MPV Commentary

4. The king and all the people offered sacrifices through the priests, who presented the blood and fat on the altar (see 1Ki 8:62). Whether individual worshippers slaughtered their own cattle or a portion of the Levites performed this work, the offerings were made in accordance with established ritual.

5-6. The king and all the people dedicated the house of God by introducing the ark into the temple and making sacrificial offerings on a grand scale. Everyone present – the king, the people, and the priests – participated according to their roles in the solemn service. The priests took the lead, with others sounding trumpets and the Levites praising the Lord through music, including the 136th Psalm.

7. On this special occasion, when more animals were offered than could be accommodated by one altar, Solomon designated a temporary area between the place of rings and the west end of the court for additional altars. Here, holocausts burned all around.

8. The dedication feast lasted seven days, coinciding with the festival of tabernacles (see 1Ki 8:1-12). This harvest season celebration took place in September and October, providing ample time for the immense sacrifices to be offered. Many of these were peace offerings, allowing the people to enjoy festive meals.

All Israel participated in this celebration, from the town of Hamath at Lebanon's entrance to the River of Egypt (Rhinocorura or El-Arish), the southern boundary of Palestine.

10. The dedication ceremony concluded on the 23rd day of the seventh month, marking the final day of the tabernacles festival.