1 Kings 3:4

KJV

And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that [was] the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} went {H3212} to Gibeon {H1391} to sacrifice {H2076} there; for that {H1931} was the great {H1419} high place {H1116}: a thousand {H505} burnt offerings {H5930} did Solomon {H8010} offer {H5927} upon that altar {H4196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One time the king went to Giv'on to sacrifice there, because that was the main high place. Shlomo offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar there.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar there.

American Standard Version

And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt-offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 3:4 marks a significant moment early in King Solomon's reign, portraying his profound act of devotion and strategic worship. Before embarking on the monumental task of governing Israel, Solomon travels to Gibeon, a prominent religious site, where he offers an unprecedented thousand burnt offerings. This lavish act of sacrifice underscores his intention to seek divine favor and wisdom, establishing a spiritual foundation for his rule and setting the stage for his pivotal encounter with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Solomon's consolidation of power, including the execution of Adonijah and Joab, and the exile of Abiathar, securing his throne as prophesied and desired by David ([1 Kings 2:12](/1_kings/2-12 "1 Kings 2:12 - Solomon's Reign Established")). His journey to Gibeon and the subsequent grand sacrifice serve as a deliberate act of seeking divine legitimation and guidance at the very outset of his reign. This act of worship directly precedes God's appearance to Solomon in a dream, where God invites him to ask for anything he desires ([1 Kings 3:5](/1_kings/3-5 "1 Kings 3:5 - God's Appearance to Solomon at Gibeon")). Thus, the lavish sacrifice in verse 4 is presented as the catalyst for the divine encounter that shapes Solomon's future and the trajectory of his kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Solomon's reign, Jerusalem had not yet become the exclusive center of Israelite worship. The Tabernacle, constructed by Moses in the wilderness, along with the bronze altar, was located at Gibeon ([2 Chronicles 1:3-6](/2_chronicles/1-3 "2 Chronicles 1:3-6 - The Tabernacle at Gibeon")). This made Gibeon a legitimate and significant "high place" for national worship, distinct from the illicit high places that later proliferated and were condemned for syncretistic practices. The act of offering burnt offerings (`'olah`) was a central form of worship, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, where the entire animal was consumed by fire. The scale of "a thousand burnt offerings" was extraordinary, reflecting not only Solomon's immense wealth and resources but also his profound earnestness and desire to secure divine blessing for his nascent kingdom, a common practice for rulers seeking divine favor in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** Solomon's actions in this verse highlight several crucial themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Profound Devotion and Humility**, as the new king, despite his power, recognizes the need to seek God's blessing and guidance before all else. His willingness to invest such immense resources and personal presence in worship underscores a desire to establish his reign on a spiritual foundation, rather than relying solely on political or military might. Secondly, the act of sacrifice at Gibeon illustrates the theme of **Seeking Divine Favor and Wisdom**. This grand offering is not merely ritualistic but an earnest plea for God's presence and guidance, directly preceding the divine encounter where Solomon asks for wisdom to govern God's people ([1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")). Lastly, the verse touches upon the **Legitimacy of Worship at "High Places"** during this transitional period. While later biblical narratives condemn high places as centers of idolatry and syncretism ([2 Kings 23:8](/2_kings/23-8 "2 Kings 23:8 - Josiah's Reforms Against High Places")), Gibeon, with the Tabernacle present, was an accepted and prominent site for national worship before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem ([1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "1 Kings 8:29 - God's Presence in the Temple")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gibeon (Hebrew, _Giv'on'_):** A significant Hivite city located northwest of Jerusalem, which became a Levitical city and a city of refuge. Its importance in this period stemmed from the presence of the Tabernacle and the bronze altar of burnt offering, which had been moved there from Nob. This made it a legitimate and prominent site for national worship before the completion of the Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon's choice of Gibeon underscores its recognized spiritual authority at the time.
* **burnt offerings (Hebrew, _'olah'_):** Derived from the verb "to go up," referring to the smoke of the sacrifice ascending to God. This was a whole burnt offering, meaning the entire animal (except for the hide, which went to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, surrender, and atonement. It was an act of worship signifying total devotion to God, and its lavish scale here (a thousand) amplified the sincerity and magnitude of Solomon's commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there;"**: This clause establishes Solomon's deliberate and purposeful action. As the newly crowned king, his first major public act is not political or military, but religious. His journey to Gibeon signifies a pilgrimage to a recognized holy site, demonstrating his intention to seek divine blessing and legitimation for his reign through an act of worship.
* **"for that [was] the great high place:"**: This parenthetical explanation clarifies *why* Gibeon was chosen. It was not merely a convenient location but held unique spiritual significance as "the great high place," primarily because it housed the Tabernacle and the bronze altar from the wilderness period. This legitimizes Solomon's worship there, distinguishing it from later condemned "high places" associated with idolatry.
* **"a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar."**: This climactic phrase highlights the unprecedented scale and lavishness of Solomon's sacrifice. The number "a thousand" emphasizes the immense resources expended and the extraordinary devotion demonstrated. It signifies a profound act of worship, an earnest plea for God's favor, and a public declaration of Solomon's intention to govern under divine authority, setting the stage for God's subsequent appearance and offer to grant Solomon's request.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is evident in "a thousand burnt offerings," emphasizing the extraordinary scale and lavishness of Solomon's devotion, rather than necessarily a precise count. This exaggeration underscores the king's immense wealth and his earnest desire to honor God. **Symbolism** is central, as the act of offering burnt offerings itself symbolizes complete dedication, atonement, and a desire for divine favor. The ascending smoke of the sacrifice represented prayers and devotion rising to God. Furthermore, the verse serves as a crucial piece of **Foreshadowing**, immediately preceding and setting the stage for God's appearance to Solomon in the following verses, where God offers to grant Solomon's request. The narrative's **Pacing** is deliberate, building anticipation by highlighting this grand act of worship before revealing its divine consequence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 3:4 powerfully illustrates the principle that true leadership, particularly in a covenantal relationship with God, begins with humility and a profound dependence on divine wisdom and blessing. Solomon's grand act of worship is not merely a ritual but a heartfelt expression of seeking God's favor at the outset of his reign. This immediate prioritization of God's presence and approval serves as a model for all who embark on significant endeavors, emphasizing that spiritual foundations precede lasting success. It highlights the biblical truth that God honors those who honor Him, and that generous, wholehearted devotion can precede significant divine encounters and blessings.

* [2 Chronicles 1:3-6](/2_chronicles/1-3 "2 Chronicles 1:3-6 - The Tabernacle at Gibeon")
* [Leviticus 1:3-9](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3-9 - Regulations for Burnt Offerings")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's actions in 1 Kings 3:4 offer a timeless lesson on the importance of prioritizing God at the genesis of any new venture, season of life, or leadership role. His willingness to invest significant time, resources, and personal presence in worship before making major decisions or embarking on his reign highlights a profound spiritual principle: seeking God's guidance and blessing through earnest devotion is foundational. For believers today, this verse encourages a spirit of proactive worship and dependence on God. It challenges us to consider what "thousand burnt offerings" might look like in our own lives—perhaps not literal sacrifices, but rather the dedication of our first fruits, our best efforts, our time, and our resources to God's glory before pursuing our own plans. It reminds us that true success, from a biblical perspective, is rooted in God's favor, which is often cultivated through humble and wholehearted seeking of His face.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "new beginnings" or significant endeavors are you facing, and how are you intentionally prioritizing God at their outset?**
* **In what ways can you offer "a thousand burnt offerings" of your time, talents, or resources as an act of complete devotion to God?**
* **How does Solomon's example challenge your understanding of leadership and dependence on divine wisdom?**

### FAQ
**Why did Solomon go to Gibeon to sacrifice, and not Jerusalem?**

Answer: At this specific point in Israel's history, before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, Gibeon was considered "the great high place" because it housed the Tabernacle of Meeting, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the bronze altar ([2 Chronicles 1:3-6](/2_chronicles/1-3 "2 Chronicles 1:3-6 - The Tabernacle at Gibeon")). While the Ark of the Covenant was in Jerusalem, Gibeon was the legitimate and recognized site for national burnt offerings and grand sacrifices due to the presence of these sacred artifacts. Solomon's choice of Gibeon was therefore an act of adherence to established religious practice, not a deviation.

**What was the significance of "a thousand burnt offerings"?**

Answer: The number "a thousand" signifies an extraordinary, lavish, and complete offering. It emphasizes the immense scale of Solomon's devotion, his vast wealth, and his profound earnestness in seeking God's favor. It was not merely a ritualistic act but a public and personal declaration of his desire for God's blessing and guidance over his reign, demonstrating a level of commitment that went far beyond the required sacrifices outlined in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering")). This grand gesture set the stage for God's subsequent appearance and offer to grant Solomon's request.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's lavish offering at Gibeon, while a profound act of devotion, ultimately points to the infinitely greater and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Solomon's "thousand burnt offerings" were a temporary, symbolic act, foreshadowing the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices that could never fully atone for sin ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")), Christ's offering of Himself on the cross was perfect and complete, securing eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Furthermore, Solomon's seeking of wisdom at Gibeon, which followed his great sacrifice, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the very [wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God") personified. In Christ, we find not just divine guidance for a reign, but the very source of all truth and understanding, leading us into eternal life ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge")). Thus, Solomon's act of worship and his subsequent reception of wisdom serve as a beautiful, albeit incomplete, shadow of the perfect worship and ultimate wisdom found in Jesus, our King and our perfect Sacrifice.

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

2 Chronicles 7:5

And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

2 Chronicles 1:3

So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that [was] at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.

1 Chronicles 16:39

And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that [was] at Gibeon,

2 Chronicles 1:6

And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which [was] at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.

2 Chronicles 1:12

Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

1 Chronicles 21:29

For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt offering, [were] at that season in the high place at Gibeon.

Isaiah 40:16

And Lebanon [is] not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.