1 Kings 9:25

KJV

And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that [was] before the LORD. So he finished the house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And three {H7969} times {H6471} in a year {H8141} did Solomon {H8010} offer {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} and peace offerings {H8002} upon the altar {H4196} which he built {H1129} unto the LORD {H3068}, and he burnt incense {H6999} upon the altar {H4196} that was before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}. So he finished {H7999} the house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Three times a year Shlomo offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar which he had built for ADONAI, offering incense with them on the altar before ADONAI. So he finished the house.

Berean Standard Bible

Three times a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar he had built for the LORD, burning incense with them before the LORD. So he completed the temple.

American Standard Version

And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt-offerings and peace-offerings upon the altar which he built unto Jehovah, burning incense therewith, upon the altar that was before Jehovah. So he finished the house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 9:25 serves as a pivotal concluding statement to the extensive narrative of Solomon's monumental building projects, particularly the Temple in Jerusalem and his royal palace. It meticulously details King Solomon's initial faithfulness and diligent adherence to the Mosaic Law by regularly offering prescribed sacrifices and incense upon the newly completed altars. This verse encapsulates a period of profound spiritual obedience and the successful culmination of his architectural endeavors, signifying the full operational status of the central sanctuary for Israelite worship and highlighting Solomon's role as a devout leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides a definitive conclusion to a significant literary block spanning [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of the Temple") through [1 Kings 9](/1_kings/9 "1 Kings 9 - God's Covenant with Solomon and Building Projects"). Following the detailed accounts of the Temple's construction (chapters 6-7), its grand dedication (chapter 8), and God's subsequent covenantal appearance to Solomon (chapter 9:1-9), [1 Kings 9:25](/1_kings/9-25 "1 Kings 9:25 - Solomon's Faithful Worship") acts as a summary statement of completion and ongoing fidelity. It marks the successful transition from construction to active worship, emphasizing that the Temple was not merely a structure but a functional center for Israel's relationship with Yahweh. The preceding verses ([1 Kings 9:10-24](/1_kings/9-10-24 "1 Kings 9:10-24 - Solomon's Other Projects and Administration")) describe the completion of Solomon's own palace and other building projects, as well as his administrative dealings, making verse 25 a final affirmation of his commitment to the Lord amidst his vast accomplishments before the narrative shifts to his later decline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "three times in a year" directly references the three major annual pilgrimage festivals mandated by the Mosaic Law: the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles. According to [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - The Three Annual Festivals"), all Israelite males were required to appear before the LORD at the central sanctuary during these times. Solomon, as king, is depicted here as fulfilling this national obligation, setting an example for the entire nation. This practice underscored the covenant relationship between God and Israel, reinforcing national unity and religious identity. The construction of the Temple itself was a monumental undertaking, symbolizing God's permanent dwelling among His people and centralizing worship, a significant shift from the portable tabernacle. Solomon's actions in this verse solidify the Temple's role as the singular, legitimate place for national sacrifice and worship, adhering to the Deuteronomic ideal of a single sanctuary.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 9:25](/1_kings/9-25 "1 Kings 9:25 - Solomon's Faithful Worship") contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings. Firstly, it highlights **Solomon's initial piety and obedience**. At this juncture, Solomon is portrayed as a devout and responsible monarch, diligently leading the nation in prescribed worship, consistent with the divine wisdom granted to him and his initial commitment to God's covenant. This depiction stands in stark contrast to his later spiritual decline, detailed in [1 Kings 11:1-13](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-13 - Solomon's Apostasy"), which serves as a tragic counterpoint to the fidelity shown here. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **regular and prescribed worship**. The specific mention of "burnt offerings and peace offerings" and "incense" performed "three times in a year" emphasizes the importance of adherence to the divinely ordained sacrificial system, which was central to Israel's covenant relationship with God. Lastly, the concluding phrase, "So he finished the house," reinforces the theme of **completion and divine fulfillment**. It signifies that the Temple, the physical manifestation of God's presence and the heart of Israelite worship, was not only built but fully operational and consecrated for its sacred purpose, fulfilling a long-held desire since the days of David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt Offerings (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** From H5930, this term refers to a "holocaust (as going up in smoke)." These offerings were entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement for sin. The smoke ascending to God represented the worshiper's total surrender and devotion, signifying a desire for reconciliation and purification before the Lord.
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _shelem'_): retrieve):** From H8002, this term denotes a "requital, i.e. a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks." Also known as fellowship offerings, these sacrifices involved a portion being burnt on the altar, a portion designated for the priests, and the remainder eaten by the worshiper and his family in a communal meal. Related to _shalom_ (peace, wholeness), they symbolized reconciliation, communion, and thanksgiving, fostering peace between God and humanity, and among the people. They were often offered in fulfillment of vows or as expressions of gratitude.
* **Burnt Incense (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** From H6999, this primitive root means "to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)." The act of burning incense on the altar before the LORD was a highly sacred ritual, distinct from the animal sacrifices. The sweet aroma symbolized the prayers of the saints ascending to God, signifying God's presence, acceptance of worship, and the holiness of the sanctuary. It was a constant reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and the people's ongoing need for His favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD,"**: This clause establishes Solomon's consistent and obedient leadership in national worship. The frequency "three times in a year" refers to the mandatory pilgrimage festivals—Passover/Unleavened Bread, Weeks (Pentecost), and Tabernacles—during which all Israelite males were required to appear before the Lord. Solomon, as king, not only participated but actively led the sacrificial rites, demonstrating his personal piety and fulfilling his role as the nation's spiritual head. The mention of "the altar which he built unto the LORD" specifically refers to the great bronze altar in the Temple courtyard, underscoring that these sacrifices were performed at the legitimate, divinely sanctioned place of worship.
* **"and he burnt incense upon the altar that [was] before the LORD."**: This second part of the clause details another crucial aspect of Temple worship: the burning of incense. While the "altar which he built" likely refers to the large outdoor altar for animal sacrifices, "the altar that was before the LORD" refers to the golden incense altar located inside the Holy Place, directly before the veil leading to the Most Holy Place. This act signifies Solomon's comprehensive adherence to the prescribed rituals, including those symbolizing prayer, reverence, and the acknowledgment of God's holy presence within the sanctuary.
* **"So he finished the house."**: This concluding phrase serves as a powerful summary statement, bringing closure to the extensive narrative of the Temple's construction and Solomon's other building projects. "The house" unequivocally refers to the Temple, the central sanctuary for Israel. This statement signifies not merely the physical completion of the structure, but also its full dedication and operational status, ready for continuous worship as intended. It marks the successful culmination of a monumental undertaking that had been a dream since the time of King David, establishing the permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of Yahweh among His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily functions as a **Summary Statement**, bringing a definitive close to the preceding chapters detailing Solomon's building endeavors and initial fidelity. It encapsulates a period of significant achievement and spiritual alignment. The precise enumeration of "three times in a year" and the specific mention of "burnt offerings and peace offerings" and "incense" employ **Specificity and Detail** to emphasize the king's meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law, underscoring his initial obedience. Furthermore, the verse contains a subtle element of **Foreshadowing** through its very completeness. By depicting Solomon at the zenith of his piety and accomplishments, it implicitly sets the stage for the tragic contrast of his later spiritual decline, making his subsequent apostasy all the more poignant. The **Parallelism** between offering sacrifices and burning incense highlights the dual nature of Israelite worship: atonement and fellowship through sacrifice, and prayer and adoration through incense.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 9:25 powerfully illustrates the theological significance of worship in ancient Israel, particularly the centrality of the Temple and the sacrificial system. It portrays a moment of ideal covenant fidelity where the king, representing the nation, diligently performs the rituals ordained by God. The offerings themselves—burnt offerings for complete dedication and atonement, and peace offerings for communion and thanksgiving—underscore the multifaceted nature of the relationship between God and His people, encompassing both the need for propitiation and the joy of fellowship. The burning of incense further highlights the importance of prayer and the ascent of devotion to God. This verse serves as a theological benchmark, showcasing the ideal state of Israelite worship under a righteous king, a standard against which later deviations would be measured. It affirms that the completion of the Temple was not merely an architectural feat but the establishment of a sacred space for ongoing, prescribed communion with the Divine.

* [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - The Three Annual Feasts") - Mandate for the three annual pilgrimage festivals.
* [Leviticus 1:1-17](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Law of Burnt Offerings") - Detailed instructions for burnt offerings.
* [Leviticus 3:1-17](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Law of Peace Offerings") - Detailed instructions for peace offerings.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's consistent and comprehensive worship in [1 Kings 9:25](/1_kings/9-25 "1 Kings 9:25 - Solomon's Faithful Worship") offers a profound lesson on the importance of intentional and holistic devotion in our own lives. Just as Solomon faithfully utilized the newly completed Temple for its intended purpose, we are called to actively engage in the spiritual disciplines and communal worship that nourish our faith. His example reminds us that true spiritual commitment is not merely about grand beginnings or monumental achievements, but about sustained faithfulness in the daily and seasonal rhythms of life. The diverse nature of the offerings—dedication, atonement, communion, and thanksgiving—invites us to examine the breadth of our own worship, ensuring it encompasses all facets of our relationship with God. It challenges us to move beyond mere religious observance to a heartfelt expression of gratitude, surrender, and fellowship, recognizing that our spiritual "house" (our lives, our communities) is truly "finished" when it is fully devoted to the Lord's purposes and actively engaged in His praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's consistent worship challenge my own commitment to regular spiritual disciplines and communal gathering?**
* **In what ways can I ensure my worship encompasses dedication, thanksgiving, and a desire for deeper communion with God, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the offerings?**
* **What "houses" or projects in my life (personal, professional, spiritual) have I completed, and am I now faithfully using them for their intended, God-honoring purpose?**
* **How does the contrast between Solomon's initial piety and later decline serve as a warning and encouragement for my own spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that Solomon offered sacrifices "three times in a year"?**

Answer: The phrase "three times in a year" is highly significant because it directly references the three mandatory annual pilgrimage festivals commanded by the Mosaic Law in [Exodus 23:14-17](/exodus/23-14-17 "Exodus 23:14-17 - The Three Annual Feasts") and [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - The Three Annual Festivals"). These were the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles. During these festivals, all Israelite males were required to appear before the LORD at the central sanctuary. Solomon's faithful observance demonstrates his adherence to the covenant requirements and his role as a righteous king leading the nation in prescribed worship. It underscores the importance of regular, national worship and covenant renewal in ancient Israelite life, setting an example for all his subjects.

**What does "So he finished the house" imply beyond physical construction?**

Answer: While "So he finished the house" certainly refers to the physical completion of the Temple, it implies much more. It signifies that the Temple was not only built but was fully consecrated, operational, and serving its intended purpose as the central place of worship for the LORD. It means the extensive building projects, which had consumed much of Solomon's reign, had reached their successful conclusion, allowing the nation to fully engage in the worship practices detailed in the preceding clauses. The phrase marks a pivotal moment where the physical structure became a living, functioning sanctuary, fulfilling the divine mandate for a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, as envisioned by David and brought to fruition by Solomon. It sets the stage for the ongoing religious life of Israel centered around this magnificent structure, ready for the prescribed rituals and communal gatherings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 9:25, with its depiction of Solomon's faithful sacrifices and the completion of the Temple, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate work of Jesus Christ. Solomon's burnt offerings, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, find their perfect and final fulfillment in Christ's singular, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering Himself as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice that truly atones for sin, rendering all subsequent animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). The peace offerings, symbolizing communion and reconciliation, are fully realized in Christ, who is our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ is Our Peace")), reconciling us to God through His blood ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Furthermore, the Temple, which Solomon "finished" as the dwelling place of God's presence, points to Christ Himself as the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")), and ultimately to the Church as the spiritual temple where God dwells by His Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). The burning of incense, representing ascending prayers, finds its ultimate expression in Christ, our great High Priest, who ever lives to intercede for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrebs/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")), and whose perfect prayers are always heard by the Father. Thus, Solomon's actions and the Temple's completion are but shadows of the greater reality found in Jesus, who perfectly fulfills all the Law and the Prophets, establishing a new covenant of grace and a living, spiritual worship.

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

Exodus 23:14

Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.

Exodus 23:17

Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.

Deuteronomy 16:16

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

2 Chronicles 8:16

Now all the work of Solomon was prepared unto the day of the foundation of the house of the LORD, and until it was finished. [So] the house of the LORD was perfected.

2 Chronicles 8:12

¶ Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch,

2 Chronicles 8:13

Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, [even] in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.

1 Chronicles 23:13

The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.