TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 6:12–42. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Solomon had, in the foregoing verses, signed and sealed, as it were, the deed of dedication, by which the temple was appropriated to the honour and service of God. Now here he prays the consecration-prayer, by which it was made a figure of Christ, the great Mediator, through whom we are to offer all our prayers, and to expect all God's favours, and to whom we are to have an eye in every thing where we have to do with God. We have opened the particulars of this prayer (1 Kings 8) and therefore shall now only glean up some few passages in it which may be the proper subjects of our meditation.
I.Here are some doctrinal truths occasionally laid down. As,
1.That the God of Israel is a being of incomparable perfection. We cannot describe him; but this we know, there is none like him in heaven or in earth, Ch2 6:14. All the creatures have their fellow-creatures, but the Creator has not his peer. He is infinitely above all, and over all, God blessed for ever.
2.That he is, and will be, true to every word that he has spoken; and all that serve him in sincerity shall certainly find him both faithful and kind. Those that set God always before them, and walk before him with all their hearts, shall find him as good as his word and better; he will both keep covenant with them and show mercy to them, Ch2 6:14.
3.That he is a being infinite and immense, whom the heaven, and heaven of heavens, cannot contain, and to whose felicity nothing is added by the utmost we can do in his service, Ch2 6:18. He is infinitely beyond the bounds of the creation and infinitely above the praises of all intelligent creatures.
4.That he, and he only, knows the hearts of the children of men, Ch2 6:30. All men's thoughts, aims, and affections, are naked and open before him; and, however the imaginations and intents of our hearts may be concealed from men, angels, and devils, they cannot be hidden from God, who knows not only what is in the heart, but the heart itself and all the beatings of it.
5.That there is no such thing as a sinless perfection to be found in this life (Ch2 6:36): There is no man who sinneth not; nay, who doeth good and sinneth not; so he writes, agreeable to what he here says, Ecc 7:20.
II.Here are some suppositions or cases put which are to be taken notice of.
1.He supposed that if doubts and controversies arose between man and man both sides would agree to appeal to God, and lay an oath upon the person whose testimony must decide the matter, Ch2 6:22. The religious reverence of an oath, as it was ancient, so, it may be presumed, it will continue as long as there are any remains of conscience and right reason among men.
2.He supposed that, though Israel enjoyed a profound peace and tranquillity, yet troublesome times would come. He did not think the mountain of their prosperity stood so strong but that it might be moved; nay, he expected sin would move it.
3.He supposed that those who had not called upon God at other times, yet, in their affliction, would seek him early and earnestly. "When they are in distress they will confess their sins, and confess thy name, and make supplication to thee." Trouble will drive those to God who have said to him, Depart, Ch2 6:24, Ch2 6:26, Ch2 6:28.
4.He supposed that strangers would come from afar to worship the God of Israel and to pay homage to him; and this also might reasonably be expected, considering what worthless things the gods of the nations were, and what proofs the God of Israel had given of his being Lord of the whole earth.
III.Here are petitions very pertinent.
1. That God would own this house, and have an eye to it, as the place of which he had said that he would put his name there, Ch2 6:20. He could not, in faith, have asked God to show such peculiar favour to this house above any other if he himself had not said that it should be his rest for ever. The prayer that will speed must be warranted by the word. We may with humble confidence pray to God to be well pleased with us in Jesus Christ, because he had declared himself well pleased in him - This is my beloved Son; but he says not now of any house, "This is my beloved place." 2. That God would hear and accept the prayers which should be made in or towards that place, Ch2 6:21. He asked not that God should help them whether they prayed for themselves or no, but that God would help them in answer to their prayers. Even Christ's intercessions do not supersede but encourage our supplications. He prayed that God would hear from his dwelling-place, even from heaven. Heaven in his dwelling-place still, not this temple; and thence help must come. When thou hearest forgive. Note, The forgiveness of our sins is that which makes way for all the other answers to our prayers, Removendo prohibens - The evil which it drives away it keeps away. 3. That God would give judgment according to equity upon all the appeals that should be made to him, Ch2 6:23, Ch2 6:30. This we may, in faith, pray for, for we are sure it shall be done. God sitteth on the throne judging right. 4. That God would return in mercy to his people when they repented, and reformed, and sought unto him, Ch2 6:25, Ch2 6:27, Ch2 6:38, Ch2 6:39. This we also may, in faith, pray for, building upon the repeated declarations God has made of his readiness to accepts penitents. 5. That God would bid the strangers welcome to this house, and answer their prayers (Ch2 6:33); for, if there be in duty, why should there not be in privilege one law for the stranger and for one born in the land? Lev 24:22. 6. That God would, upon all occasions, own and plead the cause of his people Israel, against all the opposers of it (Ch2 6:35): Maintain their cause; and again, Ch2 6:39. If they be the Israel of God, their cause is the cause of God, and he would espouse it. 7. He concludes this prayer with some expressions which he had learned of his good father, and borrowed from one of his psalms. We had then not in the Kings, but here we have them, Ch2 6:41, Ch2 6:42. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; and how can we express ourselves in better language to God than that of his own Spirit? But these words were of use, in a special manner, to direct Solomon, because they had reference to this very work that he was now doing. We have them, Psa 132:8-10. He prayer (Ch2 6:41), (1.) That God would take possession of the temple, and keep possession, that he would make it his resting-place: Thou and the ark; what will the ark do without the God of the ark-ordinances without the God of the ordinances? (2.) That he would make the ministers of the temple public blessings: Clothe them with salvation, that is, not only save them, but make them instrumental to save others, by offering the sacrifices of righteousness. (3.) That the service of the temple might turn abundantly to the joy and satisfaction of all the Lord's people: Let thy saints rejoice in goodness, that is, in the goodness of thy house, Psa 65:4. "Let all that come hither to worship, like the eunuch, go away rejoicing." He pleads two things, Ch2 6:42. [1.] His own relation to God: "Turn not away the face of thy anointed. Lord, thou hast appointed me to be king, and wilt not thou own me?" [2.] God's covenant with his father: Remember thy mercies of David thy servant - the piety of David towards God (so some understand it and so the word sometimes signifies), his pious care of the ark, and concern for it (see Psa 132:1, Psa 132:2, etc.), or the promises of God to David, which were mercies to him, his great support and comforts in all his troubles. We may plead, as Solomon does here, with an eye to Christ: - "We deserve that God should turn away our face, that he should reject us and our prayers; but we come in the name of the Lord Jesus, thy anointed, thy Messiah (so the word is), thy Christ, so the lxx. Him thou hearest always, and wilt never turn away his face. We have no righteousness of our own to plead, but, Lord, remember the mercies of David thy servant." Christ is God's servant (Isa 42:1), and is called David, Hos 3:5. "Lord, remember his mercies, and accept us on the account of them. Remember his tender concern for his Father's honour and man's salvation, and what he did and suffered from that principle. Remember the promises of the everlasting covenant, which free grace has made to us in Christ, and which are called the sure mercies of David," Isa 55:3 and Act 13:34. This must be all our desire and all our hope, all our prayer and all our plea; for it is all our salvation.
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Summary
2 Chronicles 6:13 vividly portrays King Solomon's profound humility and earnest devotion during the dedication of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. Standing on a specially constructed bronze platform in the midst of the vast assembly, Solomon shifts from standing to kneeling, publicly demonstrating his submission to God. With hands outstretched toward heaven, he prepares to offer a monumental prayer of intercession on behalf of the entire nation of Israel, setting a powerful example of leadership rooted in dependence on the Almighty.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of the Temple's dedication, detailed in both 1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 5-7. Immediately preceding this verse, the Ark of the Covenant has been brought into the Most Holy Place, and the glory of the Lord, a cloud, has filled the Temple, signifying God's tangible presence among His people, so much so that the priests could not stand to minister (2 Chronicles 5:7-14). Solomon's public posture of prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:13 serves as the dramatic prelude to his extensive dedicatory prayer that follows, beginning in 2 Chronicles 6:14 and extending through 2 Chronicles 6:42. This moment underscores the king's crucial role as the spiritual leader and intercessor for the nation, setting the tone for the covenant renewal and the people's relationship with God.
Historical & Cultural Context
The dedication of the Temple was arguably the most significant event in Israelite history 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 in Jerusalem, fulfilling David's vision and centralizing Israelite worship. The "brasen scaffold" was a unique, temporary structure, specifically built for this occasion, allowing Solomon to be visible and audible to the immense crowd gathered in the Temple court. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings often functioned as chief intercessors for their people, mediating between the divine and the human. Solomon's public kneeling and outstretched hands were universally recognized gestures of profound humility, submission, and earnest supplication, demonstrating that even the most powerful earthly ruler bowed before the divine King. The dimensions given (five cubits long, five cubits broad, and three cubits high – approximately 7.5 feet by 7.5 feet by 4.5 feet) indicate a substantial, elevated platform designed for prominence and visibility, ensuring that the entire congregation could witness their king's devotion.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of visible humility in leadership, as Solomon, the powerful king, chooses a posture of submission before God rather than one of earthly authority. This act sets a profound example for the entire nation, emphasizing that true strength comes from dependence on God and that leaders are ultimately accountable to Him. It also underscores the theme of public worship and intercession, showcasing the king's crucial role as an intermediary between God and His people, praying on their behalf. The scaffold ensured his visibility and the communal nature of this momentous prayer, inviting the entire assembly to participate in this act of national consecration. Furthermore, the scene reinforces the purpose of the Temple not merely as a physical structure, but as a central hub for prayer, a designated place where God's people could gather to seek His face, present their petitions, and experience His presence, as Solomon himself articulates in his subsequent prayer regarding various scenarios of national need and repentance (2 Chronicles 6:22-39). This moment cements the Temple as the focal point of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
While the Hebrew term kîyôwr often refers to a basin or laver (as seen in the Temple furnishings, e.g., Exodus 30:18), its context here clearly denotes a specially constructed, elevated platform or stand. The specific dimensions provided (five cubits long, five cubits broad, and three cubits high) describe a substantial structure, approximately 7.5 feet square and 4.5 feet high, made of bronze. Its purpose was not for sacrifice or washing, but to elevate Solomon so he could be seen and heard by the vast congregation of Israel, emphasizing the public and communal nature of this act of worship and prayer. This unique construction highlights the singular importance of the Temple dedication ceremony.
This primitive root signifies "to kneel," and by implication, "to bless God (as an act of adoration)." For a king, especially one of Solomon's stature and power, to publicly kneel before "all the congregation of Israel" was a profound demonstration of humility before God. It communicated his acknowledgment of God's ultimate sovereignty and his own subordinate position, setting a powerful example for his people to likewise humble themselves before the Lord. This posture is consistently used in scripture to denote reverence and earnest supplication (e.g., Psalm 95:6).
This primitive root means "to break apart, disperse, etc.; spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out)." When combined with "hands" (Hebrew, kaph, H3709), it describes a common and ancient posture of prayer, symbolizing earnest supplication, openness, and complete reliance on divine aid. It is a gesture of reaching out to God, inviting His blessing and intervention, and expressing a heart laid bare before Him. This posture signifies a deep desire for communion with God and an expectation of His response, a visual representation of the heart's cry to heaven (e.g., Psalm 28:2).
Verse Breakdown
"For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high,"
This initial clause meticulously details the unique construction and precise dimensions of the bronze platform. The emphasis on its creation ("had made") and its specific measurements underscores its intentional design for this singular, momentous occasion, ensuring Solomon's visibility and prominence for the entire assembly, thereby enhancing the public nature of the dedication ceremony.
"and had set it in the midst of the court:"
The strategic placement of the scaffold in the central area of the Temple court highlights the public and communal nature of the event. It was positioned so that Solomon's actions and subsequent prayer would be witnessed by the vast congregation of Israel, emphasizing transparency, collective participation, and the king's central role in this act of national worship and intercession.
"and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel,"
This clause describes Solomon's initial posture of standing on the platform, followed by his deliberate transition to kneeling. The act of kneeling, especially before such a large public assembly, is a powerful visual of profound humility and submission. It signifies his deep reverence for God and his willingness to humble himself before both God and his people, setting a profound example of godly leadership that prioritizes divine sovereignty over earthly power.
"and spread forth his hands toward heaven,"
This final clause completes the description of Solomon's prayer posture, depicting a classic biblical gesture of earnest supplication. Spreading hands towards heaven indicates a heart reaching out to God in prayer, seeking divine favor, and expressing complete dependence. It symbolizes an open heart and a receptive spirit, ready to receive from the Lord, and an expectation that God is attentive and responsive to His people's cries.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful Literary Devices to convey its message and impact. Imagery is central, with the vivid description of the precisely measured "brasen scaffold" and Solomon's specific physical postures of standing, kneeling, and spreading hands. This detailed visual allows the reader to fully grasp the solemnity, scale, and personal devotion inherent in the event. There is a strong element of Symbolism present: the scaffold itself, though functional for visibility, symbolizes the king's elevated but accessible position as an intercessor for his people. Solomon's kneeling posture is a powerful Symbol of humility and submission, contrasting sharply with his immense royal power and wealth, highlighting that even the greatest earthly king must bow before the King of Kings. The outstretched hands are a universal Symbol of earnest supplication, dependence on a higher power, and an open heart ready to receive. The narrative also uses Foreshadowing by meticulously setting the stage for the extensive and profound prayer that Solomon is about to offer, emphasizing the critical importance of intercession and the king's pivotal role in mediating between God and His covenant people.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Chronicles 6:13 is rich with theological significance, primarily emphasizing the nature of prayer, the character of godly leadership, and the reality of God's covenantal presence. Solomon's posture of profound humility and public intercession underscores that true authority and wisdom flow not from human might or status, but from a recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty and a humble dependence upon Him. It teaches that even those in positions of immense power are called to model authentic devotion and to intercede on behalf of their communities. The scene reinforces the Temple's role not merely as a physical edifice but as a designated, sacred space for communion with God, where the people could gather to seek His face, confess sins, and receive forgiveness. This act of corporate prayer, led by the king, highlights the communal aspect of faith and the importance of leaders facilitating the spiritual well-being of the nation by pointing them towards God and His promises.
Reflection and Application
Solomon's actions in 2 Chronicles 6:13 offer timeless lessons for believers today, particularly concerning the nature of prayer, leadership, and our posture before God. His public display of humility reminds us that our standing before God is not based on our earthly status, accomplishments, or perceived self-sufficiency, but on our willingness to acknowledge His supreme authority and our utter dependence on Him. For leaders, whether in the church, home, or workplace, this verse serves as a powerful call to model authentic devotion and reliance on God openly. True strength is found not in human power or self-sufficiency, but in a humble posture before the Almighty, demonstrating that even those entrusted with great responsibility must first bow before their Creator. For all believers, Solomon's earnest posture of kneeling and spreading hands encourages a deep, heartfelt engagement in prayer. While physical posture is not prescriptive for all prayer, it can certainly reflect and enhance our inner disposition of reverence, submission, and earnest supplication. This scene invites us to consider the significance of corporate worship and the profound power of intercessory prayer, reminding us that when we gather to seek God's face, He is present and attentive to our petitions, calling us to participate actively in the spiritual well-being of our communities.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was a "brasen scaffold" necessary for Solomon to pray?
The "brasen scaffold" (or bronze platform) was necessary primarily for visibility and audibility. The Temple court was vast, designed to accommodate a large congregation of Israel. By standing on an elevated platform (approximately 4.5 feet high), Solomon could be seen by the thousands gathered, and his voice would carry more effectively as he led the nation in prayer. It was not an altar for sacrifice, but a temporary, ceremonial stand specifically constructed for this unique occasion, emphasizing the public and communal nature of the Temple dedication and the king's central role as intercessor for his people.
Why did King Solomon, a powerful monarch, choose to kneel publicly?
Solomon's public kneeling was a profound demonstration of humility and submission before God. Despite his immense power, wealth, and royal authority, he acknowledged God's ultimate sovereignty over himself and the entire nation of Israel. This act set a powerful example for the entire congregation, teaching them that true reverence and dependence on God required a humble heart, regardless of one's earthly status. It underscored his role not as a ruler over God, but as a servant under God, interceding on behalf of his people and modeling the worship due to Yahweh (2 Chronicles 6:14-42). This posture of humility was a visual sermon to the nation, emphasizing that all authority ultimately derives from God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Solomon's humble posture and intercessory prayer on the bronze scaffold at the Temple dedication powerfully foreshadow the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and High Priest. Solomon, as a type of Christ, mediated between God and His people in a physical temple. However, Jesus, the true Son of David, humbled Himself infinitely more, taking on the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross, though He was God (Philippians 2:7-8). He is the one who truly "kneeled down" in the dust of Gethsemane, pouring out His soul in earnest prayer, not on a scaffold, but in agony, for His disciples and for all who would believe (Luke 22:41-44). Unlike Solomon, whose prayer was for a physical temple and a covenant nation, Christ's intercession is for His spiritual body, the Church, and for all humanity, offering a perfect and eternal sacrifice that truly brings forgiveness of sins and grants access to God's presence (Hebrews 7:25). He is not only our intercessor but also the very Temple in whom God dwells among us, His resurrected body being the true sanctuary (John 2:19-21). Through His finished work, all believers now have direct access to the Father's throne of grace, no longer needing a physical temple or an earthly king to mediate their prayers (Hebrews 4:16). Solomon's act was a shadow of the perfect humility and intercession that would be fully realized in Christ, the glorious reality, the ultimate King who humbled Himself to become our perfect and perpetual intercessor.