For Solomon had made a brazen scaffold of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the middle of the court: and on it he stood, and kneeled down on his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven.
scaffold
Nehemiah 8:4 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.
long [heb] the length thereof, etc.
2 Chronicles 4:9 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.
1 Kings 6:36 And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams.
1 Kings 7:12 And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.
kneeled down
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.
Ezra 9:5 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,
Psalm 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high
The dimensions of the platform (approximately 7.5 feet long and wide, and 4.5 feet high) suggest a structure that was both prominent and accessible. The use of specific measurements reflects the biblical emphasis on order and precision, reminiscent of the detailed instructions given for the construction of the tabernacle and temple. The number five often symbolizes grace in biblical numerology, which may underscore the grace of God being sought in Solomon's prayer.
and had placed it in the middle of the courtyard
Positioning the platform in the middle of the courtyard ensured that Solomon was visible to the entire assembly of Israel. This central location emphasizes the communal aspect of the dedication, as the temple was to be a place of worship for all the people. The courtyard was a significant area in the temple complex, where the congregation gathered, symbolizing unity and collective worship.
He stood on it
Solomon standing on the platform indicates his role as both king and spiritual leader. His position on the platform signifies authority and leadership, as he represents the people before God. This act also reflects the biblical tradition of leaders standing to address the assembly, as seen with Moses and other prophets.
knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel
Kneeling is a posture of humility and submission, especially significant for a king. By kneeling, Solomon demonstrates reverence for God and acknowledges his dependence on divine guidance. This act of humility before the entire assembly sets an example for the people, emphasizing that even the king is subject to God's authority.
spread out his hands toward heaven
Spreading out hands in prayer is a gesture of openness and supplication, symbolizing a plea for divine intervention and blessing. This posture is common in biblical prayers, indicating a desire to receive from God. It reflects a connection between heaven and earth, as Solomon seeks God's presence and favor upon the newly built temple. This act can also be seen as a type of Christ, who intercedes on behalf of humanity, bridging the gap between God and man.
- Scripture tells us, “Now Solomon had made a bronze platform” (2 Chronicles 6:13).
- This was no mere stage; it was fashioned for a sacred moment. Bronze had long symbolized judgment and endurance (Numbers 21:9; Exodus 27:2), and Solomon chose that durable metal for a public act of worship.
- 1 Kings 8:22 parallels the account: “Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven.”
- “Five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high.” A cubit is roughly 18 inches, so the platform measured about 7½ × 7½ × 4½ feet.
- These exact measurements echo the bronze altar Moses was commanded to build: “You are to make the altar five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar is to be square, and three cubits high” (Exodus 27:1).
- By matching those dimensions, Solomon visibly connected the dedication of the temple to the wilderness worship of Israel’s beginnings.
- “And had placed it in the middle of the courtyard.”
- Positioning it centrally allowed every worshiper a clear view, underscoring corporate participation (2 Chronicles 4:9 notes the layout of the priestly court).
- The central location mirrors God’s desire to dwell “in the midst” of His people (Exodus 25:8; Revelation 21:3).
- “He stood on it.” A king normally sat on a throne, but Solomon rises to stand before the Lord.
- Standing signifies readiness to serve (Deuteronomy 10:8) and urgency in intercession (Genesis 18:22).
- Like Joshua, who said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15), Solomon publicly commits himself and the nation to covenant faithfulness.
- Next, “he knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel.” Royal dignity yields to humble worship.
- Kneeling conveys submission (Psalm 95:6) and contrition (Ezra 9:5). Even the king bows because God alone is sovereign.
- Daniel would later pray on his knees three times a day (Daniel 6:10), following this royal example of humility.
- Finally, Solomon “spread out his hands toward heaven.”
- This posture of open-handed dependence appears in Psalm 141:2—“May the lifting of my hands be like the evening offering”.
- It signals confidence that God hears (1 Timothy 2:8) and invites the nation to look heavenward for mercy (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Solomon’s bronze platform, matching the altar of Moses and set in the temple’s heart, becomes a visual sermon. The king stands, then kneels, and lifts his hands—moving from authority to humility to expectancy. Every gesture proclaims that true leadership bows before God, true worship centers on His presence, and true prayer reaches upward with open hands, trusting Him to hear and to act.
(13) For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold.--This verse is not in Kings. But it may once have followed 1Kings 8:22. At least, marks of the chronicler's individual style are not apparent in it.Scaffold.--Literally, pan (kiyor; see 2Chronicles 4:6). The "scaffold" looked like a "laver" turned upside down, and was doubtless hollow underneath. (Comp. Nehemiah 9:4 for an analogous structure.)
Kneeled down upon his knees, and spread forth his hands.--An attitude of prayer which may be seen figured upon the monuments of ancient Egypt.
Toward heaven (ha-sh?m??y'm?h).--The chronicler has used the exact form for the less precise hash?m??ayim of 1Kings 8:22. . . .
Verse 13. - A brazen scaffold. The Hebrew word is כִּיּור. The word occurs twenty-one times. It is translated, in the Authorized Version, "laver" eighteen times, once "pan" (1 Samuel 2:14), once "hearth" (Zechariah 12:6), and once "scaffold," here. The meaning evidently is that the stand was in some sort basin-shaped.