1 Kings 8 14

1 Kings 8:14 kjv

And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the congregation of Israel: (and all the congregation of Israel stood;)

1 Kings 8:14 nkjv

Then the king turned around and blessed the whole assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel was standing.

1 Kings 8:14 niv

While the whole assembly of Israel was standing there, the king turned around and blessed them.

1 Kings 8:14 esv

Then the king turned around and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel stood.

1 Kings 8:14 nlt

Then the king turned around to the entire community of Israel standing before him and gave this blessing:

1 Kings 8 verses

1 Kings 8 14 Meaning

King Solomon, having witnessed the glory of the Lord fill the newly constructed Temple, turned from the sacred space towards the assembly of the Israelites. His immediate act was to pronounce a solemn blessing upon the entire congregation, conveying divine favor. The people, in turn, demonstrated their reverence and attentiveness by standing to receive the king's words, underscoring the gravity and significance of the moment.

1 Kings 8 14 Context

First Kings chapter 8 describes the dedication of the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. This was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, signifying the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, fulfilling prophecies and the aspirations of King David. Immediately prior to this verse, the Ark of the Covenant had been brought into the Holy of Holies, and the glory of the Lord (symbolized by the cloud) had filled the Temple so completely that the priests could not minister (1 Kgs 8:10-11). Solomon had then acknowledged God's choice to dwell in "thick darkness" and in this Temple (1 Kgs 8:12-13). Following this profound display of God's presence, Solomon turns to address the vast assembly of Israel, initiating his public address and lengthy dedicatory prayer. This blessing serves as a spiritual transition, preparing the congregation to hear his upcoming words of praise and supplication.

1 Kings 8 14 Word analysis

• Then: This conjunction indicates a sequential progression, linking Solomon's actions to the preceding events of God's glory filling the Temple and Solomon's initial acknowledgment. It marks the shift from observation of the divine to interaction with the human assembly.
• the king: Refers to Solomon, the reigning monarch of Israel. His title emphasizes his unique role as God's chosen leader and representative on earth, making his blessing an act of considerable authority and spiritual significance.
• turned his face about: (Hebrew: וַיַּסֵּב֩ אֶת־פָּנָ֜יו, vayyasêḇ ʾeṯ-pānāw). The root sābaḇ means "to turn around" or "to surround." This action physically symbolizes Solomon's change of focus from the presence of God within the Temple's innermost sanctuary to the waiting congregation. It implies a deliberate and intentional shift, a move from private awe to public proclamation.
• and blessed: (Hebrew: וַיְבָ֖רֶךְ, vayḇāreḵ). From the root bārak, meaning "to kneel" or "to bless." In this context, it signifies the formal pronouncement of good will, prosperity, and divine favor upon the people. This was not a casual greeting but a solemn act invoking God's grace and benediction upon the nation, performed by the anointed leader. It carries authority and weight, as if distributing blessings directly from the source of all blessing.
• all the congregation: (Hebrew: אֵ֣ת כָּל־קְהַל֩, ʾêṯ kāl-qəhal). The term qāhāl refers to a full assembly or gathering, emphasizing the unity and collective identity of the nation present at this momentous occasion. It underscores that the blessing was intended for the entirety of God's people, not just a select few.
• of Israel: Identifies the specific recipients as the chosen covenant people of God, highlighting the fulfillment of divine promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• and all the congregation of Israel stood: (Hebrew: וְכָל־קְהַל֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל עֹמֵֽד, wəḵol-qəhal yiśrāʾēl ʿōmêd). The verb ʿāmad means "to stand." This posture of the entire assembly signifies profound reverence, respect, and attentiveness. It demonstrates their readiness to receive the king's blessing and their acknowledgement of the sacredness of the moment and the authority of their leader and, by extension, God. It indicates a disciplined and eager congregation, prepared to hear and accept the words pronounced over them.

Words-group analysis:

• "the king turned his face about, and blessed": This phrase captures Solomon's divinely ordained role as mediator between God and His people. His turning signifies the culmination of his focus on God's glory, then immediately bringing the fruit of that encounter—God's favor—to the waiting nation. This kingly blessing served to formally establish the atmosphere of divine favor for the remainder of the temple dedication.
• "all the congregation of Israel stood": This specific detail emphasizes the collective response and unified reverence of the people. Their standing indicates not only respect for Solomon's authority as king but also their deep understanding of the spiritual weight of the occasion, poised to receive the covenantal blessings of the Lord.

1 Kings 8 14 Bonus section

This act by Solomon can be seen as having a priestly character, as typically, blessings from God to the people were mediated by priests, as outlined in the Aaronic Blessing (Num 6). Here, the king assumes this role, signifying the sacred dimension of his office within the covenant. This foreshadows a fuller union of kingly and priestly roles found in the future Messiah. Furthermore, Solomon's blessing, spoken immediately after the glory of God filled the Temple, reinforces the monotheistic nature of Israel's God, Yahweh. Unlike surrounding polytheistic nations where blessings might be sought from various deities, this scene clearly presents the one true God, dwelling among His people, dispensing His favor through His chosen human agent, challenging any syncretistic notions of divine power and presence prevalent in the ancient Near East.

1 Kings 8 14 Commentary

Following the awe-inspiring descent of God's glory into the Temple, King Solomon, filled with the momentous significance of the divine presence, shifted his attention from the Most Holy Place to the expectant congregation. This turning and blessing were not a mere formal pleasantry, but a solemn and authoritative act of transferring God's favor and goodwill upon His people through their anointed king. It underscored Solomon's unique role as both the political and spiritual leader, one through whom God chose to administer His covenantal blessings to Israel. The king, having been directly immersed in the display of God's manifest presence, now channeled that divine reality outward to the nation.

The collective standing of "all the congregation of Israel" highlights the deep respect and receptivity of the people. It demonstrates their recognition of the sanctity of the moment and their deference to both God's presence and the king's authority. This posture prepared them to receive the upcoming addresses and instructions, signifying a humble and expectant spirit before the Lord and His appointed representative. This verse sets the tone for the remainder of the temple dedication ceremony, emphasizing that all the ensuing prayers, speeches, and sacrifices proceed under the canopy of God's favor, pronounced by His chosen king and received by a reverent people. Leaders today, while not mediating in the same way, are still called to speak blessings into the lives of those they serve, reminding them of God's good favor and presence. The response of the people, their willingness to stand and receive, remains a timeless model for those hearing God's truth through His servants.