1 Kings 8:62-66·~1 min

Sacrifices of Dedication

Solomon and all Israel offer sacrifices before the LORD in such number that the regular bronze altar is too small. The king consecrates the middle of the courtyard so the offerings can continue.

T⁶²hen the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices before the LORD. ⁶³And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD. ⁶⁴On that same day the king consecrated the middle of the courtyard in front of the house of the LORD, and there he offered the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, since the bronze altar before the LORD was too small to contain all these offerings.

A great assembly from across Israel keeps the feast before the LORD for fourteen days. When Solomon sends them away, they depart joyful for the good the LORD has shown to David and to His people.

⁶⁵So at that time Solomon and all Israel with him— a great assembly of people from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt— kept the feast before the LORD our God for seven days and seven more days— fourteen days in all. ⁶⁶On the fifteenth day Solomon sent the people away. So they blessed the king and went home, joyful and glad in heart for all the good things that the LORD had done for His servant David and for His people Israel.

Section summaryThe dedication closes with vast sacrifices, a consecrated courtyard, and a feast kept by a great assembly from across the land. When Solomon sends the people away, they return home joyful for the good the LORD has done for David and for Israel.

Role in the chapterThis closing section gives the dedication its public, communal finish. It shows the temple entering Israel’s life not only through prayer and glory, but through sacrifice, feast, and shared gladness.