2 Chronicles 1:6

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.

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.

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

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

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

2 Chronicles 1:6 KJV describes a pivotal moment in the early reign of King Solomon, highlighting his profound act of worship and dedication to the Lord. This verse sets the stage for God's subsequent appearance to Solomon and the granting of his famous request for wisdom.

Context

Following the death of his father, King David, Solomon established his rule over Israel. This specific event takes place in Gibeon, a significant high place where the ancient tabernacle of the congregation, built by Moses, was located (as noted in 1 Kings 3:4 and 2 Chronicles 1:3). The "brasen altar" was the primary altar for burnt offerings, where sacrifices were made to atone for sin and express devotion. Solomon's journey to Gibeon and his massive offering underscore his intent to seek God's favor and guidance at the outset of his reign, rather than relying solely on his own power.

Key Themes

  • Profound Devotion and Worship: The act of offering "a thousand burnt offerings" was an extraordinary display of Solomon's reverence and commitment to God. It signified a total surrender and a desire to honor the Lord above all else.
  • Seeking Divine Favor and Guidance: This lavish sacrifice was not merely a ritual but a heartfelt appeal to God. It immediately precedes God's offer to Solomon to ask for whatever he wished, demonstrating the principle that seeking God first often opens the door to His blessings.
  • Continuity of Faith: By worshipping at the tabernacle, Solomon connected his reign to the rich history of Israel's covenant with God, established through Moses and the wilderness wanderings. This emphasized the enduring nature of God's presence among His people, even as preparations for the permanent Temple were underway.

Linguistic Insights

The term "burnt offerings" translates the Hebrew word ‘olah (עֹלָה), which literally means "that which goes up" or "ascends." This refers to the sacrifice being wholly consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. It symbolized a complete dedication to God, as nothing was left for human consumption. The sheer quantity—a thousand—amplified the magnitude of this offering, conveying immense devotion and a desire for profound communion with the Divine.

Practical Application

Solomon's example in 2 Chronicles 1:6 teaches us the importance of prioritizing God at the beginning of any significant endeavor. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle of complete dedication and seeking God's will remains paramount. Our "offerings" today might involve dedicating our time, talents, resources, or even our very lives to God's service. Just as Solomon's grand gesture opened the door for God to grant him wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:7), so too does our genuine pursuit of God invite His guidance and blessing into our lives. It reminds us that true success and wisdom come from a humble and dependent heart that first seeks the Lord.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 3:4 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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