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:

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

Then he stood before the altar of ADONAI in the presence of the whole community of Isra'el, spread out his hands -

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands.

And he stood before the altar of Jehovah in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands

2 Chronicles 6:12 describes a pivotal moment during the dedication of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for King Solomon's extensive prayer, a significant event marking the completion of the magnificent structure built for the worship of the LORD.

Context

Following the completion of the Temple, King Solomon gathered all the elders of Israel and the heads of the tribes for its dedication. The ark of the covenant had just been brought into the Most Holy Place, and the glory of the LORD, a cloud, had filled the Temple, indicating God's divine presence (2 Chronicles 5:14). In this atmosphere of awe and reverence, Solomon takes his position before the altar, not as a king demanding, but as a servant interceding for his people. This scene parallels the account found in 1 Kings 8:22, highlighting the importance of this historical event for ancient Israel.

Key Themes

  • Public Leadership in Worship: Solomon, as king, stood before the entire congregation, demonstrating his role as a spiritual leader and representative of the nation before God. This public act underscored the corporate nature of Israel's covenant relationship with the LORD.
  • Posture of Humility and Supplication: The act of "spreading forth his hands" is a classic posture of prayer and supplication in the Bible. It signifies reaching out to God in humility, dependence, and earnest petition. It reflects a heart open to receive from God and to pour out one's deepest desires and intercessions.
  • The Centrality of the Altar: The altar was the focal point of worship and sacrifice, representing access to God's presence and atonement for sin. Solomon's position before it emphasizes that even with the grand Temple, true access to God was through the prescribed means of worship, centered around sacrifice and prayer.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "spread forth his hands" (Hebrew: pāras yādayim) is a common biblical idiom for prayer, particularly prayers of entreaty, blessing, or deep earnestness. It is seen in various contexts, from Moses interceding for Israel (Exodus 9:29) to the psalmist crying out to God (Psalm 143:6). This physical posture visually communicated the spiritual posture of dependence and surrender.

Significance and Application

This verse, though brief, powerfully illustrates the essence of worship and prayer. For believers today, it reminds us that:

  1. Sincere Prayer is Essential: Like Solomon, we are called to approach God with a posture of humility and open hands, ready to receive and to intercede. This sincerity matters more than the grandeur of the setting.
  2. Leaders are Called to Model Faith: Solomon's public prayer set an example for the entire nation. Similarly, leaders in the church and home are called to model a vibrant prayer life and commitment to God.
  3. Corporate Worship is Powerful: The presence of "all the congregation of Israel" highlights the importance of communal worship and prayer. There is unique power and encouragement when believers gather together to seek God's face, as promised in Matthew 18:20.

Solomon's act in 2 Chronicles 6:12 was not just a ritual; it was a profound declaration of reliance on God and a commitment to His covenant before all of Israel.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 63:4

    Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

  • Psalms 143:6

    I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul [thirsteth] after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

  • Job 11:13

    ¶ If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 50:10

    ¶ Who [is] among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh [in] darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

  • 2 Kings 23:3

    And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all [their] heart and all [their] soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.

  • 1 Timothy 2:8

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

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back