1 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 22

Authorized King James Version

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And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:

Original Language Analysis

וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֣ד stood H5975
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֣ד stood
Strong's: H5975
Word #: 1 of 12
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה And Solomon H8010
שְׁלֹמֹ֗ה And Solomon
Strong's: H8010
Word #: 2 of 12
shelomah, david's successor
לִפְנֵי֙ before H6440
לִפְנֵי֙ before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 3 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מִזְבַּ֣ח the altar H4196
מִזְבַּ֣ח the altar
Strong's: H4196
Word #: 4 of 12
an altar
יְהוָ֔ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נֶ֖גֶד in the presence of H5048
נֶ֖גֶד in the presence of
Strong's: H5048
Word #: 6 of 12
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 7 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
קְהַ֣ל all the congregation H6951
קְהַ֣ל all the congregation
Strong's: H6951
Word #: 8 of 12
assemblage (usually concretely)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 9 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיִּפְרֹ֥שׂ and spread forth H6566
וַיִּפְרֹ֥שׂ and spread forth
Strong's: H6566
Word #: 10 of 12
to break apart, disperse, etc
כַּפָּ֖יו his hands H3709
כַּפָּ֖יו his hands
Strong's: H3709
Word #: 11 of 12
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ toward heaven H8064
הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃ toward heaven
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 12 of 12
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

Analysis & Commentary

And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of dedication of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all temple offerings (Hebrews 10:1-18).

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

Historical Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Questions for Reflection