1 Kings 8:14

14 The king turned his face about, and blessed all the assembly of Israel: and all the assembly of Israel stood.

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, Yahweh has said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

13 I have surely built you a house of habitation, a place for you to dwell in forever.

14 The king turned his face about, and blessed all the assembly of Israel: and all the assembly of Israel stood.

15 He said, Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who spoke with his mouth to David your father, and has with his hand fulfilled it, saying,

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