1 Kings 8:63

KJV

And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} offered {H2076} a sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002}, which he offered {H2076} unto the LORD {H3068}, two {H8147} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} oxen {H1241}, and an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} sheep {H6629}. So the king {H4428} and all the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} dedicated {H2596} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the sacrifice of peace offerings which Shlomo offered to ADONAI, he offered 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. Thus the king and all the people of Isra'el dedicated the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And Solomon offered for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, which he offered unto Jehovah, two and twenty thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:63 vividly captures the climactic moment of the Temple's dedication in Jerusalem, detailing King Solomon's unprecedented offering of twenty-two thousand oxen and one hundred twenty thousand sheep as peace offerings. This monumental act of worship, performed by the king and all the children of Israel, formally consecrated the newly constructed house of the LORD, representing a profound national expression of gratitude, devotion, and renewed covenant fellowship with God, thereby establishing His dwelling place among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the grand culmination of the Temple dedication narrative, immediately following Solomon's extensive and heartfelt prayer of dedication and blessing, which is meticulously recorded in [1 Kings 8:22-53](/1_kings/8-22-53 "1 Kings 8:22-53 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Prior to this pivotal prayer, the sacred Ark of the Covenant had been reverently brought into the Most Holy Place of the Temple ([1 Kings 8:6](/1_kings/8-6 "1 Kings 8:6 - The Ark brought into the Temple")), signifying God's tangible presence. The divine approval of this act was powerfully demonstrated when the glory of the LORD so profoundly filled the newly constructed house that the priests were unable to continue their ministry ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Temple")). Solomon had then addressed the assembled congregation, eloquently reaffirming God's unwavering faithfulness to the promises made to David ([1 Kings 8:12-21](/1_kings/8-12-21 "1 Kings 8:12-21 - Solomon's Blessing and Reaffirmation")). Therefore, [1 Kings 8:63](/1_kings/8-63 "1 Kings 8:63 - Solomon's Dedication Sacrifice") describes the people's joyous and lavish response to God's manifest presence and Solomon's profound theological articulation of the Temple's purpose, transitioning seamlessly from divine manifestation and royal intercession to an overwhelming display of celebratory worship and communal dedication.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of Solomon's Temple represented arguably the most significant religious and national event in Israelite history since the pivotal Exodus from Egypt and the foundational giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. For centuries, the portable Tabernacle had served as the central sanctuary, but now, a permanent, magnificent structure was established in Jerusalem, solidifying the city's role as both the spiritual and political capital of the unified kingdom. The sheer scale of the animal offerings, a staggering "two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep," is a testament not only to the immense wealth and abundant resources of Solomon's flourishing kingdom but also to the deeply ingrained cultural practice of animal sacrifice as the primary means of worship, atonement, and communion with God in ancient Israel. This grand event also served as a powerful public display of national unity and unwavering devotion under the centralized monarchy, profoundly reinforcing the unique covenant relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people, marking a new era in their sacred history.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes that resonate throughout the broader narrative of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reign of Solomon and the Divided Kingdom"). Firstly, it highlights **Abundant Generosity and Devotion**, demonstrating a national commitment to God that far exceeded mere ritualistic obligation. The immense quantity of sacrifices was a tangible and extravagant expression of Israel's profound gratitude for God's blessings and His gracious willingness to dwell among them. Secondly, the specific emphasis on "peace offerings" (Hebrew: *shelamim*) underscores the crucial theme of **Peace and Fellowship with God**. These particular offerings were not primarily for sin atonement but were voluntary acts of thanksgiving, fulfillment of vows, or free-will offerings, culminating in a communal meal that profoundly symbolized harmony and communion between God, His priests, and the worshippers, reflecting the *shalom* (wholeness, well-being) that God desired for His people. Finally, the concluding phrase, "So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD," powerfully emphasizes **National Unity and Covenant Renewal**, portraying a unified nation, led by its divinely appointed king, collectively setting apart this sacred space for God's exclusive use, thereby reaffirming their identity and commitment as God's covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace offerings (Hebrew, _shelamim'_):** This plural noun (H8002) is derived from the root *sh-l-m*, meaning "to be complete, sound, peaceful." It is intimately related to *shalom* (peace, wholeness, prosperity). Unlike sin or guilt offerings, which primarily focused on expiation and atonement, *shelamim* offerings were voluntary sacrifices of thanksgiving, fulfillment of vows, or free-will offerings. They symbolized a state of harmonious relationship and flourishing fellowship with God, often culminating in a communal meal where the worshipper, priests, and symbolically, God Himself, shared the meat. Their prominence at the Temple dedication underscored the joyous, relational, and celebratory aspect of this monumental event.
* **Dedicated (Hebrew, _chanak'_):** This verb (H2596) means "to narrow; figuratively, to initiate or discipline; dedicate, train up." It implies setting something apart for a specific, often sacred, purpose, marking its formal beginning of use or consecration. In this context, it signifies the solemn and formal consecration of the Temple, transforming it from a mere architectural structure into a sacred space devoted exclusively to the worship and service of the LORD. The act of dedication was not merely a ceremonial formality but involved a profound spiritual commitment and setting apart by the king and the entire nation, signifying its new, holy function.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings":** This clause identifies King Solomon as the primary initiator and agent of this grand and unprecedented act of national worship. The specific mention of "peace offerings" (Hebrew: *shelamim*) indicates the nature of the sacrifice—one of thanksgiving, fellowship, and wholeness, perfectly suited for the joyous and celebratory occasion of the Temple's dedication. It highlights the king's crucial role as the spiritual leader of the nation, leading this massive act of devotion and communion.
* **"which he offered unto the LORD":** This crucial phrase explicitly specifies the divine recipient of these vast offerings. The sacrifices were not for human display, political gain, or personal benefit, but were directed solely and exclusively to Yahweh, the God of Israel. This emphasis clarifies the ultimate purpose of the Temple and the entire dedication event: to honor, worship, and acknowledge the supreme sovereignty, manifest presence, and unwavering covenant faithfulness of God.
* **"two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep":** This staggering enumeration conveys the immense scale and unprecedented generosity of the offerings. The numbers are likely hyperbolic, serving to emphasize the overwhelming magnitude of the national devotion and the extraordinary nature of the event rather than providing a precise literal count. It powerfully reflects the immense wealth and resources of Solomon's kingdom and, more importantly, the profound spiritual commitment of the people to God, willing to offer such vast resources in an act of worship and thanksgiving.
* **"So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD":** This concluding clause powerfully underscores the collective and unified nature of the dedication. While Solomon initiated the offerings and led the proceedings, the act of dedication was a unified national endeavor, involving both the leadership (the king) and the entire populace ("all the children of Israel"). It signifies the formal and communal consecration of the Temple, setting it apart as the central, sacred place of worship for the entire nation, thereby solidifying and renewing their unique covenant relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently featured in [1 Kings 8:63](/1_kings/8-63 "1 Kings 8:63 - Solomon's Dedication Sacrifice") is **Hyperbole**. The astonishing numbers of animals mentioned—"two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep"—are so exceedingly vast that they function as an exaggerated figure of speech. This hyperbole is not intended to be a precise historical census but rather to powerfully emphasize the extraordinary scale, unparalleled generosity, and profound devotion demonstrated by King Solomon and the entire nation of Israel during the momentous Temple dedication. It serves to convey the overwhelming magnitude and significance of the event, highlighting the immense wealth and spiritual commitment involved. Additionally, **Symbolism** is at play, with the peace offerings themselves symbolizing the desired state of harmony, wholeness, and intimate fellowship between God and His people. The entire act of dedication further symbolizes the renewal of the covenant and the setting apart of a sacred, permanent space for the divine presence to dwell among His chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dedication of Solomon's Temple, marked by such lavish peace offerings, stands as a profound theological statement about God's desire for intimate fellowship with His people and the very nature of true worship. The *shelamim* offerings, focused on peace and wholeness, signify that God's ultimate intention is not merely to receive atonement for sin, but to establish a harmonious, joyful, and complete relationship with humanity. This massive communal act of sacrifice and dedication served as a tangible expression of Israel's covenant identity, acknowledging God's manifest presence among them and their unwavering commitment to Him. It powerfully foreshadows the ultimate peace, access to God, and perfect fellowship that would be fully realized through a greater, once-for-all sacrifice.

* [Leviticus 7:11-16](/leviticus/7-11-16 "Leviticus 7:11-16 - Laws of Peace Offerings")
* [Exodus 29:43-46](/exodus/29-43-46 "Exodus 29:43-46 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")
* [Psalm 100:2](/psalms/100-2 "Psalm 100:2 - Worship with Gladness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The grand dedication of Solomon's Temple in [1 Kings 8:63](/1_kings/8-63 "1 Kings 8:63 - Solomon's Dedication Sacrifice") serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that genuine worship often involves significant cost and a profound act of dedication. While believers in the New Covenant no longer offer animal sacrifices, the underlying principle of giving our "best" to God—our time, our unique talents, our material resources, and indeed, our very lives—remains paramount. This monumental event calls us to deeply consider the depth of our own devotion and whether our worship is merely ritualistic or a heartfelt, costly expression of gratitude and unwavering commitment to the God who graciously desires to dwell with us. Just as Israel sought peace and intimate fellowship with God through these peace offerings, we are continually invited into a vibrant, continuous, and intimate communion with Him through the finished work of Christ. Our lives, as living temples of the Holy Spirit, are to be dedicated daily to His purposes, fostering a state of *shalom* (wholeness and peace) in our relationship with Him and extending that transformative peace to the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sheer scale of the offerings in [1 Kings 8:63](/1_kings/8-63 "1 Kings 8:63 - Solomon's Dedication Sacrifice") challenge or inspire your understanding of costly worship and radical generosity today?**
* **In what practical ways do you actively cultivate "peace and fellowship" with God in your daily life, mirroring the intent and spirit of the ancient peace offerings?**
* **Considering that believers are now "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), how can you more fully and intentionally dedicate your body, mind, and spirit to God's redemptive purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why were so many animals offered at the Temple dedication?**

Answer: The offering of such a vast and unprecedented number of animals—twenty-two thousand oxen and one hundred twenty thousand sheep—served multiple profound purposes during the Temple dedication. Firstly, it was an overwhelming and tangible expression of national gratitude and devotion to the LORD, reflecting the immense blessing, prosperity, and peace Israel experienced under Solomon's reign. The sheer scale underscored the unparalleled significance of establishing God's permanent dwelling place in Jerusalem. Secondly, large-scale sacrifices were a common and expected practice for major national and religious events in the ancient Near East, symbolizing not only the immense wealth and power of the king but also the collective commitment and unity of the people. Thirdly, as "peace offerings" (*shelamim*), these sacrifices were often accompanied by communal feasting, signifying shared fellowship with God and among the people. The immense quantity ensured that every participant, from the highest to the lowest, could partake in the celebratory meals, fostering a deep sense of unity, joy, and covenant renewal throughout the entire nation as they dedicated the house of the LORD.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The lavish dedication of Solomon's Temple and its numerous peace offerings, while magnificent in their historical context, ultimately pointed forward to a far greater reality and a more perfect fulfillment found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, a sacred place where God's presence symbolically dwelt among His people, was a profound shadow of the true and ultimate Temple, Jesus Himself, in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). The peace offerings, symbolizing fellowship and *shalom* with God, found their ultimate and complete fulfillment in Christ, who is definitively "our peace" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ is Our Peace")) and through whom we now have permanent "peace with God" ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")). His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")) brought true reconciliation, complete atonement, and direct, unhindered access to God, rendering the endless animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete. Furthermore, the dedication of the physical Temple powerfully foreshadowed the glorious New Covenant reality where believers, both individually and corporately, become the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), called to dedicate their entire lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), holy and pleasing to God, thereby participating in an ongoing, intimate fellowship that far surpasses the rituals and limitations of the Old Testament.

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

Ezra 6:16

And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,

Ezra 6:17

And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

Nehemiah 12:27

¶ And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, [with] cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

2 Chronicles 15:11

And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil [which] they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.

2 Chronicles 29:32

And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, [and] two hundred lambs: all these [were] for a burnt offering to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29:35

And also the burnt offerings [were] in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings, and the drink offerings for [every] burnt offering. So the service of the house of the LORD was set in order.

2 Chronicles 2:4

Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate [it] to him, [and] to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This [is an ordinance] for ever to Israel.