2 Chronicles 1:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Solomon {H8010} went up {H5927} thither to the brasen {H5178} altar {H4196} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, which was at the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and offered {H5927} a thousand {H505} burnt offerings {H5930} upon it.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the bronze altar at the tent of meeting Shlomo offered a thousand burnt offerings before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon offered sacrifices there before the LORD on the bronze altar in the Tent of Meeting, where he offered a thousand burnt offerings.

American Standard Version

And Solomon went up thither to the brazen altar before Jehovah, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt-offerings upon it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 1:6 details King Solomon's profound act of worship at the outset of his reign, where he journeyed to Gibeon, the site of the ancient Tabernacle, and offered an extraordinary one thousand burnt offerings upon the bronze altar. This pivotal moment underscores Solomon's deep reverence for God and his intentional seeking of divine favor and guidance, setting the stage for God's subsequent appearance and the granting of wisdom that would define his rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the establishment of Solomon's kingdom, emphasizing his strength and God's presence with him. It serves as a crucial prelude to God's appearance to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon, where God offers to grant Solomon's request (2 Chronicles 1:7). The Chronicler highlights Solomon's piety and adherence to traditional worship practices, contrasting with the more politically focused narrative in the parallel account of [1 Kings 3](/1_kings/3 "1 Kings 3 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom"). By emphasizing the scale of Solomon's offering, the text sets a tone of profound devotion that precedes and justifies the divine favor bestowed upon him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gibeon was a significant "high place" (a traditional site of worship) in Israel, known for housing the Tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses had constructed in the wilderness (2 Chronicles 1:3). While Jerusalem was becoming the political capital, Gibeon remained a legitimate and important religious center before the construction of the Temple. The "brasen altar" was the large altar for burnt offerings, central to Israelite worship and the system of atonement. Offering a "thousand burnt offerings" was an exceptionally lavish act, demonstrating immense wealth, power, and, crucially, a profound commitment to Yahweh, far exceeding typical sacrificial practices and signaling a national act of dedication.

* **Key Themes:** Solomon's journey to Gibeon and his massive offering contribute to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Profound Devotion and Worship**, showcasing Solomon's commitment to honoring God above all else at the beginning of his reign, rather than relying solely on his own strength or political maneuvering. This act of worship is a powerful expression of his desire to walk in God's ways. Secondly, it exemplifies **Seeking Divine Favor and Guidance**, demonstrating the principle that prioritizing God often precedes and opens the door to His blessings, as seen in God's immediate response to Solomon's offering by inviting him to ask for anything (compare with [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")). Thirdly, it underscores the **Continuity of Faith** with Israel's covenant history, as Solomon worships at the very Tabernacle built by Moses, connecting his new reign to the ancient traditions and the enduring presence of God among His people, even as preparations for the permanent Temple were underway.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt offerings (Hebrew, _‘olah_):** This term literally means "that which goes up" or "ascends," referring to the entire animal sacrifice being consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. Unlike other offerings where portions were returned to the worshiper or priests, the _‘olah_ was wholly dedicated to God, symbolizing complete surrender, atonement for sin, and a profound act of devotion and communion. The sheer quantity of "a thousand" emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Solomon's dedication and the magnitude of his desire for God's favor.
* **Brasen altar (Hebrew, _mizbeach hanechoshet_):** This was the large altar made of bronze, situated in the outer court of the Tabernacle, where animal sacrifices were offered. Bronze, often associated with judgment in biblical symbolism, indicates that this was the place where sin was confronted and dealt with through the shedding of blood. Its presence at the Tabernacle signifies its central role in Israel's worship system, providing the means for atonement and access to God's presence.
* **Tabernacle of the congregation (Hebrew, _ohel mo'ed_):** Meaning "Tent of Meeting," this was the portable sanctuary constructed by Moses according to God's instructions. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people during their wilderness wanderings and until the construction of the Temple. Its presence in Gibeon, though not Jerusalem, legitimized the site as a place where God met with His people, underscoring Solomon's adherence to established, divinely ordained worship practices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon went up thither":** This phrase indicates a deliberate and intentional journey by Solomon to Gibeon, a significant high place. His ascent underscores the importance and solemnity of the occasion, highlighting his personal commitment to seeking God at a recognized holy site.
* **"to the brasen altar before the LORD":** This specifies the exact object and context of his worship—the divinely appointed altar for sacrifice, indicating Solomon's adherence to the Mosaic covenant and the prescribed means of approaching God. The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes that this act was directly addressed to God, in His presence.
* **"which [was] at the tabernacle of the congregation":** This clause provides crucial geographical and theological context, confirming that Solomon's worship was conducted at the legitimate, divinely sanctioned Tabernacle, which housed the Ark of the Covenant and represented God's dwelling among His people. This legitimizes his act, distinguishing it from pagan worship at other high places.
* **"and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it":** This is the climax of the verse, detailing the immense scale of Solomon's sacrifice. The number "a thousand" signifies not just a large quantity, but an extraordinary, lavish, and comprehensive act of devotion, expressing profound reverence, a desire for complete dedication, and an earnest appeal for God's blessing and guidance at the dawn of his reign.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 2 Chronicles 1:6 to underscore the significance of Solomon's actions. The most prominent is **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, seen in the phrase "a thousand burnt offerings." While possibly a literal count, the number serves to emphasize the extraordinary magnitude of Solomon's devotion, wealth, and commitment to God, elevating the act beyond a mere ritual to a grand display of national piety. This lavishness also functions as **Symbolism**, where the burnt offering itself (the _‘olah_) symbolizes complete surrender and dedication, as the entire animal was consumed, ascending to God. The **brasen altar** symbolizes the means of atonement and purification, and the **tabernacle** symbolizes God's presence among His people. Furthermore, the entire act serves as **Foreshadowing**, as Solomon's grand gesture of worship and humility directly precedes and sets the stage for God's subsequent appearance and generous offer to grant Solomon's request for wisdom, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between seeking God and receiving His blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's act of offering a thousand burnt offerings at the Tabernacle's bronze altar is a profound theological statement. It demonstrates a foundational principle of biblical faith: that true leadership and prosperity begin with humble, extravagant devotion to God. This massive sacrifice was not an attempt to earn God's favor through works, but rather an overflowing expression of reverence, dependence, and a desire to align his reign with divine will. It highlights the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance at the outset of any significant endeavor, acknowledging His sovereignty over all human affairs. This act of worship, steeped in the covenant traditions of Israel, underscores the enduring necessity of atonement and the pursuit of communion with God as the source of all wisdom and blessing.

* [2 Chronicles 1:7](/2_chronicles/1-7 "2 Chronicles 1:7 - God Appears to Solomon")
* [1 Kings 3:4](/1_kings/3-4 "1 Kings 3:4 - Solomon Sacrifices at Gibeon")
* [Deuteronomy 12:5-6](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-6 - The Chosen Place of Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's extraordinary act of worship in 2 Chronicles 1:6 offers a timeless lesson for believers today. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle of prioritizing God and dedicating our best to Him remains profoundly relevant. Solomon, at the peak of his power and at the dawn of a new era for Israel, chose to humble himself and make an unprecedented offering to the Lord. This teaches us the importance of beginning any new venture, phase of life, or significant undertaking by intentionally seeking God's face, dedicating our resources, talents, and time to His glory, and acknowledging our complete dependence on His wisdom and guidance. Our "offerings" today might involve fervent prayer, sacrificial giving, devoted service, or a complete surrender of our will to His. Just as Solomon's grand gesture opened the door for God to grant him wisdom and unparalleled blessing, so too does our genuine, heartfelt pursuit of God invite His presence, guidance, and blessing into every aspect of our lives, reminding us that true success and fulfillment flow from a heart humbly devoted to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you about to embark on a new endeavor or significant phase? How can you intentionally "go up to the altar" and dedicate it to God?**
* **What does "offering a thousand burnt offerings" look like in your life today, in terms of time, talent, or treasure?**
* **How does Solomon's example challenge your own priorities when facing important decisions or new beginnings?**
* **What does it mean to seek God's favor and guidance *before* pursuing personal ambition or relying on your own strength?**

### FAQ
**Why did Solomon go to Gibeon instead of Jerusalem to offer sacrifices?**

Answer: At this time, Jerusalem was the political capital, and David had brought the Ark of the Covenant there (2 Samuel 6). However, the Tabernacle of the Lord, constructed by Moses in the wilderness, along with the bronze altar, was still located at Gibeon (2 Chronicles 1:3). Gibeon was a legitimate and significant high place for worship, housing these sacred artifacts of Israel's covenant history. Solomon's choice to go to Gibeon demonstrates his adherence to established, divinely ordained worship practices associated with the Mosaic Tabernacle, even as preparations for the future Temple in Jerusalem were underway. It was the proper place for such a large-scale, national sacrifice according to the traditions of the time.

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

Answer: The offering of "a thousand burnt offerings" was an extraordinarily lavish and unprecedented act of worship. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the quantity of an offering often reflected the devotion, wealth, and status of the worshiper. For Solomon, this immense sacrifice symbolized several things: profound personal and national devotion to Yahweh, a comprehensive act of atonement and purification for the nation, and an earnest appeal for God's favor and blessing at the very beginning of his reign. It was a demonstration of complete surrender and a desire for profound communion with God, far exceeding typical sacrificial requirements and underscoring the sincerity and magnitude of his commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's magnificent act of offering a thousand burnt offerings, though a powerful expression of devotion and a foreshadowing of God's blessing, ultimately points beyond itself to the perfect and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The "thousand burnt offerings," while immense, were temporary, imperfect, and required repetition, a stark contrast to the singular, all-sufficient sacrifice of [Jesus Christ, who offered himself once for all](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice") to take away sins. Solomon's seeking of wisdom from God in response to his offering finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who *is* [the wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom") and in whom [are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom"). The bronze altar, where judgment and atonement met, points to the cross where Christ, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the judgment for humanity. Solomon's journey to the Tabernacle to meet with God foreshadows our access to the very presence of God through Christ, who is our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and the true meeting place between God and humanity, enabling us to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace.

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

1 Kings 3:4

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.

1 Chronicles 29:21

And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, [even] a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, [and] a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:

1 Kings 8:63

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.

Isaiah 40:16

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