1 Kings 8:22

And Solomon stood [ i.e; took his stand ( LXX . ἀνέστη ). Not "was standing." It was but for a moment, however, for we find him presently kneeling ( 1 Kings 8:54 ; 2 Chronicles 6:13 ). The latter passage informs us that he both stood and knelt upon a "brazen scaffold," three cubits high] before the altar of the Lord [ i.e; the brazen altar of sacrifice. The platform or scaffold was "set in the midst of the court" (2 Chronicles l.c. ) All these rites took place in the open air. The king bad no place within the edifice] in the presence [the word is not to be pressed to mean " facing the people." It is hardly likely he would pray towards the people—he was their προφήτης , i.e; he spoke for them to God—or turn his back on the sacred Presence just manifested], and spread forth his hands towards heaven: [one attitude of earnest prayer thoughout the East, as may be seen at the present day amongst the Mohammedans. (See Lane's "Modern Egyptians," ch. 3; "Religion and Laws.") So completely was this posture identified with supplication that to "lift up the hands" came to be a synonym for prayer ( Exodus 9:29 , Exodus 9:33 ; Psalms 44:20 ; Psalms 143:6 ; Isaiah 1:15 ; Isaiah 65:2 .) ]