What does 2 Chronicles 6:12 mean?

"¶ And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:" - 2 Chronicles 6:12

2 Chronicles 6:12 - "¶ And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:"

2 Chronicles 6:12 - "¶ And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:"

2 Chronicles 6:12 (KJV) states, "And he stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel and spread forth his hands: For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven."

This verse captures a significant moment in the biblical narrative, where King Solomon, the son of David, is depicted standing before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel. It represents a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as Solomon has just completed the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, which was a long-cherished dream of his father, King David.

The context of this verse is the dedication of the temple, as Solomon addresses the congregation of Israel and offers a prayer to God. The imagery of Solomon standing before the altar, spreading forth his hands toward heaven, and kneeling down on his knees demonstrates his posture of humility, reverence, and submission before the Divine. This act of worship and devotion sets the tone for the consecration of the temple and signifies Solomon's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and presence in their midst.

The act of spreading forth the hands in prayer is a common posture of supplication and earnest entreaty in the Bible. It signifies an outward expression of one's heart and soul, reaching out to God in complete dependence and trust. The act of kneeling down on his knees also conveys a sense of humility and submission before the Almighty, acknowledging God's greatness and supremacy over all creation.

The use of the brass scaffold, measuring five cubits long, five cubits broad, and three cubits high, symbolizes the elevated platform from which Solomon addressed the people. This physical structure served as a focal point for the congregation to witness and engage in the dedication ceremony. It also underscores the significance of the temple as the central place of worship and communion with God.

Furthermore, the placement of the brass scaffold in the midst of the court highlights its central role in the ceremonial proceedings, emphasizing the importance of the moment and the pivotal nature of the temple dedication. Solomon's deliberate positioning on the scaffold conveys a sense of public accountability and leadership as he assumes the role of mediator between the people of Israel and their divine Creator.

Thematically, this verse underscores the themes of worship, prayer, and the presence of God in the life of the nation of Israel. It exemplifies the act of communal worship and the significance of the temple as a sacred space for encountering the Divine. Solomon's act of spreading forth his hands and kneeling down before the congregation symbolizes his role as a spiritual leader and his commitment to leading the people in reverence and devotion to God.

In a broader theological context, this verse foreshadows the New Testament concept of Jesus Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. Solomon's role as a mediator and intercessor for the people of Israel points to the redemptive work of Christ, who offered himself as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins and the reconciliation of humanity with God.

In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 6:12 (KJV) captures a pivotal moment in the history of Israel as King Solomon leads the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. It symbolizes the act of communal worship, the significance of the temple as a sacred space, and Solomon's role as a mediator and spiritual leader. The imagery of spreading forth his hands, kneeling down, and standing on the brass scaffold conveys a sense of reverence, humility, and submission before the Divine. Ultimately, this verse points to the broader theological significance of Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, offering redemption and reconciliation for all who believe in Him.

2 Chronicles 6:12 Artwork

2 Chronicles 6:12 - "¶ And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:"

2 Chronicles 6:12 - "¶ And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:"

2 Chronicles 12:6 - "Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous."

2 Chronicles 12:6 - "Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous."

1 Chronicles 6:12 - "And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum,"

1 Chronicles 6:12 - "And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum,"

Isaiah 12:2-6

Isaiah 12:2-6

Isaiah 12:2-6

Isaiah 12:2-6

Isaiah 12:2-6

Isaiah 12:2-6

ecclesiastes 12:2-6

ecclesiastes 12:2-6

Isaiah 12:2-6

Isaiah 12:2-6

Isaiah 12:2-6

Isaiah 12:2-6

Isaiah 12:2-6

Isaiah 12:2-6

1 Chronicles 12:6 - "Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,"

1 Chronicles 12:6 - "Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,"

1 Chronicles 2:12 - "And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse,"

1 Chronicles 2:12 - "And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse,"

1 Chronicles 6:2 - "And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel."

1 Chronicles 6:2 - "And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel."

2 Chronicles 6:2 - "But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever."

2 Chronicles 6:2 - "But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever."

2 Chronicles 11:6 - "He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,"

2 Chronicles 11:6 - "He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,"

2 Chronicles 6:35 - "Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause."

2 Chronicles 6:35 - "Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause."

2 Chronicles 6:6 - "But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel."

2 Chronicles 6:6 - "But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel."

2 Chronicles 12:4 - "And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem."

2 Chronicles 12:4 - "And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem."

2 Chronicles 15:12 - "And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;"

2 Chronicles 15:12 - "And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;"

2 Chronicles 17:12 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store."

2 Chronicles 17:12 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store."

2 Chronicles 3:6 - "And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim."

2 Chronicles 3:6 - "And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim."

2 Chronicles 14:12 - "So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled."

2 Chronicles 14:12 - "So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled."

2 Chronicles 12:14 - "And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD."

2 Chronicles 12:14 - "And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD."

1 Chronicles 2:6 - "And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all."

1 Chronicles 2:6 - "And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all."

2 Chronicles 18:6 - "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?"

2 Chronicles 18:6 - "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?"

2 Chronicles 12:8 - "Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries."

2 Chronicles 12:8 - "Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries."

2 Chronicles 12:12 - "And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy him altogether: and also in Judah things went well."

2 Chronicles 12:12 - "And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy him altogether: and also in Judah things went well."

2 Chronicles 6:1 - "Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness."

2 Chronicles 6:1 - "Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness."

2 Corinthians 6:12 - "Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels."

2 Corinthians 6:12 - "Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels."

2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"

2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"