MPV Commentary

Solemn Offering of Solomon at Gibeon.

In his second year as king, Solomon called together the leaders of Israel to attend a solemn religious ceremony. The location chosen for this event was the high place at Gibeon, which was significant because it housed the tabernacle and its associated furnishings from the national worship tradition. Zadok, the high priest (1 Chronicles 16:39), would lead the ritual.

Although David had built a new tent in Jerusalem to house the ark, the brazen altar where burnt offerings were required by law still stood at Gibeon. Solomon recognized that it was his duty to present his offerings on this legally designated spot and on the ancient altar crafted by Bezaleel (Exodus 38:1) during the wilderness period.

On this occasion of national solemnity, Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings through the hands of the priests.