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.

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}.

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,

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.

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

Context of 1 Kings 8:54

This verse marks the conclusion of one of the most significant events in ancient Israelite history: the dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem. King Solomon had just finished delivering a profound and lengthy prayer of dedication and supplication to the LORD, spanning from 1 Kings 8:23 to 1 Kings 8:53. This prayer was offered before the entire assembly of Israel, who had gathered for this momentous occasion, celebrating the completion of the magnificent house built for God's name.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Earnest Prayer and Supplication: The verse emphasizes the depth and sincerity of Solomon's communication with God. His prayer was not a casual address but a fervent "prayer and supplication," indicating a humble and earnest plea for divine favor and attention.
  • Humility and Reverence: Solomon's posture—"kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven"—is a powerful visual of humility and deep reverence before the Almighty. This posture was common in ancient Near Eastern worship, signifying complete submission and reliance on God. It stands as a timeless example of how one should approach the divine.
  • Completion of a Sacred Act: The phrase "when Solomon had made an end of praying" signifies the formal conclusion of a vital spiritual act. It underscores the structured and intentional nature of worship and dedication during this pivotal moment in Israel's history.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "supplication" (תְּחִנָּה, tᵉḥinnâ) often carries the nuance of a plea for mercy or grace, highlighting the dependent nature of humanity before God. Solomon's prayer was not merely petitioning, but also acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His compassionate response. The action of "hands spread up to heaven" (פָּרַשׂ כַּפָּיו, pāras kappāw) is a universal gesture of prayer and appeal, symbolizing an open heart and a reaching out to the divine for help and blessing.

Related Scriptures

Solomon's prayer and posture are also recorded in the parallel account in 2 Chronicles 6:13, where it further details his posture on a bronze scaffold. The act of kneeling in prayer is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen in figures like Daniel (Daniel 6:10) and Jesus Himself (Luke 22:41), emphasizing humility and devotion.

Practical Application

1 Kings 8:54 reminds believers today of the importance of earnest and humble prayer. Solomon's example teaches us that:

  1. Prayer is Essential: Even after monumental achievements like building the Temple, the focus shifts back to communication with God.
  2. Posture Reflects Heart: While physical posture is not the only measure of sincerity, Solomon's kneeling and outstretched hands demonstrate a heart yielded to God, a posture that can enhance our own spiritual focus.
  3. Completing Our Commitments: Just as Solomon "made an end of praying," we are called to finish our spiritual disciplines and commitments with reverence and intention.
This verse serves as a powerful conclusion to a historical moment, emphasizing the enduring significance of prayer in the life of a leader and a nation.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 6:12 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 7:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

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

  • Luke 11:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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.