1 Kings 8:54

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was so, that when Solomon {H8010} had made an end {H3615} of praying {H6419} all this prayer {H8605} and supplication {H8467} unto the LORD {H3068}, he arose {H6965} from before {H6440} the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068}, from kneeling {H3766} on his knees {H1290} with his hands {H3709} spread up {H6566} to heaven {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Shlomo had finished praying all this prayer and plea to ADONAI, he got up from in front of the altar of ADONAI, where he had been kneeling with his hands spread out toward heaven,

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And it was so, that, when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto Jehovah, he arose from before the altar of Jehovah, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread forth toward heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:54 marks the solemn conclusion of King Solomon's extensive and fervent prayer of dedication for the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. Having poured out his heart in supplication before the assembled nation, Solomon, who had been kneeling with hands outstretched towards heaven, now rises from his posture of profound humility and earnest petition before the altar of the LORD. This verse serves as a pivotal moment, signifying the completion of a monumental spiritual act and transitioning from the king's intercession to the subsequent blessings and sacrifices that would consecrate the sacred space.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate culmination of Solomon's magnificent prayer of dedication, which spans from [1 Kings 8:23](/1_kings/8-23 "1 Kings 8:23 - Solomon's Prayer Begins") to [1 Kings 8:53](/1_kings/8-53 "1 Kings 8:53 - Conclusion of Solomon's Prayer"). It follows his petitions for God's presence, forgiveness, and faithfulness to the covenant, addressing various future scenarios where Israel might need divine intervention. The verse acts as a bridge, concluding the verbal dedication and setting the stage for Solomon's subsequent blessing of the assembly ([1 Kings 8:55-61](/1_kings/8-55 "1 Kings 8:55-61 - Solomon Blesses the Assembly")) and the massive sacrifices that follow, which fully consecrate the Temple and celebrate God's dwelling among His people. It highlights the transition from spoken word to physical action within the grand narrative of the Temple's inauguration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem was arguably the most significant religious event in Israel since the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai. It marked the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for the LORD's name, solidifying Jerusalem's role as the spiritual and political capital of the unified kingdom under Solomon. The act of kneeling and spreading hands to heaven was a common and deeply significant posture of prayer and supplication in the ancient Near East, signifying humility, reverence, dependence, and earnest appeal to the divine. Solomon, as king, was acting as the spiritual representative and intercessor for the entire nation, embodying their collective devotion and dependence on God. This public display of piety by the monarch served to reinforce the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel.

* **Key Themes:** 1 Kings 8:54 underscores several central themes woven throughout the narrative of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. The primary theme is the **earnestness and significance of prayer and supplication**, exemplified by Solomon's lengthy and heartfelt address to God. His posture of kneeling with outstretched hands powerfully conveys **humility and reverence** before the Almighty, a posture that contrasts with the pride often associated with earthly kings, yet is fitting for one who acknowledges God's ultimate sovereignty. Furthermore, the phrase "made an end of praying" emphasizes the **completion of a sacred act**, highlighting the structured and intentional nature of worship and dedication in ancient Israel. This moment also reinforces the theme of **covenant faithfulness**, as Solomon's prayer appeals to God's promises and character, anticipating the future of Israel's relationship with their divine King.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Supplication (Hebrew, _tᵉḥinnâ'_):** This word (תְּחִנָּה) carries the nuance of an earnest plea for mercy, favor, or grace. It denotes a humble and dependent request, often in a context of need or distress, highlighting humanity's reliance on God's compassionate response rather than any inherent right. Solomon's prayer was not merely a formal address but a heartfelt cry for divine intervention and blessing upon his people, emphasizing their vulnerability and God's sovereign power to grant mercy.
* **Kneeling (Hebrew, _bārak'_):** The verb (בָּרַךְ) literally means "to bless," but in the Hithpael stem (as used here for "kneeling"), it signifies the act of "blessing oneself" or "showing respect by kneeling." It points to a physical posture of profound reverence, submission, and homage. This act of prostration before God was a powerful visual declaration of Solomon's, and by extension Israel's, complete dependence and humble adoration of the LORD, acknowledging His supreme authority and majesty.
* **Hands spread up to heaven (Hebrew, _pāras kappāw'_):** This phrase (פָּרַשׂ כַּפָּיו) describes a universal gesture of prayer and appeal, symbolizing an open heart, receptivity, and reaching out to the divine for help, blessing, or communication. It conveys a sense of earnestness, vulnerability, and expectation, as if presenting oneself fully before God and awaiting His response. It is an outward expression of an inward posture of surrender and fervent desire for divine connection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was [so], that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD":** This opening clause signals the formal and complete conclusion of a significant spiritual act. The phrase "all this prayer and supplication" underscores the comprehensive and fervent nature of Solomon's address, which encompassed a wide range of petitions for the nation's future well-being and covenant faithfulness. It marks the transition from the verbal act of intercession to the subsequent physical actions and blessings.
* **"he arose from before the altar of the LORD":** This indicates a change in Solomon's physical position and a shift in the immediate focus of the ceremony. The altar, the central place of sacrifice and communion with God, was the focal point of his prayer. Rising from this sacred space signifies the completion of his direct, intense communication with God and his readiness to move to the next phase of the Temple dedication.
* **"from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven":** This detailed description of Solomon's posture powerfully conveys his profound humility, reverence, and earnestness during the entire prayer. Kneeling symbolizes submission and worship, while outstretched hands signify supplication, openness, and a reaching out to God. This physical posture was not merely ceremonial but an outward expression of his deep inward devotion and the intensity of his intercession for Israel.

#### Literary Devices
1 Kings 8:54 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the solemnity and significance of the moment. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of King Solomon's posture – "kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven." This visual detail emphasizes his humility and earnestness, making the scene highly evocative for the reader. The use of **Repetition** in "prayer and supplication" highlights the comprehensive and fervent nature of Solomon's address, underscoring its depth. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Transition**, marking the conclusion of Solomon's lengthy oration and preparing the audience for the subsequent actions of blessing and sacrifice. The entire scene is imbued with **Symbolism**: the altar represents God's presence and the place of atonement, while Solomon's posture symbolizes the ideal human response of reverence and dependence before the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 8:54 stands as a profound testament to the power and necessity of earnest, humble prayer in the life of a believer and a nation. Solomon's posture and the depth of his "prayer and supplication" underscore that true worship involves not just words but a yielded heart and body before the Almighty. This moment, at the pinnacle of Israel's national and spiritual life, reveals that even in times of great achievement, dependence on God through prayer remains paramount. It highlights the king's role as an intercessor, a mediator between God and His people, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history. The completion of his prayer signifies the faithful execution of a spiritual duty, emphasizing the importance of diligence and perseverance in our communion with God.

* [2 Chronicles 6:13](/2_chronicles/6-13 "2 Chronicles 6:13 - Solomon's Prayer Posture")
* [Daniel 6:10](/daniel/6-10 "Daniel 6:10 - Daniel's Kneeling Prayer")
* [Luke 22:41](/luke/22-41 "Luke 22:41 - Jesus Kneels in Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 8:54 offers a timeless model for our own approach to God in prayer. Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest king of his time, found himself in a posture of complete humility and dependence before the LORD, demonstrating that true power and authority are rooted in acknowledging God's sovereignty. His "prayer and supplication" was not a mere formality but a fervent outpouring of his heart, a comprehensive address covering the nation's future needs. This reminds us that our prayers should be earnest, specific, and persistent, encompassing all aspects of our lives and the lives of those we intercede for. The act of "making an end of praying" also speaks to the discipline of completing our spiritual commitments with reverence and intention, rather than approaching them casually. While physical posture is not a prerequisite for effective prayer, Solomon's example of kneeling with outstretched hands powerfully illustrates how our bodily posture can reflect and enhance the inward disposition of our hearts towards God – a posture of surrender, humility, and expectant faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's posture in prayer challenge or affirm your own practices of devotion?**
* **What does "making an end of praying" mean for the intentionality and completeness of our own spiritual disciplines?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate the same earnestness and humility that Solomon displayed in his "prayer and supplication"?**

### FAQ
**Why was Solomon's prayer so long and detailed before he rose?**

Answer: Solomon's prayer was extensive because it was a comprehensive act of national dedication and intercession at a monumental moment in Israel's history. The newly completed Temple represented the physical dwelling place for God's name, and Solomon, as king, was acting as the primary mediator and representative of the entire nation. His prayer covered various scenarios of future sin, repentance, and need for divine intervention, appealing to God's covenant faithfulness and mercy ([1 Kings 8:23-53](/1_kings/8-23 "1 Kings 8:23 - Solomon's Prayer")). The length and detail reflected the gravity of the occasion, the depth of his theological understanding, and his earnest desire for God's continued presence and blessing upon Israel. It was a foundational prayer for the future of the kingdom under God's rule.

**Is physical posture, like kneeling with hands spread, necessary for effective prayer today?**

Answer: While physical posture is not strictly necessary for God to hear our prayers, Solomon's example in [1 Kings 8:54](/1_kings/8-54 "1 Kings 8:54 - Solomon Concludes His Prayer") demonstrates that it can be a powerful outward expression of an inward heart attitude. Kneeling signifies humility, submission, and reverence, acknowledging God's supreme authority. Spreading hands to heaven expresses dependence, openness, and earnest supplication. These postures can help us focus our minds, express our devotion, and deepen our sense of connection with God. The Bible records various postures for prayer (standing, bowing, lying prostrate), indicating that the heart's attitude is paramount, but physical expressions can certainly aid in cultivating a spirit of worship and earnestness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 8:54, depicting Solomon's concluding act of intercessory prayer before the Temple, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon, as king and priest, stood before the physical Temple, interceding for a fallen people and appealing to God's covenant promises. This act foreshadows Christ, the true and greater King and High Priest, who not only intercedes for His people but *is* the very dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). Solomon's earnest "prayer and supplication" for Israel's forgiveness and restoration points to Christ's perfect and once-for-all sacrifice, which truly takes away sin and establishes a new covenant of grace ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Just as Solomon rose from prayer to bless the people, Christ, having completed His redemptive work on the cross, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, where He now continually intercedes for believers at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession"), [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Lives to Intercede")). The physical Temple, for which Solomon prayed, is ultimately fulfilled in Christ's body and, by extension, in the Church, which is the spiritual temple of God ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple"), [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on Christ, the Cornerstone")). Solomon's humility and devotion in prayer are perfectly mirrored and surpassed by Christ's own life of prayer, particularly His earnest supplication in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:41-44](/luke/22-41 "Luke 22:41-44 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")), demonstrating the ultimate example of submission and reliance on the Father.

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

2 Chronicles 6:12

¶ And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:

2 Chronicles 6:13

For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

Luke 22:45

And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

2 Chronicles 7:1

¶ Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.

Psalms 95:6

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

Luke 11:1

¶ And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

Acts 21:5

And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till [we were] out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.