Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 6:3
And as the whole assembly of Israel stood there, the king turned around and blessed them all
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Solomon stands before the gathered assembly of Israel at the temple dedication, having just announced the construction of a permanent dwelling for Yahweh. He physically pivots toward the congregation and pronounces a blessing over the entire group.
The words — The verb וַיֵּסֵב (va.yēseḇ, H5437) describes a deliberate turning of the face, while בָּרַךְ (bāraḵ, H1288) denotes the formal act of blessing. These terms link the king’s physical reorientation directly to the spoken declaration over the assembly.
The thread — This account mirrors the parallel dedication narrative in 1 Kings 8:14 and follows the structural pattern of Numbers 6:23 and Joshua 22:6. The sequence of turning toward the people and issuing a blessing appears in other covenantal gatherings.
Why it lands — The text records the king’s physical turn as the immediate precursor to the spoken blessing. It requires the reader to note that corporate favor is delivered through directed speech to a standing assembly.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood.
Cross-references
- 1 Kings 8:14 And as the whole assembly of Israel stood there, the king turned around and blessed them all
- Numbers 6:23 “Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
- Joshua 22:6 So Joshua blessed them and sent them on their way, and they went to their homes.
- 1 Kings 8:55 And he stood and blessed the whole assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying:
- 1 Chronicles 16:2 When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.
- 2 Chronicles 29:29 When the offerings were completed, the king and all those present with him bowed down and worshiped.
- Nehemiah 8:5 Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was standing above them all, and as he opened it, all the people stood up.
- Matthew 13:2 Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down, while all the people stood on the shore.
- Luke 24:50 When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them.