2 Chronicles 6:13
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Notice how Solomon, in a moment of profound humility and dependence on God, physically elevates himself on a platform before kneeling down. This striking contrast emphasizes that true reverence isn't just about a lowly posture, but about intentionally approaching God from a place of divine appointment and public declaration before bringing himself low before Him. It’s a powerful image of someone acting on behalf of his people, acknowledging his God-given authority, and then submitting it all to the Most High.
Solomon had made a bronze platform five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in the court, and he stood on it. Then he knelt on his knees in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Solomon is standing before the people and God at the grand dedication of the newly built Temple. He's just finished a massive building project that took years, and now he's offering a prayer to inaugurate this sacred space. This moment of public prayer, right after the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the Most Holy Place, is the culmination of so much anticipation and divine promise.
Solomon built a special platform for this moment. Why was it necessary? What does it reveal about approaching God?
Solomon didn't just stand anywhere; he stood on a raised bronze platform. This wasn't about boasting, but about creating a visible space for a profound act.
A Public Declaration:
This platform elevated Solomon, making him visible to the entire assembly. It signified that his prayer was not a private moment, but a public dedication and a plea on behalf of his people.
A Symbol of Submission:
Bronze was often used for elements in the tabernacle and temple associated with sacrifice and judgment, representing God's holiness and human sinfulness. Standing on it, before God and the people, could symbolize acknowledging his own lowliness and dependence on God, even in his royal position.
Solomon's physical actions – kneeling and spreading his hands – spoke volumes. What do these gestures communicate to God and to us?
The verse describes Solomon's deliberate physical posture: kneeling and spreading out his hands. These actions were ancient and powerful ways of expressing deep reverence and earnest petition.
The Act of Kneeling:
Kneeling is a universal posture of submission, vulnerability, and worship. By kneeling before the vast assembly and the even greater presence of God, Solomon demonstrated profound humility and acknowledged his dependence on divine mercy.
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The Gesture of Open Hands:
Spreading his hands toward heaven is a gesture of offering, surrender, and earnest pleading. It's like saying, 'Here I am, God, with nothing to hide, asking for your help.' It’s an open invitation for God to fill him and to hear his prayer.
Understand the original words
ammah · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew unit of measurement approximately 18 inches long, based on the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, commonly used in ancient architecture.
This moment of dedication occurred during a peak period of Israel's history under Solomon, highlighting the nation's unity and Solomon's significant role in establishing Jerusalem as the central religious hub.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Begins Reign
David, his father, passed the throne to Solomon, a time of relative peace and prosperity for Israel. Solomon was known for his wisdom.
c. 967 BC
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon initiated the construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, a project that took seven years to complete.
c. 960 BC— this verse
Temple Completion and Dedication
With the Temple finished, Solomon gathered Israel for a grand dedication ceremony, where he offered a lengthy prayer and sacrifices.
c. 960 BC
Ark of the Covenant Placed in Temple
The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, was brought into the Most Holy Place of the new Temple.
Throughout Solomon's Reign
Period of Peace and Prosperity
Solomon's rule was largely characterized by peace, flourishing trade, and a strong kingdom, allowing for grand religious undertakings.
This passage describes the same event – Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the Temple – from a slightly different perspective, reinforcing the details of his posture and prayer.
Ezra 1:1-4This shows a similar act of prayer and dependence on God from a leader (Cyrus, though not an Israelite king) who is initiating a significant return and rebuilding, mirroring Solomon's heart for God's people.
Nehemiah 8:5-6This passage depicts Ezra and the Levites teaching the Law, and the people's response is to stand and lift their hands in worship and respond with 'Amen, Amen,' echoing the posture and devotion seen in Solomon's prayer.
Acts 7:59-60Stephen, facing his own trial, displays a similar posture of prayer, calling on the Lord Jesus and asking for forgiveness for his persecutors, showing the enduring power of humble, heavenward prayer in times of great need.
Notice how Solomon, in a moment of profound humility and dependence on God, physically elevates himself on a platform before kneeling down. This striking contrast emphasizes that true reverence isn't just about a lowly posture, but about intentionally approaching God from a place of divine appointment and public declaration before bringing himself low before Him. It’s a powerful image of someone acting on behalf of his people, acknowledging his God-given authority, and then submitting it all to the Most High.
Solomon is standing before the people and God at the grand dedication of the newly built Temple. He's just finished a massive building project that took years, and now he's offering a prayer to inaugurate this sacred space. This moment of public prayer, right after the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the Most Holy Place, is the culmination of so much anticipation and divine promise.
Solomon is standing before the people and God at the grand dedication of the newly built Temple. He's just finished a massive building project that took years, and now he's offering a prayer to inaugurate this sacred space. This moment of public prayer, right after the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the Most Holy Place, is the culmination of so much anticipation and divine promise.
"Solomon had made a bronze platform five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in the court, and he stood on it. Then he knelt on his knees in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his han…" — Notice how Solomon, in a moment of profound humility and dependence on God, physically elevates himself on a platform before kneeling down. This striking contrast emphasizes that true reverence isn…
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Last reviewed October 2026
