2 Chronicles 6:13

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

For Solomon {H8010} had made {H6213} a brasen {H5178} scaffold {H3595}, of five {H2568} cubits {H520} long {H753}, and five {H2568} cubits {H520} broad {H7341}, and three {H7969} cubits {H520} high {H6967}, and had set {H5414} it in the midst {H8432} of the court {H5835}: and upon it he stood {H5975}, and kneeled down {H1288} upon his knees {H1290} before all the congregation {H6951} of Israel {H3478}, and spread forth {H6566} his hands {H3709} toward heaven {H8064},

Complete Jewish Bible

for Shlomo had made a bronze platform eight-and-three quarters feet long, eight-and-three-quarters feet wide and five-and-a-quarter feet high and had set it up in the middle of the courtyard. He stood on it, then got down on his knees before the whole community, spread out his hands toward heaven,

Berean Standard Bible

Now Solomon had made a bronze platform five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had placed it in the middle of the courtyard. He stood on it, knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven,

American Standard Version

(for Solomon had made a brazen scaffold, 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 assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven);

Commentary

### 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](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of Solomon's Temple") and [2 Chronicles 5-7](/2_chronicles/5 "2 Chronicles 5 - The Ark Brought to the Temple"). 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 ([2 Chronicles 5:7-14](/2_chronicles/5-7 "2 Chronicles 5:7-14 - The Ark Enters the Temple")). Solomon's public posture of prayer in [2 Chronicles 6:13](/2_chronicles/6-13 "2 Chronicles 6:13 - Solomon's Posture of Prayer") serves as the dramatic prelude to his extensive dedicatory prayer that follows, beginning in [2 Chronicles 6:14](/2_chronicles/6-14 "2 Chronicles 6:14 - Solomon's Dedicatory Prayer") and extending through [2 Chronicles 6:42](/2_chronicles/6-42 "2 Chronicles 6:42 - Conclusion of Solomon's Prayer"), a prayer for divine blessing, forgiveness, and guidance for Israel. This moment underscores the king's role as the spiritual leader and intercessor for the nation.
* **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. 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 high priests or chief intercessors for their people. 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.
* **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. 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. 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](/2_chronicles/6-22 "2 Chronicles 6:22-39 - Solomon's Prayer for Various Needs")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brasen scaffold (Hebrew, _kiyyor_):** While the Hebrew term _kiyyor_ often refers to a basin or laver (as seen in the Temple furnishings, e.g., [Exodus 30:18](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18 - The Bronze Laver")), 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.
* **Kneeled down (Hebrew, _kara'_):** This verb signifies a deep act of prostration or bowing down, often associated with worship, reverence, and submission. 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](/psalms/95-6 "Psalm 95:6 - Come Let Us Worship and Bow Down")).
* **Spread forth his hands (Hebrew, _paras yadayim_):** This phrase 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](/psalms/28-2 "Psalm 28:2 - Hear My Supplication")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high,"**: This initial clause 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.
* **"and had set it in the midst of the court:"**: The 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 and collective participation in this act of national worship.
* **"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 transition to kneeling. The act of kneeling, especially before such a large public assembly, is a powerful visual of humility and submission. It signifies his reverence for God and his willingness to humble himself before both God and his people, setting a profound example of godly leadership.
* **"and spread forth his hands toward heaven,"**: This final clause completes the description of Solomon's prayer posture. Spreading hands towards heaven is a classic biblical gesture of earnest supplication, indicating 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.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. **Imagery** is central, with the vivid description of the "brasen scaffold" and Solomon's specific physical postures of standing, kneeling, and spreading hands, allowing the reader to visualize the solemnity and scale of the event. There is a strong element of **Symbolism** present: the scaffold itself, though functional for visibility, symbolizes the accessibility of the king to his people and, by extension, the accessibility of God through the Temple. 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 and dependence on a higher power. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing** by setting the stage for the extensive and profound prayer that Solomon is about to offer, emphasizing the importance of intercession and the king's role in it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 6:13 is rich with theological significance, primarily emphasizing the nature of prayer, leadership, and God's covenantal presence. Solomon's posture of humility and public intercession underscores that true authority and wisdom flow from a recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty. It teaches that even those in positions of power are called to model dependence on God 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 place for communion with God, where the people could 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.

* [1 Kings 8:54](/1_kings/8-54 "1 Kings 8:54 - Solomon's Prayer Posture") - Describes Solomon kneeling and spreading his hands at the conclusion of his prayer, reinforcing this posture of deep reverence.
* [Ezra 9:5](/ezra/9-5 "Ezra 9:5 - Ezra's Prayer Posture") - Ezra, a priest and scribe, also kneels and spreads his hands in prayer, demonstrating a consistent biblical posture for earnest supplication and humility.
* [Psalm 95:6](/psalms/95-6 "Psalm 95:6 - Worship and Bow Down") - "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!" This verse encapsulates the theological principle behind Solomon's action, inviting all to humble themselves before God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's actions in 2 Chronicles 6:13 offer timeless lessons for believers today, particularly concerning the nature of prayer and leadership. His public display of humility reminds us that our standing before God is not based on our earthly status or accomplishments, 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 self-sufficiency, but in a humble posture before the Almighty. 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, 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 power of intercessory prayer, reminding us that when we gather to seek God's face, He is present and attentive to our petitions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's public display of humility challenge my own understanding of leadership and authority?**
* **In what ways can my physical posture in prayer reflect the sincerity and depth of my spiritual devotion?**
* **What is the significance of corporate prayer in my life and in the life of my community, and how can I participate more fully?**
* **How does Solomon's reliance on God in this moment encourage me to bring my own needs and the needs of others before the Lord?**

### FAQ

**Why was a "brasen scaffold" necessary for Solomon to pray?**

Answer: The "brasen scaffold" (or bronze platform) was necessary primarily for visibility and audibility. The Temple court was vast, designed to accommodate a large congregation. 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 for this unique occasion, emphasizing the public and communal nature of the Temple dedication and the king's role as intercessor.

**Why did King Solomon, a powerful monarch, choose to kneel publicly?**

Answer: Solomon's public kneeling was a profound demonstration of humility and submission before God. Despite his immense power and wealth, he acknowledged God's ultimate sovereignty over himself and the 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 ([2 Chronicles 6:14-42](/2_chronicles/6-14 "2 Chronicles 6:14-42 - Solomon's Dedicatory Prayer")).

### 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. Solomon, as king and intercessor, stands as a type of the ultimate King and High Priest. While Solomon knelt on a temporary platform in a physical temple, Jesus, the true Son of David, humbled Himself to the lowest possible estate, taking on the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He is the one who truly "kneeled down" in the dust of Gethsemane, pouring out His soul in earnest prayer for His disciples and for all who would believe ([Luke 22:41-44](/luke/22-41 "Luke 22:41-44 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). 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 ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")). He is not only our intercessor but also the very Temple in whom God dwells among us ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")), and through His finished work, all believers now have direct access to the Father, no longer needing a physical temple or an earthly king to mediate their prayers ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Solomon's act was a shadow; Christ is the glorious reality, the ultimate King who humbled Himself to become our perfect and perpetual intercessor.

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.