2 Chronicles 6:13

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,

Study Bible

Now Solomon had made a bronze platform
The construction of a bronze platform by Solomon is significant both in its material and its purpose. Bronze, in biblical times, was a symbol of strength and judgment. The Hebrew word for bronze, "nechosheth," often signifies durability and resilience. This platform was not merely a physical structure but a symbol of the enduring covenant between God and Israel. It served as a stage for Solomon to demonstrate his leadership and devotion publicly, emphasizing the importance of worship and prayer in the life of the nation.

five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high
The dimensions of the platform are precise, indicating the care and intentionality behind its construction. A cubit, approximately 18 inches, was a standard unit of measure in ancient Israel. The use of the number five, often associated with God's grace, suggests that this platform was a place where divine favor and human supplication met. The height of three cubits elevates Solomon, not in pride, but in a position of intercession, symbolizing the mediator role he plays between God and the people.

and had placed it in the midst of the courtyard
Positioning the platform in the midst of the courtyard signifies its centrality to the worship experience. The courtyard was a place of gathering, a communal space where the people of Israel came together to seek God. By placing the platform here, Solomon underscores the communal nature of prayer and worship, inviting the entire assembly to witness and participate in this sacred moment. It reflects the biblical principle that worship is not a solitary act but a corporate one, drawing the community into a shared experience of God's presence.

He stood on it, knelt down in front of the whole assembly of Israel
Solomon's actions are rich with meaning. Standing on the platform, he assumes a position of authority and leadership. Yet, his subsequent act of kneeling demonstrates humility and reverence before God. The Hebrew word for kneel, "barak," also means to bless, indicating that Solomon's posture is one of both submission and blessing. By kneeling in front of the entire assembly, Solomon models a heart of worship and sets an example for the nation, showing that true leadership is rooted in humility and dependence on God.

spread out his hands toward heaven
The gesture of spreading out hands is a universal sign of supplication and openness. In the Hebrew context, it signifies a reaching out to God, an expression of earnest prayer and desire for divine intervention. This act of lifting hands toward heaven symbolizes a connection between the earthly and the divine, a physical representation of Solomon's prayer ascending to God. It reflects a posture of surrender and expectation, inviting God's presence and blessing upon the people and the temple. Solomon's prayer, as he spreads his hands, becomes a powerful intercession for the nation, seeking God's guidance, protection, and favor.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. Bronze Platform
A specially constructed platform used by Solomon during the dedication of the Temple. It symbolizes a place of elevation and visibility for prayer and leadership.

3. Courtyard
The outer area of the Temple where the assembly of Israel gathered. It was a place of public worship and sacrifice.

4. Assembly of Israel
The gathered people of Israel, representing the nation before God during significant religious events.

5. Temple Dedication
A significant event where Solomon dedicated the newly built Temple to the Lord, marking a central place of worship for Israel.

Teaching Points

Humility in Leadership
Solomon's act of kneeling demonstrates humility before God, a vital trait for leaders. True leadership involves recognizing one's dependence on God.

Public Worship and Witness
The public nature of Solomon's prayer on the platform highlights the importance of communal worship and being a witness to others in our faith practices.

Prayer Posture
While physical posture in prayer is not mandated, Solomon's example shows that our physical actions can reflect the attitude of our hearts in worship.

Dedication to God
Just as Solomon dedicated the Temple, believers are called to dedicate their lives and resources to God's service, recognizing His sovereignty over all.

Seeking God's Presence
Solomon's prayer was a plea for God's presence and blessing. In our lives, we should continually seek God's presence and guidance in all we do.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Solomon's use of the bronze platform teach us about the role of visibility and leadership in worship?

2. How can Solomon's posture of kneeling inform our own practices of prayer and worship today?

3. In what ways does the dedication of the Temple parallel the dedication of our lives to God?

4. How does the communal aspect of the assembly of Israel enhance our understanding of corporate worship?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's presence in a significant way. How did that experience shape your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 8
This chapter provides a parallel account of the Temple dedication, offering additional details about Solomon's prayer and the significance of the event.

Psalm 95:6
This verse encourages worshipers to bow down and kneel before the Lord, reflecting Solomon's posture of humility and reverence.

Philippians 2:10
This New Testament verse speaks of every knee bowing at the name of Jesus, connecting the act of kneeling with submission and worship.