Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Kings 8:14

"And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the assembly of Israel: and all the assembly of Israel stood." — 1 Kings 8:14 (ASV)

Solomon had spoken the preceding words, addressed to God, with his face directed to the holy of holies. He now turned around and looked outward toward the people.

The people “stood” to hear him in an attitude of respect and attention. This first blessing seems to have been without speech—an inward prayer accompanied by the ordinary gesture of blessing.