2 Chronicles 5:6

KJV

Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also king {H4428} Solomon {H8010}, and all the congregation {H5712} of Israel {H3478} that were assembled {H3259} unto him before {H6440} the ark {H727}, sacrificed {H2076} sheep {H6629} and oxen {H1241}, which could not be told {H5608} nor numbered {H4487} for multitude {H7230}.

Complete Jewish Bible

King Shlomo and the whole community of Isra'el who had assembled in his presence were in front of the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen in numbers beyond counting or recording.

Berean Standard Bible

There, before the ark, King Solomon and the whole congregation of Israel who had assembled with him sacrificed so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered.

American Standard Version

And king Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be counted nor numbered for multitude.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 5:6 vividly portrays the culmination of the Temple's dedication, an event of immense national significance. King Solomon, alongside the entire assembly of Israel, offered an immeasurable quantity of sheep and oxen as sacrifices before the Ark of the Covenant. This unparalleled act of devotion underscored the profound sacredness of God's dwelling among His people, expressed the nation's overflowing gratitude and commitment to the covenant, and marked the solemn inauguration of the Temple as the central locus of worship in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the zenith of the Temple dedication narrative within 2 Chronicles, following the detailed accounts of its construction and furnishing in chapters 2-4. Specifically, 2 Chronicles 5 begins with the completion of the architectural work and the ceremonial transfer of the holy vessels, culminating in the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant from the City of David into the newly built sanctuary. Verse 6 describes the colossal sacrificial offerings made by Solomon and the assembled nation *prior* to the Ark's final placement in the Most Holy Place and *before* the glorious manifestation of the Lord's presence filled the Temple (as recounted in [2 Chronicles 5:7-14](/2_chronicles/5-7-14 "2 Chronicles 5:7-14 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")). It serves as a monumental prelude, emphasizing the profound act of national worship and consecration that precedes and sets the stage for God's divine affirmation and indwelling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of Solomon's Temple represented arguably the most pivotal religious and political event in Israel since the Exodus and the establishment of the Tabernacle at Sinai. In the ancient Near East, the consecration of a major temple was always a grand public spectacle, often involving extensive sacrifices to ritually purify the sacred space and invite the deity's presence. For Israel, these sacrifices, particularly burnt offerings and peace offerings, were not mere rituals but deeply significant acts of worship, atonement, and communion with Yahweh. The extraordinary scale of offerings detailed in [2 Chronicles 5:6](/2_chronicles/5-6 "2 Chronicles 5:6 - Solomon's Great Sacrifice") reflects not only the immense wealth and resources of Solomon's flourishing kingdom but also the fervent national devotion surrounding the establishment of a permanent, magnificent dwelling place for God's presence, replacing the portable Tabernacle. The Ark of the Covenant, as the preeminent symbol of God's throne and covenantal presence, was the undisputed focal point of this worship, signifying the renewal and affirmation of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully highlights several foundational themes. Firstly, the **magnificence and scale of worship** are vividly portrayed through the "multitude" of sacrifices, symbolizing the nation's overwhelming devotion and the unparalleled significance of the event. This echoes the grandeur of the Temple itself and the prosperity of Solomon's reign, demonstrating a desire to honor God in a manner commensurate with His majesty. Secondly, **divine presence and covenant fidelity** are central, as the sacrifices are offered "before the ark," the tangible symbol of God's dwelling among His people and the locus of His covenant promises, as seen in [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Promise to Meet at the Ark"). The Temple's dedication was a profound act of covenant renewal and an affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness. Thirdly, **Solomonic leadership** is prominently underscored, with King Solomon leading the entire congregation in this monumental act of worship, fulfilling his divinely appointed role as the spiritual and political head of the nation, much like Moses before him. Finally, the phrase "all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him" emphasizes **national unity** in worship, bringing together the diverse tribes under a common purpose of honoring God and establishing His dwelling place in Jerusalem, a theme central to the Chronicler's theological narrative, also found throughout [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sacrificed (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** This verb (H2076) denotes the act of slaughtering an animal, typically for a religious purpose, specifically as an offering to God. In the context of the Temple dedication, these would have included various types of offerings, such as burnt offerings (_olah_), which were entirely consumed on the altar as an act of complete devotion and atonement, and peace offerings (_shelamim_), which allowed the worshipper to partake in a communal meal with God, signifying fellowship and thanksgiving. The sheer volume of sacrifices indicates both a comprehensive act of national atonement and a massive celebration of communion with God.
* **Ark (Hebrew, _ʼârôwn'_):** Specifically, the Ark of the Covenant (H727). This sacred chest was the most important artifact in Israelite worship, symbolizing God's presence, His divine throne, and the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. It contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. Sacrificing "before the ark" meant offering worship directly in the symbolic presence of God, emphasizing the sanctity of the act and the divine approval sought for the newly consecrated Temple and its dedication.
* **Multitude (Hebrew, _rôb'_):** This word (H7230) signifies an abundance, a great quantity, or a vast number in any respect. The phrase "could not be told nor numbered for multitude" (לָרֹב לֹא יִסָּפֵר וְלֹא יִמָּנֶה) is a hyperbolic expression used to convey an immeasurable quantity, far exceeding any typical offering. It underscores the extraordinary scale of the event, reflecting the nation's overwhelming devotion and the immense resources dedicated to honoring God at this pivotal moment in Israel's history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him":** This clause highlights the unified leadership and collective participation in this monumental act of worship. King Solomon, as the divinely appointed monarch, leads the entire nation, demonstrating the spiritual and political unity of Israel under his reign. The assembly of "all the congregation" (H5712, _ʻêdâh'_), meaning a stated assemblage or concourse, signifies a national consensus and widespread participation in the dedication of God's dwelling place.
* **"before the ark":** This specifies the sacred location and focal point of the sacrifices. The Ark of the Covenant (H727, _ʼârôwn'_), having just been brought into the Temple, serves as the symbolic presence of God (H6440, _pânîym'_ for "before" in the sense of face/presence). Offering sacrifices "before" it emphasizes that the worship was directed to God Himself, acknowledging His sovereignty and inviting His blessing upon the newly consecrated sanctuary.
* **"sacrificed sheep and oxen":** This identifies the types of animals offered, which were common sacrificial animals in Israelite worship. Sheep (H6629, _tsôʼn'_) and oxen (H1241, _bâqâr'_) were used for various offerings, including burnt offerings (for atonement and complete devotion) and peace offerings (for fellowship and thanksgiving). The mention of both types of animals suggests a comprehensive act of worship encompassing different aspects of the covenant relationship.
* **"which could not be told nor numbered for multitude":** This concluding phrase is a powerful hyperbolic description emphasizing the sheer, incalculable quantity of animals sacrificed. The verbs "told" (H5608, _çâphar'_) and "numbered" (H4487, _mânâh'_) both convey enumeration. It conveys an overwhelming abundance (H7230, _rôb'_), signifying the extraordinary devotion, generosity, and national fervor associated with the Temple's dedication. It implies that the offerings were so numerous they defied human counting, reflecting the unparalleled significance of the event in Israel's history.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Chronicles 5:6 is **Hyperbole**. The phrase "which could not be told nor numbered for multitude" is a deliberate exaggeration intended to emphasize the extraordinary scale and overwhelming abundance of the sacrifices. It is not meant to be taken literally as an impossible quantity, but rather to convey the immense devotion and resources poured into this singular act of national worship. This hyperbole serves to impress upon the reader the grandeur and significance of the Temple dedication, underscoring the deep reverence and commitment of Solomon and the entire congregation of Israel. Additionally, there is a strong element of **Symbolism** present, with the Ark representing God's immediate presence and the sacrifices themselves symbolizing atonement, devotion, and communion with the Divine. The collective action of "all the congregation of Israel" also highlights **Unity** and corporate worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The immense scale of sacrifices in 2 Chronicles 5:6 speaks volumes about the Israelite understanding of worship, covenant, and God's desire to dwell among them. It illustrates that true devotion often involves costly giving, reflecting the profound value placed on God's presence and the fervent desire for His favor. This act was not merely ritualistic but a profound expression of national gratitude, repentance, and unwavering commitment to the covenant relationship. The "uncountable" offerings highlight the overflowing joy and reverence of a people celebrating the culmination of God's promise to dwell with them, establishing a permanent, magnificent center for His worship. This unparalleled act of devotion foreshadows the ultimate, immeasurable sacrifice that would one day be offered for the sins of the world, far surpassing any animal offering in its efficacy and scope.

* [1 Kings 8:5](/1_kings/8-5 "1 Kings 8:5 - Parallel Account of Sacrifices at Temple Dedication")
* [1 Kings 8:63](/1_kings/8-63 "1 Kings 8:63 - Specific Numbers of Peace Offerings")
* [2 Chronicles 7:7](/2_chronicles/7-7 "2 Chronicles 7:7 - Sacrifices for the Consecration of the Altar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 5:6 presents a powerful and challenging image of wholehearted, extravagant worship. The "multitude" of sacrifices, beyond counting, speaks to a devotion that held nothing back in honoring God at the inauguration of His dwelling place. For us today, while animal sacrifices are no longer required under the New Covenant, the underlying principle of giving our "uncountable" best to God remains profoundly relevant. This isn't limited to financial contributions but extends to the offering of our time, talents, spiritual gifts, and indeed, our entire lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). It challenges us to consider if our worship, both individually and corporately, reflects a similar depth of gratitude, awe, and commitment to God's manifest presence in our lives. Do we approach worship with a sense of its profound significance, holding back nothing, or do we offer merely what is convenient or comfortable? The example of Solomon and Israel calls us to a worship that is generous, unified, and truly centered on God's glorious presence and His worthiness of our utmost devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the "multitude" of sacrifices reveal about Israel's devotion and understanding of God's worth, and how does this challenge our own priorities in worship?**
* **How can we, in a New Covenant context, offer "uncountable" devotion and generosity to God in our daily lives, beyond mere ritual or obligation?**
* **What does it mean for us to gather and worship "before the Ark" (God's presence) in our contemporary churches and personal spiritual practices, given that Christ is our ultimate access?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be holding back from offering your "best" to God, and how can you cultivate a spirit of more extravagant and unreserved devotion?**

### FAQ
**Why were so many animals sacrificed during the Temple dedication?**

Answer: The immense number of animals sacrificed, described as "could not be told nor numbered for multitude," served several crucial purposes, reflecting the unparalleled significance of the Temple dedication. Firstly, it signified the extraordinary magnitude and importance of the event, establishing God's permanent dwelling place among His people. Such a lavish offering was commensurate with the glory of God and the prosperity of Solomon's reign. Secondly, the sacrifices included both burnt offerings (for atonement and complete devotion) and peace offerings (for fellowship and thanksgiving). The sheer volume ensured comprehensive atonement for the nation's sins and allowed for a massive communal celebration and feasting, symbolizing renewed covenant relationship and deep communion with God. Finally, it demonstrated the nation's overwhelming gratitude and devotion, reflecting a desire to honor God with an offering that surpassed all previous acts of worship, as also noted in [1 Kings 8:63](/1_kings/8-63 "1 Kings 8:63 - Thousands of Offerings").

**What was the significance of sacrificing "before the ark"?**

Answer: Sacrificing "before the ark" was of paramount significance because the Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israelite worship, symbolizing the very presence and throne of God among His people. It contained the tablets of the Law, representing God's covenant with Israel. By offering these vast sacrifices directly "before the ark," Solomon and the congregation were performing their worship in the immediate, tangible presence of God. This act underscored that the Temple was indeed God's dwelling place, and the sacrifices were a direct act of worship and communion with Yahweh Himself. It was an affirmation of God's covenant faithfulness and an appeal for His continued blessing and presence in the newly consecrated sanctuary, making the Ark the focal point of their national devotion, echoing God's promise to meet with His people there, as stated in [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God Promised to Meet at the Ark").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The immense, uncountable sacrifices offered by King Solomon and all Israel before the Ark of the Covenant during the Temple dedication in [2 Chronicles 5:6](/2_chronicles/5-6 "2 Chronicles 5:6 - Solomon's Great Sacrifice") point profoundly to the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The multitude of sheep and oxen, though vast and impressive, were but temporary and imperfect offerings, requiring constant repetition for atonement and fellowship. They served as a shadow, foreshadowing the coming of the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was not merely numerous but infinitely sufficient, a single, perfect offering that completely and eternally atones for sin and perfects those who are being sanctified (see [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Single Sacrifice and Perfection")). Furthermore, while the Israelites gathered "before the ark" to encounter God's presence in a physical temple, believers in Christ now have direct and confident access to God's presence through His shed blood, entering the spiritual "Most Holy Place" by a new and living way that He opened for us through the veil, that is, His flesh (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). The physical Temple, with its animal sacrifices and the Ark as its focal point, has been superseded by Christ Himself, who is the true Temple (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")) and through whom we, as the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple"), are now called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds that are pleasing to God (cf. [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")).

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 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:

2 Samuel 6:13

And it was [so], that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.

1 Chronicles 16:1

¶ So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.

1 Chronicles 16:2

And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

1 Kings 8:5

And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, [were] with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude.