Bowing

Bowing in worship is the body's response to the manifest presence of Yahweh. Israel bows face-down on the temple pavement when the fire falls and the glory fills the house.

Bowing in Worship

At Solomon's dedication, the worshipping body is the whole nation. As the fire descends and the glory of Yahweh rests on the temple, the response is corporate prostration: "And all the sons of Israel looked on, when the fire came down, and the glory of Yahweh was on the house; and they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped, and gave thanks to Yahweh, [saying,] For he is good; for his loving-kindness [endures] forever" (2 Chr 7:3). The posture is full face-down floor-worship; the words are the standard thanksgiving refrain. Bowing here is not a gesture of greeting but the whole congregation putting their faces to the stone in answer to the sight of Yahweh's glory.