1 Kings 8:66

KJV

On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.

KJV (with Strong's)

On the eighth {H8066} day {H3117} he sent {H7971} the people {H5971} away {H7971}: and they blessed {H1288} the king {H4428}, and went {H3212} unto their tents {H168} joyful {H8056} and glad {H2896} of heart {H3820} for all the goodness {H2896} that the LORD {H3068} had done {H6213} for David {H1732} his servant {H5650}, and for Israel {H3478} his people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the eighth day he sent the people away. They blessed the king and returned to their tents full of joy and glad of heart for all the goodness ADONAI had shown to David his servant and to Isra'el his people.

Berean Standard Bible

On the fifteenth day Solomon sent the people away. So they blessed the king and went home, joyful and glad in heart for all the good things that the LORD had done for His servant David and for His people Israel.

American Standard Version

On the eighth day he sent the people away; and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that Jehovah had showed unto David his servant, and to Israel his people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 8:66 concludes the magnificent dedication of Solomon's Temple, portraying the people's joyful departure after an extensive seven-day feast. Their profound gladness stemmed from a deep recognition of God's unwavering faithfulness and abundant goodness, specifically demonstrated in His covenant promises to King David and His benevolent provision for the nation of Israel. This verse encapsulates the spiritual high point of a unified people celebrating divine presence and fulfilled promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the grand finale to the elaborate dedication of the Temple, detailed throughout [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of Solomon's Temple"). Preceding this dismissal, Solomon had offered a lengthy and profound [dedication prayer](/1_kings/8-22 "1 Kings 8:22 - Solomon's Dedication Prayer"), acknowledging God's transcendence and immanence, His covenant faithfulness, and the Temple's role as a place of prayer and repentance. Following the prayer, fire descended from heaven to consume the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the Temple ([1 Kings 8:54-55](/1_kings/8-54 "1 Kings 8:54-55 - Solomon Blesses the Assembly")). A massive feast, lasting seven days, followed the initial seven days of dedication, culminating in this final dismissal on the "eighth day." The narrative emphasizes the orderly and divinely sanctioned conclusion to this monumental event.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Temple was arguably the most significant event in Israelite history since the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai. The Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a building but the central locus of Israelite worship, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. The "eighth day" held significant symbolic weight in ancient Israel, often signifying completion, new beginnings, or a fresh start, particularly in relation to purification rituals or festivals like the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which this event likely coincided with ([Leviticus 23:34-36](/leviticus/23-34 "Leviticus 23:34-36 - The Feast of Tabernacles")). The act of "blessing the king" was a customary expression of respect and gratitude for the monarch's role in facilitating such a sacred and joyous occasion, acknowledging his divinely appointed leadership in bringing the nation to this spiritual zenith.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully underscores several central themes. Firstly, **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Fulfillment** is paramount, as the people's joy is explicitly tied to "all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people," directly referencing God's unconditional covenant with David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), promising an enduring dynasty and a house for His name. Secondly, **Joy and Gratitude** are central, portraying a people whose hearts overflowed with genuine delight, not from material gain, but from experiencing God's manifest presence and remembering His benevolent acts. This joy is a spiritual response to divine favor. Thirdly, **National Unity and Corporate Worship** are evident, as "all Israel" had gathered, transcending tribal divisions to celebrate their shared identity under God's covenant, fostering a profound sense of communal blessing and spiritual renewal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eighth (Hebrew, _shemini'_):** The term "eighth day" (הַשְּׁמִינִי, _ha-shemini_) is highly significant. In biblical numerology and ritual, the number eight often symbolizes new beginnings, completion, or a fresh start beyond a cycle of seven. For instance, circumcision occurs on the eighth day, signifying entrance into the covenant. Here, it marks the conclusion of a sacred seven-day dedication followed by a seven-day feast, providing a climactic and definitive end to the festivities and signaling a new era of God's dwelling among His people. It points to a renewal of the covenant relationship and a fresh outpouring of blessing.
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _barak'_):** The verb "blessed" (וַיְבָרְכוּ, _vay'var'khu_) indicates the people's act of conferring honor and well-wishes upon the king. This was not a mere formality but a heartfelt expression of gratitude and respect for Solomon's role in the Temple's construction and dedication. It signifies their acknowledgment of his divinely sanctioned authority and his instrumental part in bringing about this moment of national spiritual triumph and divine favor.
* **Goodness (Hebrew, _tovah'_):** The noun "goodness" (הַטּוֹבָה, _ha-tovah_) refers to God's inherent benevolent character and the tangible blessings and benefits He bestows. It encompasses not only spiritual favor and the fulfillment of promises but also the prosperity, peace, and well-being experienced by the nation. This "goodness" is the root cause of the people's joy, highlighting God's active and gracious involvement in the life of His people, specifically His faithfulness to David and Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On the eighth day he sent the people away:"** This phrase marks the official conclusion of the two-week-long dedication ceremonies and the Feast of Tabernacles. Solomon, as king, exercises his authority to dismiss the vast assembly gathered from "all Israel" ([1 Kings 8:65](/1_kings/8-65 "1 Kings 8:65 - Solomon's Feast")). The "eighth day" signifies the end of a sacred cycle and the beginning of a new phase, with the Temple now consecrated and God's presence established.
* **"and they blessed the king,"** Before their departure, the assembled people offered a blessing to Solomon. This act demonstrates their profound respect, gratitude, and loyalty to their monarch. It acknowledges his pivotal role in bringing the Temple project to fruition and in leading the nation in this momentous act of worship and covenant renewal. It signifies a unified and contented populace.
* **"and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart"** This describes the emotional state of the returning people. The repetition of "joyful and glad of heart" emphasizes a deep, inner contentment and spiritual elation, not just superficial happiness. Their joy was profound, permeating their very being, indicating a genuine spiritual experience and a sense of well-being that transcended the physical journey home. "Tents" refers to their homes or dwelling places, symbolizing their return to normal life, albeit transformed by the experience.
* **"for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people."** This clause explicitly states the reason for their overwhelming joy. Their gladness was rooted in the recognition of God's unwavering faithfulness and abundant blessings. Specifically, they acknowledged God's fulfillment of His covenant promises to David, establishing his dynasty and allowing the Temple to be built, and His continued benevolent care for the entire nation of Israel. This highlights the theological core of their celebration: God's character and His redemptive acts.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Emotive Language** is prominent in the phrase "joyful and glad of heart," which uses a hendiadys (two words joined by "and" to express a single, complex idea) to emphasize the depth and sincerity of the people's inner contentment and spiritual elation. This is not merely happiness but a profound, heart-felt gladness rooted in spiritual experience. **Symbolism** is evident in the "eighth day," which carries theological weight, signifying completion and new beginnings, particularly in the context of sacred time and ritual. The entire scene is also an example of **Narrative Climax**, serving as the triumphant and satisfying conclusion to the grand narrative of the Temple's dedication, reinforcing the themes of divine presence and covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound joy experienced by the Israelites in 1 Kings 8:66 is a direct theological response to God's covenant faithfulness and His manifest goodness. It underscores the biblical principle that true, lasting joy stems from recognizing and celebrating God's character and His redemptive acts in history. The "goodness that the LORD had done" refers to the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, promising an eternal dynasty and a house for God's name, which finds its partial realization in the Temple's construction under Solomon. This joy is not fleeting but deeply rooted in the assurance of God's promises and His abiding presence among His people, setting a precedent for future generations to find their delight in the Lord's benevolent sovereignty.

* [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")
* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Psalm 100:2](/psalms/100-2 "Psalm 100:2 - Serve the Lord with Gladness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of the Israelites departing from the Temple, "joyful and glad of heart," offers a powerful model for our own spiritual lives. It reminds us that genuine joy is not contingent on circumstances but is a profound response to God's demonstrated faithfulness and goodness. After moments of corporate worship, personal prayer, or deep reflection on God's Word, we are called to carry that spiritual joy into our daily lives, letting it permeate our interactions, challenges, and decisions. This "gladness of heart" should be a testament to the enduring reality of God's presence and His unwavering commitment to His people, inspiring us to live with gratitude, trust, and hopeful anticipation of His continued blessings. It challenges us to actively recall God's past goodness in our lives, allowing those memories to fuel our present joy and strengthen our faith for the future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific acts of God's "goodness" in your life or in the history of the church bring you the most profound joy and gratitude?**
* **How can you cultivate a "joyful and glad of heart" disposition, even when facing difficult circumstances, by focusing on God's faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does remembering God's past promises and their fulfillment (like the Davidic covenant) strengthen your trust in His future faithfulness?**
* **How can your personal and corporate worship experiences lead to a tangible, lasting joy that impacts your daily life and interactions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "eighth day" in this context?**

Answer: The "eighth day" is highly symbolic. In biblical tradition, seven often represents completion or perfection (e.g., seven days of creation). The "eighth day" therefore signifies a new beginning, a fresh start, or a super-abundance beyond completion. In the context of the Temple dedication, it marks the definitive end of the sacred ceremonies and the Feast of Tabernacles, ushering in a new era for Israel with God's presence now established in the Temple. It points to a renewal of the covenant relationship and a fresh outpouring of blessing, much like the new creation after the flood or the resurrection on the "eighth day" (Sunday).

**Why were the people "joyful and glad of heart"?**

Answer: The text explicitly states their joy was "for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people." This refers to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant found in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), which promised an enduring dynasty and a house for His name. The people had just witnessed the glory of the LORD filling the Temple ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")), experienced a powerful act of corporate worship, and seen the tangible evidence of God's presence among them. Their joy was a deep, spiritual contentment rooted in the assurance of God's benevolent care and the fulfillment of His word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The exultant joy of the Israelites departing from the newly dedicated Temple, rooted in God's "goodness" and faithfulness to David, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and eternal joy found in Christ. While the Temple was a magnificent dwelling place for God's presence, it was a shadow of the true and greater Temple: Jesus Christ Himself. Just as the Israelites rejoiced in God's presence among them in a physical structure, believers now rejoice in God's presence dwelling fully in Christ ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The "goodness that the LORD had done for David" finds its ultimate fulfillment not in a building, but in the eternal King from David's line, Jesus, who establishes a new and everlasting covenant. Our "joyful and glad of heart" departure from the presence of God is no longer from a physical temple but is a continuous state of being, as we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and have direct access to God through Christ, the ultimate High Priest and 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")). The "eighth day" symbolism, pointing to new beginnings, finds its ultimate realization in Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week (the "eighth day" of the old week), inaugurating the new creation and the eternal Sabbath rest. Our joy, like that of the Israelites, is based on God's faithfulness, but now it is a joy "inexpressible and full of glory" ([1 Peter 1:8](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8 - Joy Inexpressible and Full of Glory")) as we anticipate the new heavens and new earth where God will dwell with His people forever, and there will be no need for a temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Man") and [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")).

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

Deuteronomy 12:7

And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

Deuteronomy 12:12

And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that [is] within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

Zechariah 9:17

For how great [is] his goodness, and how great [is] his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.

Acts 2:46

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.

2 Chronicles 30:26

So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel [there was] not the like in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 31:1

¶ Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.