MPV Commentary

The People Joyful.

The celebration extended from one end of the kingdom to the other, from Hamath in the north to the river of Egypt in the south. The people came from all directions, eager to participate in this grand occasion.

The festivities lasted for fourteen days, with a break in between. The first seven days were dedicated to the temple's inauguration, and the following seven days were devoted to the Feast of Tabernacles (2 Chronicles 7:9). This interval was necessary due to the Day of Atonement falling on the tenth day of the seventh month (1 Kings 8:2), and the final day of the feast concluding on the twenty-third day (2 Chronicles 7:10). As the people returned home, they were filled with joy and gratitude for all the good things the Lord had done for David his servant and for Israel his people.