For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

2 CHRONICLES 6:13KJV
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2 Chronicles 6:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 6:13 mean?

2 Chronicles 6:13 describes how King Solomon prepared a large bronze platform and placed it in the center of the temple courtyard, then stood on it, knelt down before all the people of Israel, and lifted his hands toward heaven in prayer. This verse shows Solomon’s public humility and reverence as he leads the nation in seeking God.

Solomon is the speaker here, addressing God in front of the gathered people of Israel during the dedication of the temple. The verse highlights the physical setting: a specially made bronze scaffold (platform) in the middle of the court, large enough to be seen by the whole assembly. Solomon’s actions—standing, kneeling, and spreading his hands—demonstrate respect, submission, and earnestness as he begins his prayer.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 6:13

  • "brasen" (נְחֹשֶׁת, nechoshet): This word means "bronze" or "copper." The use of bronze for the scaffold emphasizes its strength and value, fitting for such an important public occasion.
  • "scaffold" (כִּיּוֹר, kiyyor): Here, this word refers to a platform or stand. It is not the usual word for altar, making clear that Solomon is not offering a sacrifice but preparing to pray.
  • "congregation" (קָהָל, qahal): This word means an assembly or gathering, underlining that Solomon’s actions are done openly before all Israel, not in private.
  • "spread forth" (פָּרַשׂ, paras): This verb means to stretch out or spread, describing Solomon’s gesture of lifting his hands toward heaven, a common posture of prayer in the Hebrew Bible.

Why 2 Chronicles 6:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Solomon’s prayer at the temple dedication was a highly public act, emphasizing his role as both king and spiritual leader.
  • The physical details—the bronze platform, the kneeling, and the lifted hands—show that humility and reverence before God were central, even for a king.
  • The verse sets the stage for the long prayer that follows, helping readers picture the solemn and communal atmosphere of this key moment in Israel’s history.