2 Chronicles 7:4

KJV

Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the king {H4428} and all the people {H5971} offered {H2076} sacrifices {H2077} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD.

American Standard Version

Then the king and all the people offered sacrifice before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the dramatic descent of fire from heaven and the filling of the newly dedicated Temple with the glory of the LORD, 2 Chronicles 7:4 records the immediate and overwhelming response of King Solomon and the entire Israelite community. This verse marks the commencement of an extensive period of national worship, dedication, and thanksgiving, signifying the formal inauguration of the Temple as the central place of worship and communion for the nation. It underscores the profound corporate reverence and joy that permeated the assembly in the direct aftermath of a palpable divine manifestation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of the Temple's dedication. It immediately follows the climactic moment in [2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7 "2 Chronicles 7 - Temple Dedication and God's Response") where fire descends from heaven to consume the burnt offering and sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD fills the Temple, prompting the people to fall on their faces in worship and praise. Verse 4 describes the initial, overwhelming human response to this divine affirmation. It sets the stage for the detailed account of the vast number of sacrifices offered in [2 Chronicles 7:5-6](/2_chronicles/7-5 "2 Chronicles 7:5-6 - The Scale of Sacrifices"), culminating in the subsequent celebration and dismissal of the people in [2 Chronicles 7:7-10](/2_chronicles/7-7 "2 Chronicles 7:7-10 - Feast of Tabernacles and Dismissal"). This passage in Chronicles parallels the account found in [1 Kings 8:62](/1_kings/8-62 "1 Kings 8:62 - Solomon's Offerings at Temple Dedication"), highlighting the immense scale of the offerings and the corporate nature of the dedication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of Solomon's Temple was arguably the most significant religious event in Israel since the giving of the Law at Sinai and the construction of the Tabernacle. It marked the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God's presence in Jerusalem, solidifying the nation's spiritual and political center. Sacrifices were the central act of worship in ancient Israel, serving various purposes: atonement for sin, expression of gratitude, vows, and communion with God. The king, as the spiritual and political head of the nation, played a crucial role in leading national worship, exemplified by Solomon's actions here. The sheer scale of the offerings reflected not only the wealth and devotion of the nation but also the profound significance of the occasion, a national covenant renewal and celebration of God's dwelling among His people.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles "2 Chronicles - History of the Kings of Judah"):
* **Corporate Worship and Dedication:** The emphasis on "the king and all the people" highlights the unity and national scope of the worship. This was not a private ritual but a grand, collective act of devotion, signifying the entire nation's commitment to the LORD.
* **Response to Divine Presence:** The act of offering sacrifices is presented as an immediate and reverent response to the tangible manifestation of God's glory and acceptance. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine worship is a heartfelt and active response to an encounter with the divine, as seen in the people's prostration and praise in [2 Chronicles 7:3](/2_chronicles/7-3 "2 Chronicles 7:3 - People Worship God's Glory").
* **Sacrifice as Communion and Thanksgiving:** While sacrifices could be for atonement, the context of a Temple dedication and the subsequent feasting (implied by the type of sacrifices, as explored below) strongly suggests that these were primarily peace offerings (_shelamim_), signifying fellowship, thanksgiving, and joyful communion with God. This grand offering was a collective act of peace and celebration, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
* **Leadership in Worship:** King Solomon's initiation of the sacrifices demonstrates the vital role of leadership in fostering and exemplifying national devotion. His actions set a precedent for the people, guiding them in their collective expression of faith and obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"offered" (Hebrew, _qārab'_):** This verb means "to bring near, to present, to offer." It signifies a deliberate and intentional act of drawing close to God through the presentation of gifts or sacrifices. In this context, it implies a reverent and purposeful approach to the divine presence, an act of worship that bridges the gap between the human and the holy. It's not a passive act but an active engagement with the LORD.
* **"sacrifices" (Hebrew, _zĕbāḥîm'_):** This is the plural form of _zebach_, a general term for animal offerings. While it can encompass various types of sacrifices, including burnt offerings (_'olah_), it often specifically refers to **peace offerings** (_shelamim_). Peace offerings were unique in that a portion was consumed by fire on the altar for God, a portion was given to the priests, and the remainder was eaten by the worshippers in a communal meal. This suggests a celebration of peace, fellowship, and thanksgiving, fitting for a Temple dedication where God's presence had just been powerfully affirmed. The sheer scale of these offerings, as detailed in the subsequent verses, indicates an extraordinary level of national devotion and rejoicing.
* **"before the LORD" (Hebrew, _lipnê YHWH'_):** This phrase literally means "in the face of Yahweh" or "in the presence of Yahweh." It emphasizes that the sacrifices were directed specifically to God Himself, not merely a ritualistic act. It highlights the sacredness of the occasion and the direct communion intended between the worshippers and their divine King, whose glory had just filled the Temple. The act was performed in His immediate, palpable presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king":** This clause highlights Solomon's pivotal role as the leader of the nation, both politically and spiritually. His initiative in offering sacrifices demonstrates his commitment and sets the example for the entire assembly. As the one who built the Temple and led the dedication, his participation was essential and symbolic of the nation's head.
* **"and all the people":** This phrase emphasizes the corporate and unified nature of the worship. It was not just a priestly or royal act, but a collective outpouring of devotion from the entire Israelite community. This unity in worship underscores the national significance of the Temple dedication and the shared experience of God's glory.
* **"offered sacrifices":** This describes the central action of the verse – the presentation of animal offerings. As discussed in "Key Word Analysis," these "sacrifices" (_zebahim_) likely included peace offerings, signifying thanksgiving, fellowship, and a celebratory communion with God. This act was the tangible expression of their reverence, gratitude, and commitment.
* **"before the LORD":** This concluding phrase specifies the divine recipient and audience of these offerings. It underscores that the worship was directed towards Yahweh, the God of Israel, whose presence had just filled the Temple. It reinforces the sacredness and directness of the act, performed in the very presence of the divine.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary techniques to convey its profound meaning. The phrase "the king and all the people" functions as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where a part (the king as representative) and a collective (the people) stand for the entire nation of Israel. This emphasizes the comprehensive and unified nature of the national worship. The verse also serves as a critical element in a **Response Motif**, where a powerful divine action (fire from heaven, glory filling the Temple in [2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - God's Fire and Glory")) is immediately met with an overwhelming human reaction of worship and sacrifice. This highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between God's manifestation and humanity's reverent response. While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the context of the dedication and the subsequent verses detailing the immense number of offerings (e.g., [2 Chronicles 7:5](/2_chronicles/7-5 "2 Chronicles 7:5 - Twenty-Two Thousand Oxen")) imply a sense of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis** through scale, underscoring the extraordinary devotion and national rejoicing. The concise, declarative statement also contributes to the sense of immediate and decisive action, reflecting the profound impact of God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of Israelite worship: a corporate, unified response to the manifest presence of God, expressed through sacrificial giving. It underscores that true worship is not merely ritualistic but a heartfelt dedication flowing from an encounter with the divine. The king's leadership in this act highlights the importance of spiritual example, while the people's participation emphasizes the communal nature of faith and the shared covenant relationship with the LORD. The sacrifices themselves, particularly peace offerings, point to the desire for fellowship and thanksgiving, foreshadowing the ultimate communion made possible through Christ.

* [Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - Covenant Ratification with Blood")
* [Psalm 100:2](/psalm/100-2 "Psalm 100:2 - Serve the LORD with Gladness")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene described in 2 Chronicles 7:4 offers a powerful blueprint for our own worship and spiritual lives. It reminds us that genuine worship is a dynamic, corporate response to God's revealed presence and goodness. Just as Solomon and all Israel came together to offer their best, we are called to participate actively and unitedly in communal worship, dedicating ourselves and our resources to the LORD. Our worship should be a heartfelt overflow of gratitude for God's manifest grace in our lives, leading us to a posture of sacrificial living, where we prioritize His will and glory above our own. Furthermore, this verse highlights the profound impact of leadership by example, challenging those in positions of influence to model authentic devotion and inspire others to draw near to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the corporate nature of worship in this verse challenge or affirm my understanding of individual versus communal faith?**
* **In what tangible ways do I "offer sacrifices" of time, talent, and treasure "before the LORD" in my daily life?**
* **How does my worship, both private and corporate, reflect a genuine response to God's manifest presence in my life?**
* **If I am in a leadership position, how can I better model a spirit of devotion and lead others in profound worship, as Solomon did?**

### FAQ
**What kind of sacrifices were offered by the king and the people?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 7:4 uses the general term "sacrifices" (_zebahim_), the immediate context and subsequent verses provide more detail. [2 Chronicles 7:5](/2_chronicles/7-5 "2 Chronicles 7:5 - Twenty-Two Thousand Oxen and One Hundred Twenty Thousand Sheep") specifies the offering of "twenty-two thousand oxen and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep." This immense number, particularly of sheep, strongly suggests that a significant portion were **peace offerings** (_shelamim_). Peace offerings were unique in that, after a portion was burned on the altar for God and a portion given to the priests, the remainder was eaten by the worshippers in a communal feast. This type of sacrifice was a celebration of fellowship, thanksgiving, and communion with God, perfectly fitting for the joyful and celebratory atmosphere of the Temple dedication. Burnt offerings (_'olah_), which were entirely consumed, were also part of the dedication (as seen in [2 Chronicles 7:1](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1 - Fire from Heaven Consumes Offerings")), but the sheer volume points to a massive communal meal of rejoicing.

**Why were so many sacrifices offered at the Temple dedication?**

Answer: The extraordinary number of sacrifices offered by Solomon and the people reflected the profound significance of the occasion. Firstly, it was an act of immense **gratitude and thanksgiving** to God for His faithfulness in allowing the Temple to be built and for His manifest presence filling it. Secondly, it symbolized the **national dedication and covenant renewal** with the LORD. The Temple was the physical center of Israel's worship and identity, and the offerings represented the entire nation's commitment to God. Thirdly, it underscored the **magnitude of God's glory and acceptance** as evidenced by the fire from heaven and the visible filling of the Temple with His presence (as described in [2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - God's Fire and Glory")). Such a grand divine display warranted an equally grand human response of devotion and celebration. It was an unparalleled moment of national rejoicing and communion with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The extensive sacrifices offered by Solomon and all the people "before the LORD" at the Temple's dedication profoundly foreshadow the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. While these ancient offerings were numerous and temporary, they pointed forward to the singular, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The glory that filled Solomon's Temple, prompting such a lavish response, was a type of the true glory of God dwelling among us in the person of Jesus, who is the [Word made flesh, who dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Christ fulfilled all the Old Testament sacrificial requirements, offering Himself as the [holy, pleasing, and perfect sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice") that truly brings humanity near to God. Now, believers are called not to animal sacrifices, but to present their [bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice"), offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds through Him who has made us a [royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood") in the true Temple, which is the body of Christ. The corporate worship of Israel finds its ultimate expression in the church, the body of Christ, gathered to worship God through the finished work of our Lord.

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 8:62

¶ And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the LORD.

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.