Solomon had a bronze platform constructed five cubits square and three cubits high. He had it erected in the middle of the courtyard, and stood on it. Then he knelt down on his knees in front of the entire congregation of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven,

Then he brought in the priests and descendants of Levi, gathered them into the square in the eastern part of the Temple,

He appointed military officers to take charge of the people, who gathered them together in the square near the city gate and spoke to them encouragingly,