2 Chronicles 6:13 – “Now he had made a bronze platform, five cubits long, five cubits wide and three cubits high, and had placed it in the center of the outer court. He stood on the platform and then knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Solomon has prepared a special platform to stand on in front of the entire assembly of Israel during the temple dedication. This bronze platform served to elevate him so everyone could see him as he prayed to God. While standing on the platform, Solomon then kneels down and lifts his hands toward heaven in prayer.
This moment shows Solomon’s humility before God. Although he is the king of Israel, he publicly bows before God, acknowledging that all power and authority come from Him. Solomon’s posture of kneeling and raising his hands expresses both reverence and a deep dependence on God. The public nature of this act also serves as an example for the people, demonstrating that even the highest earthly authority must submit to God’s will.
Historical Context
This event took place during the dedication of the first temple in Jerusalem, a monumental moment in Israel’s history. Solomon had completed the construction of the temple, which was a task his father, David, had deeply desired to accomplish. The temple now stood as the central place of worship for the nation, symbolizing God’s presence with His people.
In the ancient world, kneeling and raising hands were common postures in prayer, symbolizing humility and openness before God. Solomon, as king, could have simply stood or remained seated, but his decision to kneel before God in front of the people was a powerful act of submission and leadership. It was a reminder to Israel that, despite Solomon’s power, the true King was God.
The bronze platform was also a significant detail, as it allowed Solomon to be seen by all the people gathered in the outer court. This made his act of prayer and humility visible to the nation, reinforcing the idea that leaders should set an example of devotion and dependence on God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse illustrates that no matter our position in life, we are all dependent on God. Solomon, the most powerful man in Israel, recognized that his authority came from God and that he needed God’s guidance and blessing. His public act of humility serves as a reminder that leadership, in any form, should be marked by a recognition of God’s sovereignty.
This verse also highlights the importance of public expressions of faith. Solomon wasn’t praying in private; he was leading the nation in worship and supplication to God. His actions show that it’s important for leaders to visibly model a relationship with God, encouraging others to follow their example.
Literary Analysis
The description of the platform’s size—five cubits by five cubits, and three cubits high—provides a precise image of the structure Solomon used. The fact that the verse includes these measurements emphasizes the public and deliberate nature of Solomon’s actions. The platform made him visible to all, and his actions of kneeling and raising his hands toward heaven were meant to be seen by the people.
The progression from standing to kneeling demonstrates a shift from leadership to submission, with the raised hands symbolizing openness to God. The details of Solomon’s physical posture serve to underscore the theme of humility and dependence on God.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Kings 8:54 – A parallel account of Solomon’s prayer where it mentions that Solomon knelt in prayer before all the people.
- Psalm 95:6 – “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker,” emphasizing the biblical tradition of kneeling in worship and submission to God.
- Philippians 2:10 – A New Testament reference to every knee bowing before Jesus, which reinforces the idea that all people, regardless of status, must submit to God’s authority.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a reminder that no matter how successful or important we may be in life, we are still dependent on God. Solomon, as a king, humbled himself before God in front of his entire nation. This challenges us to consider how we can express our own dependence on God, both privately and publicly.
This verse also teaches the importance of leading by example. Solomon didn’t just tell the people to worship God; he modeled it for them. Christians today, especially those in positions of leadership, are called to live out their faith in visible ways, encouraging others to turn to God by their own example.
Finally, this verse highlights the value of humility in our relationship with God. Solomon’s kneeling shows that no matter how high we rise in the eyes of the world, we must always lower ourselves before God, acknowledging that He is the ultimate authority in our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals that God welcomes and responds to the humility of His people. Solomon’s act of kneeling and spreading out his hands was a sign of surrender and reliance on God’s love and guidance. God, in His love, listens to the prayers of those who approach Him in humility. He does not require perfection, but He desires a heart that is fully dependent on Him.
God’s love is also demonstrated in His willingness to be present with His people. The temple dedication was a celebration of God’s dwelling among His people, and Solomon’s prayer is a response to that loving relationship. God’s love is expressed through His covenantal presence, and Solomon’s actions show that he understood the weight of that love and the need to honor it.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Solomon’s act of kneeling before God points forward to the ultimate act of humility demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself by becoming human and even going to the cross for our salvation (Philippians 2:5-8). Just as Solomon knelt before God in submission, Jesus submitted Himself to the Father’s will, even though He was equal with God.
Furthermore, the temple that Solomon dedicated was a symbol of God’s presence among His people. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as the true temple—God dwelling among us in the flesh (John 1:14). Through Jesus, we no longer need a physical temple to experience God’s presence, as He has made a way for us to have a direct relationship with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Solomon’s act of kneeling before God challenge you in your own expressions of humility and dependence on God?
- In what ways can you lead others by example in your faith, as Solomon did during the temple dedication?
- How can you incorporate public expressions of faith, such as prayer and worship, into your life without fear of judgment?
- How does Jesus’ ultimate act of humility in going to the cross inspire your own relationship with God?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of approaching God with a heart of surrender and trust, no matter your position in life?