizes the sacrificial basis of Israel's covenant relationship with God and the divinely appointed means of atonement, while "spreading forth his hands toward heaven" is a powerful symbol of supplication, dependence, and direct, unreserved communication with the divine. The entire scene can also be understood as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as this preparatory act sets the stage for the extensive and pivotal dedicatory prayer that Solomon offers in the subsequent verses, thereby highlighting its immense importance and the king's crucial role as intercessor for his people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:22 stands as a powerful theological statement about leadership, worship, and divine accessibility within the covenant framework. Solomon, as king, assumes a priestly-like posture, not to offer sacrifice, but to lead the nation in prayer, demonstrating that even the highest human authority is subservient to God and accountable for the spiritual well-being of the people. His act before the altar underscores the foundational role of atonement in approaching a holy God, even as the Temple signifies God's dwelling among them. The public nature of the prayer emphasizes the communal aspect of Israel's faith and the importance of corporate worship and intercession for national blessing and forgiveness. This verse beautifully encapsulates the intersection of kingship, priesthood (through the altar's symbolism), and prophecy (through the act of prayer), all pointing to God's desire for His people to draw near in humble reverence and sincere petition.

* [Ezra 9:5](/ezra/9-5 "Ezra's Prayer Posture")
* [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Lifting Hands as an Evening Sacrifice")
* [2 Chronicles 6:12-13](/2_chronicles/6-12 "Solomon's Prayer in 2 Chronicles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's actions in 1 Kings 8:22 offer timeless and profound lessons for believers today. His humble posture, despite his immense power and royal status, reminds us that true leadership, particularly in spiritual matters, begins with a deep acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and our own absolute dependence upon Him. We are called to approach God with reverence, sincerity, and a profound understanding that our prayers are directed to a holy, sovereign, and all-powerful Lord. The specific act of "spreading forth his hands" encourages us to be intentional, earnest, and open in our supplication, pouring out our hearts to God with complete trust and vulnerability. Furthermore, the public and communal nature of his prayer highlights the vital importance of corporate worship and communal prayer in the life of faith. Gathering together as the body of Christ strengthens our individual faith, fosters unity, and allows us to collectively seek God's face for our communities, our nations, and the world. Solomon's example challenges us to consider how our own postures, both physical and spiritual, reflect our devotion and dependence on God, and how we might more effectively lead and participate in the corporate spiritual life of our faith communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's posture of humility and earnestness inform our own approach to God in prayer, regardless of our personal status or position in life?**
* **In what practical ways can leaders, both within the church and in broader society, emulate Solomon's example of leading their people in worship and dependence on God?**
* **What is the significance of corporate worship and communal prayer in your own faith journey, and how can you more fully engage in it and contribute to its vitality?**
* **How does acknowledging God's heavenly presence and directing our prayers "toward heaven" influence the sincerity, focus, and depth of our daily petitions?**

### FAQ
**Question: Why did Solomon, a king, lead this prayer instead of a priest, given the context of the Temple and altar?**

Answer: While the Levitical priests were indeed responsible for the sacrificial rituals and specific cultic duties within the Temple, kings in Israel often played a significant and divinely sanctioned role in the national religious life, particularly during moments of covenant renewal, dedication, or national crisis. Solomon, as the divinely appointed king and the builder of the Temple, acted as the primary representative of the entire nation. His role here is not to perform priestly sacrifices, but to lead the people in a public act of worship, intercession, and dedication. This is consistent with other instances where kings, like David, played prominent roles in leading national worship (e.g., [2 Samuel 6:12-19](/2_samuel/6-12 "David Leading the Ark Procession")). Solomon's standing before the altar signifies that his prayer was offered within the framework of the sacrificial system, acknowledging its necessity for approaching God, but his specific action was one of supplication on behalf of the people, a kingly prerogative in such a monumental national event.

**Question: Is the physical posture of prayer, like spreading hands, still important for believers today?**

Answer: While no specific physical posture is mandated for prayer under the New Covenant, and God hears all sincere prayers regardless of stance, the physical posture can be a profoundly meaningful external expression of an internal spiritual state. As seen with Solomon, spreading hands often symbolizes openness, surrender, earnestness, and complete dependence on God. Other biblical postures like kneeling ([Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel Kneeling in Prayer")), bowing ([Psalm 95:6](/psalms/95-6 "Bow Down Before the LORD")), or prostrating oneself ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Jesus Prostrates in Gethsemane")) all convey humility, reverence, and deep devotion. For believers today, adopting such postures can help to focus the mind, express heartfelt sincerity, and physically embody our spiritual submission and adoration before God. It is not about earning favor or being heard more effectively, but about enhancing our personal connection and expression of devotion to the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's act in 1 Kings 8:22, standing as a mediator before the altar and spreading his hands toward heaven on behalf of Israel, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect mediation of Jesus Christ. Solomon, though a great king and a divinely chosen leader, was ultimately a human representative, limited by his own sinfulness and mortality. His prayer was offered in the context of a temporary Temple and a sacrificial system that could only cover sins imperfectly and temporarily. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and eternal King, who not only leads His people in worship but is Himself the perfect worshiper and the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice. He is our Great High Priest, who has "passed through the heavens" ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), and now stands eternally as our advocate before the very throne of God, making continuous intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")). The magnificent Temple Solomon dedicated was a mere shadow of Christ, who declared Himself to be the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "Jesus the True Temple")), the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. Solomon's outstretched hands symbolized a fervent plea for God's presence and forgiveness; Christ's outstretched hands on the cross secured both God's permanent presence (through the indwelling Holy Spirit) and complete, eternal forgiveness for all who believe. He is the "one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus" ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "One Mediator, Christ Jesus")), fulfilling all that Solomon's earnest, yet limited, act could only point toward.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezra 9:5

¶ 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

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

¶ 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

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

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

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

2 Kings 11:14

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.