1 Kings 8:14

“And the king turned his face about, etc.] He was before the altar, (<110822>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…”

“the king turned his face about--From the temple, where he had been watching the movement of the mystic cloud, and while the people were standing, partly as the attitude of devotion, partly out of respect to royalty, the king gave a fervent expression of praise to God for the fulfilment of His promise (Sa2 7:6-16).”

“Solomon had spoken the preceding words, addressed to God, with his face directed to the holy of holies. He now turned around and looked outward toward the people. The people “stood” to hear him the attitude of respect and attention. This first blessing seems to have been without speech - an inward prayer accompanied by the ordinary gesture of blessing. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Turned - From the temple to the body of the congregation. Stood - In token of reverence, and of their readiness to receive the blessing. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 8:16”

“8:14-16 Solomon’s blessing was expressed as praise to God, who had kept his covenant promises and blessed his people (see 2 Sam 7:12-16; cp. 2 Chr 6:1-11).”

“blessed all: Kg1 8:55, Kg1 8:56; Jos 22:6; Sa2 6:18; Ch1 16:2; Ch2 6:3, Ch2 30:18-20; Psa 118:26; Luk 24:50, Luk 24:51 all the congregation: Ch2 7:6; Neh 8:7, Neh 9:2; Mat 13:2 3 Kings (1 Kings) 8:15”