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,

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},

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,

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,

(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

2 Chronicles 6:13 captures a pivotal moment during the dedication of Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This verse illustrates King Solomon's posture of profound humility and leadership as he prepares to offer a monumental prayer on behalf of the nation.

Historical and Cultural Context

This scene takes place immediately after the Ark of the Covenant has been brought into the newly completed Temple, signifying God's presence dwelling among His people (2 Chronicles 5:7). The "brasen scaffold" was a specially constructed bronze platform, unique to this occasion, placed in the "midst of the court" where the vast congregation of Israel could witness their king. Solomon's actions here are not merely ceremonial; they set the stage for his extensive dedicatory prayer that follows in 2 Chronicles 6:14-42, a prayer for divine blessing, forgiveness, and guidance for Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Visible Humility and Leadership: Solomon, the powerful king of Israel, does not pray from his throne or a place of elevated authority, but from a modest bronze platform. His act of kneeling publicly before all the congregation demonstrates profound humility before God and sets a powerful example for his people.
  • Public Worship and Intercession: The "brasen scaffold" (or platform) ensured Solomon was visible and audible to the vast assembly, emphasizing the communal aspect of worship and the king's role as an intercessor for his nation. His outstretched hands toward heaven symbolize earnest supplication and complete reliance on divine aid.
  • The Temple's Purpose: This scene reinforces the Temple's role not just as a physical dwelling place for God's name, but as a central hub for prayer, a place where God's people could gather to seek His face and present their petitions.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "brasen scaffold" is kior, which elsewhere can refer to a basin or laver, but here clearly denotes a platform or stand. Its specific dimensions (five cubits long, five cubits broad, and three cubits high – approximately 7.5 feet by 7.5 feet by 4.5 feet) indicate it was a substantial, elevated structure designed for prominence. This unique platform allowed Solomon to be seen by the thousands gathered, underscoring the public and communal nature of this act of worship and prayer.

Practical Application

  • The Power of Public Prayer: Solomon's example reminds us of the significance of corporate prayer and the importance of leaders modeling devotion and reliance on God openly.
  • Humility in Leadership: This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true strength and wisdom in leadership come from a humble posture before God, acknowledging His ultimate authority and sovereignty.
  • Postures of Prayer: While not prescriptive, Solomon's posture of kneeling and spreading hands illustrates a deep reverence and earnestness in prayer. It encourages believers to consider how their physical posture can reflect their spiritual devotion and submission to God.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 8:54 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Nehemiah 8:4 (4 votes)

    And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, [and] Meshullam.

  • Ezra 9:5 (3 votes)

    ¶ And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God,

  • Psalms 95:6 (3 votes)

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

  • Daniel 6:10 (2 votes)

    Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

  • 2 Chronicles 4:9 (2 votes)

    Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass.

  • 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.