MPV Commentary

62. The king and all Israel offered sacrifices before the Lord. This was a burnt offering with its accompanying rituals, marking the first time an altar in the temple was used. As with the tabernacle, this sacrifice was consumed by fire from heaven (see 2Ch 7:1). On special occasions, pagan cultures would offer massive numbers of animals as sacrifices – even up to a thousand at a time. However, Solomon's public offerings on this occasion surpassed all recorded oblations, not counting private individuals' contributions, which were likely substantial.

63. The king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the Lord. This dedication was not a requirement from the law but rather an expression of reverence for a building set apart for divine worship (see 2Ch 7:5).

64. On that same day, the king consecrated the central area of the courtyard – essentially the entire priests' court – because the existing altar of burnt offerings (despite its size; see 2Ch 4:1) was insufficient to handle the enormous number of sacrifices made on this occasion. This temporary altar had been erected to supplement the regular one and was removed once the festival concluded (see 2Ch 7:7).