Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Kings 8:55

"And he stood, and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying," — 1 Kings 8:55 (ASV)

Blessed all the children of Israel. — To bless the congregation was the special duty and privilege of the priests ; but throughout the whole of this narrative the king, and the king alone, is conspicuous. It is, however, to be noted that Solomon’s words here are not strictly of blessing, but rather of praise and prayer to God, and exhortation to the people.