1 Kings 3:15

KJV

And Solomon awoke; and, behold, [it was] a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} awoke {H3364}; and, behold, it was a dream {H2472}. And he came {H935} to Jerusalem {H3389}, and stood {H5975} before {H6440} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068}, and offered up {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930}, and offered {H6213} peace offerings {H8002}, and made {H6213} a feast {H4960} to all his servants {H5650}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo awoke and found it had been a dream. But he went to Yerushalayim, stood before the ark for the covenant of ADONAI and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings. He also made a feast for all his servants.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. So he returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants.

American Standard Version

And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream: and he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and offered up burnt-offerings, and offered peace-offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Upon awakening from his profound divine encounter at Gibeon, King Solomon immediately recognized the supernatural origin of his dream. His first act as the newly blessed monarch was to journey to Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of Israel, where he stood before the Ark of the Covenant. There, he offered comprehensive worship to the LORD through burnt offerings and peace offerings, culminating in a communal feast for all his servants, thereby publicly acknowledging God's favor and dedicating himself to his divinely appointed task.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate and decisive response to God's appearance to Solomon at Gibeon. In [1 Kings 3:4-5](/1_kings/3-4 "1 Kings 3:4-5 - Solomon's Sacrifice at Gibeon and God's Appearance"), Solomon had offered a thousand burnt offerings, and God appeared to him in a dream, inviting him to ask for anything. Solomon's humble request for an understanding heart to govern God's people ([1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")) pleased the LORD, who then promised him not only wisdom but also riches and honor, contingent on his obedience ([1 Kings 3:10-14](/1_kings/3-10 "1 Kings 3:10-14 - God's Promise to Solomon")). [1 Kings 3:15](/1_kings/3-15 "1 Kings 3:15 - Solomon's Response to God's Blessing") marks the transition from this private, divine encounter to a public, ritualistic act of thanksgiving and dedication, setting the stage for the demonstration of Solomon's wisdom in the subsequent narrative, such as the famous judgment of the two prostitutes ([1 Kings 3:16-28](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16-28 - Solomon's Wise Judgment")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gibeon, where the dream occurred, was a prominent "high place" for worship, indicating its religious significance before the construction of the Temple. However, Jerusalem was the established capital and the designated dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with His people (cf. [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Presence Above the Ark")). Solomon's return to Jerusalem and his actions before the Ark underscore the centrality of covenant worship. Burnt offerings (`'olah`) were sacrifices entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, while peace offerings (`shelem`) involved a communal meal, signifying fellowship, thanksgiving, and a state of well-being with God. The practice of making a feast for servants was a common way for monarchs to share their blessings and solidify their reign, blending religious devotion with social and political affirmation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. It highlights the theme of **Divine Confirmation and Gratitude**, as Solomon's immediate actions confirm his understanding of the dream's divine origin and his profound thankfulness for God's extraordinary favor. It emphasizes **Proper Worship and Dedication**, showcasing the specific sacrificial acts—burnt offerings for complete surrender and peace offerings for joyful communion—as the appropriate response to God's blessing. The journey to Jerusalem and standing before the Ark reinforce the theme of **Seeking God's Presence** in His designated dwelling place. Finally, by making a feast for all his servants, Solomon demonstrates **Leadership by Example** and the **Communal Aspect of Blessing**, sharing his joy and the tangible benefits of God's favor with his people, setting a precedent for his reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Awoke (Hebrew, _qûm'_):** This verb signifies not merely the cessation of sleep but a "rising up" or "standing." In this context, it implies a transition from a profound, spiritual experience back to physical reality, yet with the full impact and divine confirmation of the dream firmly established in Solomon's consciousness. It marks the moment of active response to God's revelation.
* **Ark of the Covenant (Hebrew, _'ărôn bĕrît YHWH'_):** The Ark was the most sacred artifact in Israel, representing God's throne and His covenant presence among His people. Its presence in Jerusalem, as opposed to Gibeon, signifies that Solomon's worship was directed to the central, established place of God's dwelling and covenant relationship, emphasizing the national and covenantal implications of his divine encounter.
* **Burnt Offerings (Hebrew, _'ōlâ'_):** Derived from the root "to go up," these sacrifices were entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, surrender, and atonement to God. Solomon's offering of these signifies his total commitment and devotion to the LORD following the divine encounter.
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _šĕlāmîm'_):** From the root _shalom_ (peace, wholeness), these offerings were characterized by a portion being returned to the worshipper and priests for a communal meal. They symbolized fellowship, thanksgiving, and a state of well-being or communion with God. Solomon's inclusion of these highlights his joyful gratitude and desire for harmonious relationship with God and his people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon awoke; and, behold, [it was] a dream."**: This opening clause emphasizes Solomon's immediate realization that the experience at Gibeon was not an ordinary dream but a divine revelation. The phrase "behold, it was a dream" conveys a sense of awe and confirmation, signaling his understanding of the profound significance of the encounter and God's direct communication with him.
* **"And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD,"**: Solomon's immediate journey to Jerusalem, the spiritual and political capital, demonstrates his recognition of the Ark's central importance as the symbol of God's presence and covenant. His act of "standing before" it signifies reverence, submission, and a deliberate seeking of God's established presence and blessing in the heart of the nation.
* **"and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings,"**: These actions represent Solomon's dual response of worship. The burnt offerings symbolize his complete dedication and surrender to God's will and his new mandate, acknowledging God's sovereignty. The peace offerings signify his thanksgiving, joy, and desire for communion and fellowship with God, celebrating the divine favor he had received.
* **"and made a feast to all his servants."**: This final act extends the celebration beyond the immediate religious ritual to include the broader community of his household and court. It demonstrates Solomon's generosity, his desire to share the blessing and joy of God's favor, and his leadership by example, establishing a tone of communal gratitude and well-being for his reign.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective **Literary Devices**. There is a clear **Juxtaposition** between the private, intimate divine encounter Solomon experienced in a dream at Gibeon and his immediate, public, and ritualistic response in Jerusalem. This contrast highlights the profound impact of the dream and Solomon's earnestness. **Symbolism** is central, particularly with the Ark of the Covenant representing God's tangible presence and covenant faithfulness, and the specific offerings symbolizing different aspects of worship—total dedication (`'olah`) and joyful communion (`shelem`). The **Repetition** of "offered up... and offered" emphasizes the intentionality and completeness of Solomon's worship. Furthermore, the verse serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as Solomon's immediate and appropriate response to God's gift of wisdom sets the stage for his subsequent reign, which will be characterized by the wisdom he has received, affirming his legitimacy and God's blessing upon his rule.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 3:15 stands as a powerful testament to the appropriate human response to divine revelation and blessing. Solomon's actions underscore the theological principle that true gratitude for God's favor is expressed through intentional worship and dedication. His immediate journey to the Ark of the Covenant signifies the importance of seeking God in His designated dwelling place and acknowledging His covenant faithfulness. The combination of burnt and peace offerings illustrates a holistic approach to worship: complete surrender and atonement alongside joyful fellowship and thanksgiving. This passage teaches that divine gifts are not for personal aggrandizement but are meant to be received with humility, celebrated communally, and dedicated back to God's purposes.

* [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Presence Above the Ark")
* [Psalm 116:12](/psalms/116-12 "Psalm 116:12 - What Shall I Render to the LORD?")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the LORD with Your Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's response in 1 Kings 3:15 offers a profound model for believers today. When God blesses us, reveals His will, or grants us wisdom, our primary and immediate response should be one of humble gratitude and intentional worship. Like Solomon, we are called to acknowledge the source of our blessings and dedicate ourselves anew to God's purposes. This involves not only private thanksgiving but also public acts of worship and a communal sharing of the joy and benefits of God's favor. Our "burnt offerings" today may involve a complete surrender of our lives, talents, and resources to God, while our "peace offerings" are expressed through joyful fellowship, thanksgiving, and living in harmony with God and others. Sharing our blessings, whether material or spiritual, with our "servants" (our families, communities, or those we lead) extends our worship and testifies to God's generosity, fostering a spirit of communal gratitude and reinforcing the interconnectedness of the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's immediate and comprehensive response to God's blessing challenge my own reactions to divine favor or guidance?**
* **In what practical ways can I offer "burnt offerings" (complete dedication) and "peace offerings" (joyful communion and thanksgiving) to the LORD in my daily life?**
* **How can I intentionally share the blessings and joy God has given me with my "servants" or community, mirroring Solomon's communal feast?**

### FAQ
**Why did Solomon go to Jerusalem instead of staying at Gibeon after his dream?**

Answer: While Gibeon was a significant high place where Solomon had offered sacrifices and received his dream, Jerusalem was the established political and spiritual capital of Israel. Crucially, Jerusalem was where the Ark of the Covenant resided, the most sacred object symbolizing God's tangible presence and covenant with His people. Solomon's journey to Jerusalem and his worship before the Ark underscored his commitment to the central, covenantal worship of Israel and affirmed his kingship in the sight of the entire nation, not just at a local shrine. It was a move that consolidated his spiritual and political authority in the heart of the kingdom.

**What is the deeper significance of the "burnt offerings" and "peace offerings" Solomon made?**

Answer: These two types of offerings represent distinct yet complementary aspects of worship. The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: `olah`) was entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, surrender, and atonement to God. It was an act of total devotion, acknowledging God's sovereignty and Solomon's submission to His will. The "peace offering" (Hebrew: `shelem`), on the other hand, involved a portion being returned to the worshipper and priests for a communal meal. It symbolized fellowship, thanksgiving, and a state of well-being or communion with God. Together, they illustrate a holistic response to God's blessing: total dedication of self, coupled with joyful communion and gratitude for the peace and favor received. This dual act highlights Solomon's desire for both right standing with God and joyful celebration of His goodness.

**Why did Solomon make a "feast to all his servants" after his worship?**

Answer: Making a feast for his servants was a significant act that extended the celebration of God's blessing beyond the immediate religious ritual to include his entire household and court. This communal meal served several purposes: it demonstrated Solomon's generosity and desire to share the joy and tangible benefits of God's favor with those under his care; it reinforced his leadership and solidified his position as king, showing that God's blessing upon him was also for the benefit of his people; and it fostered a sense of unity and shared celebration, affirming the communal aspect of God's covenant with Israel. It was a public declaration that the divine blessing was not just for the king, but for the kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's response in [1 Kings 3:15](/1_kings/3-15 "1 Kings 3:15 - Solomon's Response to God's Blessing"), though a powerful act of worship and dedication, ultimately finds its perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon received wisdom as a *gift* from God and responded with offerings; Jesus *is* the very wisdom of God incarnate, "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")). The Ark of the Covenant, before which Solomon stood, symbolized God's presence among His people; this symbol is perfectly realized in Jesus, who is "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")) and through whom "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Solomon's burnt offerings and peace offerings, though necessary under the Old Covenant, were temporary and imperfect; they foreshadowed the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose blood establishes a new and eternal covenant, bringing true peace and reconciliation with God ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Sacrifice for All Time")). Finally, Solomon's feast with his servants points forward to the glorious **marriage supper of the Lamb** ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where all who believe in Christ will feast eternally with Him, the perfect King whose reign knows no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 41:7

And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, [it was] a dream.

1 Kings 8:65

And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, [even] fourteen days.

Daniel 5:1

¶ Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

Mark 6:21

And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief [estates] of Galilee;

Esther 1:3

In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, [being] before him:

Leviticus 3:1

¶ And if his oblation [be] a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer [it] of the herd; whether [it be] a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.

Leviticus 3:17

[It shall be] a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.