דברי הימים ב, פרק ז׳, פסוק ג׳

A profound physical and spiritual reaction ripples through the crowd as the Divine Presence reveals itself. Standing before the Temple, the Israelites witness fire descending from the sky and the glory of God settling over the structure. This awe-inspiring display may have taken the form of a descending cloud or another visible manifestation [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Overwhelmed by the sight, the people immediately kneel and bow on the pavement. This surface refers to the ground of the Temple courtyard, which was paved with stones, and according to some views, specifically marble [מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. The act of bowing on a stone floor carries deep legal and conceptual weight. Ordinarily, bowing on stone is strictly forbidden, permitted only within the Temple itself. Once the people saw the heavenly fire, they understood with absolute certainty that this was the exact location chosen by God, allowing them to bow on the stones without hesitation [מלבי״ם]. They knelt directly on the ground where they stood, an action that mirrored King Solomon, who had previously bowed upon his own special platform [רד״ק].

Alongside their physical submission, the Israelites respond with spoken words of gratitude. They offer thanks to God, reciting a song of praise declaring that He is good and His kindness lasts forever. In tradition, this specific psalm of thanksgiving is recognized as the Great Hallel [מצודת דוד].