1 Kings 8:65

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And at that time {H6256} Solomon {H8010} held {H6213} a feast {H2282}, and all Israel {H3478} with him, a great {H1419} congregation {H6951}, from the entering {H935} in of Hamath {H2574} unto the river {H5158} of Egypt {H4714}, before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, seven {H7651} days {H3117} and seven {H7651} days {H3117}, even fourteen {H702}{H6240} days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Shlomo celebrated the festival at that time. All Isra'el, a huge gathering [that had come all the way] from the entrance of Hamat to the Vadi [of Egypt], celebrated with him before ADONAI our God for seven days and then for seven more days - fourteen days in all.

Berean Standard Bible

So at that time Solomon and all Israel with him—a great assembly of people from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt—kept the feast before the LORD our God for seven days and seven more days—fourteen days in all.

American Standard Version

So Solomon held the feast at that time, and all Israel with him, a great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath unto the brook of Egypt, before Jehovah our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the magnificent dedication of the Temple, 1 Kings 8:65 vividly portrays King Solomon orchestrating an unparalleled national celebration, drawing together the entire nation of Israel for a remarkable fourteen-day feast. This grand assembly, stretching from the northernmost reaches of Hamath to the southernmost border at the river of Egypt, underscored a profound moment of unity, joy, and corporate worship in the presence of the LORD, marking the culmination of God's covenant faithfulness and His dwelling among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant climax of the Temple dedication narrative, immediately following Solomon's extensive and powerful prayer of dedication in [1 Kings 8:22-53](/1_kings/8-22-53 "1 Kings 8:22-53 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication"). Preceding the feast, Solomon had offered an immense number of sacrifices—"twenty-two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep" ([1 Kings 8:63](/1_kings/8-63 "1 Kings 8:63 - Solomon's Sacrifices"))—demonstrating the king's and the nation's profound commitment and thanksgiving to God. The feast described in verse 65 is the joyous, communal response to the divine presence that had filled the Temple, signifying the successful completion and consecration of God's dwelling place among His people. It transitions from the solemnity of prayer and immense sacrifice to the exuberant celebration of fellowship with God and one another, effectively concluding the account of the Temple's inauguration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt" is a well-established merism in biblical literature, signifying the full, ideal territorial extent of Israel's dominion, as promised by God (cf. [Numbers 34:8](/numbers/34-8 "Numbers 34:8 - Borders of the Promised Land") and [Amos 6:14](/amos/6-14 "Amos 6:14 - Borders of Israel")). This geographical descriptor emphasizes the unprecedented national unity and the widespread participation in the feast, drawing pilgrims from every corner of the kingdom. The duration of "seven days and seven days, even fourteen days" is particularly significant. The first seven days likely comprised the dedication ceremonies for the Temple itself, including the immense sacrifices and perhaps specific rituals of consecration. The subsequent seven days almost certainly coincided with the annual Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of the three major pilgrimage festivals mandated in the Torah (cf. [Leviticus 23:34-43](/leviticus/23-34-43 "Leviticus 23:34-43 - The Feast of Tabernacles")). This strategic timing merged the unique Temple dedication with an established, joyful harvest festival, creating a truly monumental and spiritually profound national gathering that underscored both covenant fulfillment and ongoing worship.

* **Key Themes:** The dedication feast in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Temple Dedication") encapsulates several profound themes. Firstly, it highlights **National Unity and Corporate Worship**, as "all Israel" gathers in one place, transcending tribal divisions to worship God together. This was a rare and powerful demonstration of solidarity under Solomon's reign, centered on their shared faith and the newly consecrated Temple, fulfilling the vision of a united people under God. Secondly, it expresses **Profound Joy and Thanksgiving**, a fitting and exuberant response to God's manifest presence and covenant faithfulness. The feast is not merely a ritual obligation but a spontaneous celebration of God dwelling among His people and fulfilling His promises. Thirdly, it underscores **God's Centrality and Sovereignty**, as the entire event is conducted "before the LORD our God," reaffirming that the Temple, the king, and the nation itself exist for His glory and purposes, serving as a constant reminder of His benevolent rule. Finally, the sheer scale and duration of the feast point to **Divine Blessing and Abundance**, reflecting the prosperity and peace God had granted Israel, enabling such a lavish and prolonged celebration, a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant with David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feast (Hebrew, _chag_ H2282):** This term refers to a pilgrimage festival, a joyous occasion of celebration and worship, often involving sacrifices and communal meals. Derived from a root meaning "to move in a circle" or "to dance," it conveys the celebratory and processional nature of these sacred gatherings. In this context, it signifies not merely a meal but a sacred, national convocation, emphasizing the worshipful and communal aspect of the event. The use of _chag_ here connects the Temple dedication to the broader tradition of Israel's annual festivals, which were times of corporate remembrance and rejoicing in God's provision and deliverance.
* **Great Congregation (Hebrew, _gâdôwl_ H1419, _qâhâl_ H6951):** The word _qâhâl_ denotes an assembly or congregation, often with a religious or communal purpose, emphasizing the act of gathering. Coupled with _gâdôwl_ (great, mighty, vast), it underscores the immense size and significance of the gathering. This was not a small, localized event but a truly national convocation, representing the collective presence of God's people from across the entire kingdom. It highlights the unity and shared purpose of the entire nation in worshiping the LORD and celebrating His dwelling among them, a powerful visual of a united Israel.
* **Seven days and seven days (Hebrew, _shebaʻ_ H7651, _yôwm_ H3117):** This repetitive phrasing is a stylistic device used for emphasis and clarity, highlighting the extraordinary duration. _Shebaʻ_ signifies the number seven, often associated with completion and sacredness in biblical numerology, while _yôwm_ refers to a day or a defined period of time. While simply stating "fourteen days" would convey the duration, the repetition "seven days and seven days" emphasizes that the celebration consisted of two distinct, consecutive seven-day periods. This likely refers to the initial seven days for the Temple's dedication and a subsequent seven days for the Feast of Tabernacles, signifying a double portion of sacred time and intensified spiritual focus. It underscores the profound and prolonged nature of this unique national event, marking it as a truly exceptional moment in Israel's history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at that time Solomon held a feast":** This clause establishes the immediate context following the Temple dedication and sacrifices, marking the initiation of a grand celebration led by King Solomon. It highlights his active role as the orchestrator of this national event, demonstrating his leadership in Israel's spiritual life and his commitment to honoring God.
* **"and all Israel with him, a great congregation":** This emphasizes the widespread participation and unity of the nation. It was not just a royal affair but a gathering of the entire covenant community, signifying their collective joy, shared identity, and corporate commitment to the LORD. The term "great congregation" underscores the unprecedented scale of this assembly, a testament to the kingdom's unity under God.
* **"from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt":** This geographical marker defines the vast extent of the kingdom represented at the feast. It is a merism, encompassing the northernmost and southernmost boundaries of Israel's territory, illustrating that people from every corner of the land came to participate. This signifies complete national solidarity and a fulfillment of God's promise regarding the land's boundaries, demonstrating the reach of Solomon's reign and the widespread devotion to God.
* **"before the LORD our God":** This crucial phrase clarifies the ultimate purpose and orientation of the feast. It was not merely a secular celebration or a political gathering but an act of worship and thanksgiving performed in the divine presence. It underscores that the Temple, the feast, and the nation's very existence were consecrated to God, with all activities directed toward His glory and in recognition of His sovereignty.
* **"seven days and seven days, [even] fourteen days":** This specifies the remarkable duration of the celebration. The repetition emphasizes two distinct, consecutive seven-day periods, likely comprising the Temple dedication and the Feast of Tabernacles. This signifies an extended period of intense worship, fellowship, and national rejoicing, highlighting the profound significance and spiritual depth of this unique historical event.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey the grandeur and significance of the event. **Merism** is prominently featured in the phrase "from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt," which uses two extreme geographical points to represent the entirety of Israel's territory. This device effectively communicates the comprehensive scope of the national gathering, emphasizing that the celebration involved people from every corner of the kingdom, thus highlighting the unprecedented unity and breadth of Solomon's dominion. The phrase "seven days and seven days" demonstrates **Repetition**, which serves to underscore the prolonged and distinct nature of the two consecutive week-long periods of celebration. This repetition adds emphasis and solemnity to the duration, highlighting that this was no ordinary feast but an extended, sacred convocation, reinforcing its monumental character. Furthermore, the sheer scale of the "great congregation" and the fourteen-day duration could be seen as a form of **Amplification**, serving to magnify the event's importance and the profound joy and unity experienced by the nation in God's presence, creating a vivid mental image of an unparalleled national celebration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dedication feast in 1 Kings 8:65 is a profound theological statement about God's faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. It culminates a long history of divine promises regarding a dwelling place and a king, now realized in Solomon's magnificent Temple. The gathering of "all Israel" before the LORD underscores the importance of corporate worship and national unity in the life of God's covenant people, illustrating the ideal state of a nation wholly devoted to God. It is a vivid illustration of a nation celebrating His presence and blessings, recognizing that true national identity and prosperity are found in allegiance to the LORD. The extended duration and vast participation reflect the immense joy and gratitude for God's completed dwelling place and His continued presence, serving as a powerful reminder of the communal and celebratory nature of faith in ancient Israel.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5-7 "Descriptive Title")
* [Nehemiah 8:17-18](/nehemiah/8-17-18 "Descriptive Title")
* [Psalm 122:1-4](/psalms/122-1-4 "Descriptive Title")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 8:65 provides a powerful blueprint for corporate worship and communal celebration within the faith community. Just as ancient Israel gathered in unity and joy before the LORD, so too are believers today called to assemble, transcending individual differences, to worship God collectively and give thanks for His manifold blessings. This verse reminds us that our faith is not merely a private affair but a communal journey, enriched by shared experiences of praise, thanksgiving, and fellowship in God's presence. The lavishness and duration of the feast also challenge us to consider the depth of our own dedication and the resources we are willing to commit to honoring God. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of generosity, joy, and sustained devotion in our spiritual lives, recognizing that true celebration of God's goodness can be an extended, transformative experience that draws us closer to Him and to one another. It prompts us to ask how our gatherings reflect the "great congregation" united before God and how our joy in Him can be expressed with such profound and lasting enthusiasm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unity of "all Israel" in this celebration challenge or inspire our understanding of corporate worship and community in the church today?**
* **What does the "fourteen days" of feasting communicate about the depth of Israel's joy and dedication, and how might we cultivate a similar sustained joy and commitment in our own spiritual lives?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community, ensure that our celebrations and gatherings are truly "before the LORD our God," centered on His presence and glory, rather than on mere human entertainment or tradition?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "fourteen days" of feasting mentioned in 1 Kings 8:65?**

Answer: The "fourteen days" of feasting represents an extraordinary and unprecedented period of national celebration, highlighting its immense significance. Scholars generally understand this to refer to two consecutive seven-day periods. The first seven days were dedicated to the solemn consecration of the newly built Temple, involving extensive sacrifices and rituals, marking the establishment of God's permanent dwelling place among His people. The subsequent seven days almost certainly coincided with the annual Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of the three major pilgrimage festivals mandated by the Law (cf. [Leviticus 23:34](/leviticus/23-34 "Leviticus 23:34 - Feast of Tabernacles")). By combining these two significant events, Solomon orchestrated a truly monumental and deeply spiritual national convocation, emphasizing the profound joy, thanksgiving, and unity of the people in God's presence. It underscored the magnitude of God's blessing and the nation's devotion, creating an unparalleled historical and spiritual moment.

**Why is the geographical phrase "from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt" important in this verse?**

Answer: This geographical phrase, "from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt," is a significant **merism** used throughout the Old Testament to denote the full, ideal territorial extent of the land promised to Israel by God (e.g., [Numbers 34:8](/numbers/34-8 "Numbers 34:8 - Borders of the Promised Land"), [2 Kings 14:25](/2_kings/14-25 "2 Kings 14:25 - Jeroboam II's Reign")). Its inclusion in [1 Kings 8:65](/1_kings/8-65 "1 Kings 8:65 - Solomon's Great Feast") emphasizes the truly national scope of the Temple dedication feast. It indicates that people from every corner of Solomon's vast kingdom, from its northernmost border (Hamath) to its southernmost (the river of Egypt, likely the Wadi el-Arish), gathered in Jerusalem. This highlights the unprecedented unity and widespread participation of "all Israel" in this pivotal moment of corporate worship and celebration, signifying a kingdom united under God and His anointed king, and demonstrating the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The grand dedication of Solomon's Temple and the subsequent fourteen-day feast, as described in [1 Kings 8:65](/1_kings/8-65 "1 Kings 8:65 - Solomon's Great Feast"), find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Temple, though magnificent, was a temporary dwelling place for God, a shadow of the true reality to come. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), referring to the temple of His own body. He is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, the very embodiment of God's presence (cf. [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The national unity celebrated at Solomon's feast foreshadows the new covenant community, the church, where believers from "every nation, tribe, people, and language" ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - Multitude from Every Nation")) are gathered not by earthly boundaries but by faith in Christ, forming a spiritual temple (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). The joyous feast, a time of fellowship with God, points forward to the eternal banquet of the Lamb, where all who believe will share in unending communion with God (cf. [Revelation 19:9](/rev/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, the glory of Solomon's Temple and the joy of its dedication feast are surpassed and perfected in Christ, who is our true Temple, our ultimate High Priest, and the source of our eternal celebration and unending fellowship with God.

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

Numbers 34:5

And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea.

Numbers 34:8

From mount Hor ye shall point out [your border] unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings forth of the border shall be to Zedad:

1 Kings 8:2

And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which [is] the seventh month.

Joshua 13:5

And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath.

Judges 3:3

[Namely], five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath.

2 Chronicles 7:8

Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 7:9

And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.