The reader is brought to what is typically called Solomon’s prayer of dedication of the temple. This name is a bit misleading. In a dedication, the thing dedicated is set apart by human action to a particular purpose. Solomon’s prayer is more of a petition that the Lord will graciously use the temple for the benefit of those who approach him. The words of the prayer are in 1 Kings 8:23–53.

The verse before us gives us the setting of the prayer, reminding the reader that Solomon was standing before the assembled people. The writer adds that Solomon stood before the altar. This fact makes it no surprise to us that at the conclusion of the prayer, sacrifices to the Lord were offered. The verse tells us that the king spread out his hands, and at the conclusion of the prayer, the writer also informs us that Solomon had been on his knees. Both things are throughout the Bible associated with the offering of prayer.