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 Solomon said, The LORD has 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 unto David my father, and with his hand has fulfilled it, saying,

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