1 Kings 8:14

14 And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel were standing.

1 Kings 8:14 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 8:14

And the king turned his face about
He was before the altar, ( 1 Kings 8:22 ) , with his face to that first, and looking towards the holy and the most holy place, filled with the cloud and glory; and now he turned himself and stood with the altar behind him, and looking to the court of the people:

and blessed all the congregation of Israel;
either blessed the Lord before them, or prayed for blessings for them, or congratulated them upon the Lord's taking up his residence in the temple, which was so great an honour and favour to them:

and all the congregation of Israel stood:
ready to receive the king's blessing, and in honour of him, and reverence to the divine Being. The Jews say, none might sit in the court but the kings of the house of David.

1 Kings 8:14 In-Context

12 Then spoke Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

13 I have surely built thee a house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever.

14 And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel were standing.

15 And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, who spoke with his mouth to David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled [it], saying,

16 Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel from Egypt, I have chosen no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.