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:
Solomon stood before the altar - i:e., east of the altar. This position was, at the dedication-not on the king's canopied throne, by a pillar at the entrance of the inner court (2 Kings 11:14; 33:2), but in the outer court, or court of the people-on a brasen scaffold erected for the occasion (2 Chronicles 6:13: cf. Josephus, 'Antiquities,' b.
viii., ch. 4:, sec. 2), fronting the altar of burnt offering, and surrounded by a mighty concourse of people. The altar was probably that which had been erected by David (2 Samuel 24:25); because there is no mention of it in either of the preceding chapters (see the notes at 2 Chronicles 4:1). Assuming the attitude of a suppliant, kneeling (1 Kings 8:54: cf. 2 Chronicles 6:24), instead of the usual standing posture, never used in the East but under circumstances of deep humiliation, and with uplifted hands, he performed the solemn act of consecration-an act remarkable, among other circumstances, for this, that it was done, not by the high priest, or any member of the Aaronic family but by the king in person, who might minister about, though not in, holy things.
And spread forth his hands toward heaven - not over the people (Numbers 6:22-27), but in the customary attitude of prayer; and so did not encroach upon the priest's office by performing 'the highest sacerdotal act of solemn benediction' (Stanley's Lectures,' 27:, p. 218: see the notes at 1 Kings 9:25). This sublime prayer, which breathes sentiments of the loftiest piety blended with the deepest humility, naturally bore a reference to the national blessing and curse contained in the law; and the burden of it, after an ascription of praise to the Lord for the bestowment of the former, was an earnest supplication for deliverance from the latter. He specifies seven cases in which the merciful interposition of God would be required; and he earnestly bespeaks it, on condition of the people praying toward that holy place. He then arose, looking eastward, and a second time blessed the people, the blessing at the close being substantially a brief recapitulation of the preceding prayer. It may be expedient to select some particular portions of it.