2 Chronicles 7:5

KJV

And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} offered {H2076} a sacrifice {H2077} of twenty {H6242} and two {H8147} thousand {H505} oxen {H1241}, and an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} sheep {H6629}: so the king {H4428} and all the people {H5971} dedicated {H2596} the house {H1004} of God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

King Shlomo offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. Thus the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

Berean Standard Bible

And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

American Standard Version

And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 7:5 marks the climactic moment of the Temple's dedication, where King Solomon and the entire nation of Israel offered an unprecedented number of animal sacrifices—twenty-two thousand oxen and one hundred twenty thousand sheep. This monumental act of worship, following the dramatic descent of God's glory, served as a profound corporate declaration of devotion, consecrating the newly built house of God and establishing it as the central place of worship and divine presence for the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the apex of the Temple's dedication narrative, immediately following the awe-inspiring manifestation of God's glory. The preceding chapter, [2 Chronicles 6](/2_chronicles/6 "2 Chronicles 6 - Solomon's Dedication Prayer"), records Solomon's extensive prayer of dedication, where he petitions God to hear prayers offered toward the Temple and to forgive His people. The immediate verses of [2 Chronicles 7](/2_chronicles/7 "2 Chronicles 7 - God's Response and Covenant") describe God's dramatic response: fire descending from heaven to consume the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filling the Temple, preventing the priests from entering ([2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - God's Glory Fills the Temple")). Verse 5, therefore, is the human response of lavish worship and consecration, directly prompted by and in celebration of God's tangible presence and acceptance of the Temple. The dedication ceremony and subsequent feast spanned fourteen days, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 7:7-10](/2_chronicles/7-7 "2 Chronicles 7:7-10 - The Feast of Dedication") and its parallel account in [1 Kings 8:65-66](/1_kings/8-65 "1 Kings 8:65-66 - The Fourteen-Day Feast").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of Solomon's Temple was a singular event in Israelite history, marking the establishment of a permanent, central dwelling place for God among His people, fulfilling promises made to David. The scale of the sacrifices—22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep—is staggering, indicative of Solomon's immense wealth and the nation's collective commitment. Such a vast number of animals would primarily have been peace offerings (Hebrew: _shelamim_), which were characterized by communal feasting where portions of the animal were returned to the worshipers to be eaten in God's presence. This act fostered communion with God and unity among the people. The word "dedicated" (Hebrew: _chanak_) signifies a solemn inauguration or consecration, setting something apart for sacred use. Historically, this event solidified Jerusalem's role as the religious capital and the Temple as the focal point of Israelite worship, pilgrimage, and national identity, demonstrating a profound expression of covenant faithfulness and thanksgiving to Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Magnificent Dedication**, emphasizing the formal and solemn setting apart of the Temple as a holy space for God's presence and worship. The sheer scale of the offerings underscores the theme of **Abundant Sacrifice and Generosity**, portraying the unparalleled wealth of Solomon's kingdom and, more significantly, the profound devotion and lavish giving of both the king and the entire nation in response to God's manifested glory. This act was a demonstration of thanksgiving, a plea for continued divine favor, and a celebration of God's enduring covenant faithfulness, particularly after the divine fire consumed the offerings in [2 Chronicles 7:1](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1 - God's Fire Consumes Offerings"). Furthermore, the phrase "the king and all the people dedicated the house of God" points to the theme of **Corporate Worship and Unity**, illustrating a monumental national endeavor that brought the entire community together in unified devotion before God, reinforcing their shared identity and purpose under the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **offered a sacrifice (Hebrew, _zābaḥ_):** This verb signifies the act of ritual slaughter and presentation of an animal as an offering to God. In this context, it refers to the performance of the prescribed sacrificial rites, which included the shedding of blood, burning of specific parts on the altar, and in the case of peace offerings, the communal consumption of the meat. The immense quantity of animals indicates not just a single ritual, but a sustained, multi-day process of worship and communion, demonstrating the profound commitment of the king and the people.
* **dedicated (Hebrew, _ḥānaḵ_):** This verb means "to inaugurate," "to consecrate," or "to set apart for sacred use." It implies a formal, solemn act of devotion that transforms something from common to holy, making it fit for divine purpose. In the context of the Temple, it signifies its official establishment as the dwelling place of God's presence and the central locus of Israelite worship. This dedication was not merely a physical act but a spiritual declaration of the Temple's unique purpose and sanctity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And king Solomon offered a sacrifice":** This clause highlights Solomon's pivotal role as the leader and mediator of the nation. As king, he initiates and oversees this monumental act of worship, demonstrating his piety and leadership in consecrating the most significant structure in Israel. His offering sets the precedent and leads the entire nation in their devotion.
* **"of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep":** This astonishing enumeration underscores the unparalleled scale of the offerings. These vast numbers signify the immense wealth and resources of Solomon's kingdom, but more importantly, they represent an extraordinary outpouring of national generosity, thanksgiving, and devotion. The sheer volume suggests that these were primarily peace offerings, designed for communal feasting, allowing the entire populace to participate in the celebration and communion with God, creating a shared experience of divine blessing and covenant renewal.
* **"so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the corporate nature of the dedication. It was not merely Solomon's act but a collective endeavor involving the entire nation. The sacrifices served as the means by which both the monarch and his subjects together consecrated the Temple, setting it apart as holy and establishing it as the designated place for God's presence and worship. This unified act underscores the shared commitment to Yahweh and the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** is evident in the staggering numbers of animals sacrificed (22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep). While these figures may be literal, their primary function is to impress upon the reader the immense scale, wealth, and unparalleled devotion involved in the Temple's dedication, emphasizing its monumental significance. **Symbolism** is also central, as the sacrifices themselves symbolize consecration, atonement, thanksgiving, and the renewal of the covenant between God and Israel. The Temple, in turn, is a powerful symbol of God's dwelling presence among His people. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "the king and all the people" (or similar phrases throughout the dedication narrative) serves as a rhetorical device to emphasize the unified, national participation in this sacred event, highlighting the collective nature of their worship and commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dedication of Solomon's Temple, marked by such lavish sacrifice, underscores profound theological truths about God's nature and humanity's response. It reveals God's worthiness of ultimate devotion and the boundless generosity that should characterize worship. The scale of the offering reflects the magnitude of God's glory that had just filled the Temple, demonstrating that true worship is a response to divine revelation. This act of corporate dedication also highlights the importance of communal worship and unity in expressing faith, where the entire nation participates in setting apart a sacred space for God's presence. The sacrifices, while providing atonement, primarily functioned as peace offerings, fostering communion and celebration, pointing to a God who desires fellowship with His people. This event established a physical center for the covenant relationship, a place where God promised to meet with His people and hear their prayers, reinforcing the themes of divine accessibility and covenant faithfulness.

* [Leviticus 1:1-9](/leviticus/1-1 "Leviticus 1:1-9 - The Law of Burnt Offerings")
* [1 Kings 8:62-66](/1_kings/8-62 "1 Kings 8:62-66 - Solomon's Sacrifices and Feast")
* [Psalm 100:1-5](/psalms/100-1 "Psalm 100:1-5 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The overwhelming generosity and unified dedication displayed by Solomon and the people of Israel in 2 Chronicles 7:5 offer a powerful challenge and inspiration for believers today. While animal sacrifices are no longer required, the principle of wholehearted giving and complete dedication to God remains paramount. This verse calls us to examine the quality and quantity of our own offerings—not just financial, but of our time, talents, and very lives. Just as the Temple was set apart for God's presence, believers are called to be living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple")), dedicating our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices")). Furthermore, the corporate nature of the dedication reminds us of the vital importance of unity in the body of Christ. Our shared worship and collective acts of faith strengthen the church and bear witness to God's glory in the world. This passage encourages us to pursue a life marked by lavish devotion, not out of obligation, but as a joyful response to the manifest presence and goodness of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sheer scale of the offerings in 2 Chronicles 7:5 challenge your personal understanding of generosity and sacrifice in your walk with God?**
* **In what practical ways can you, as an individual, "dedicate" your daily life, talents, and resources to God's service and glory, even without animal sacrifices?**
* **Considering "the king and all the people" dedicated the house, how can our local church communities foster greater unity and collective participation in acts of worship and service?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the relationship between God's manifest presence and our response of worship and dedication?**

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

Answer: The immense number of animals sacrificed (22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep) was multi-faceted in its purpose and symbolism. Firstly, it reflected the extraordinary wealth and prosperity of Solomon's kingdom, showcasing a national capacity for lavish devotion. Secondly, a significant portion of these were likely peace offerings (Hebrew: _shelamim_), which involved communal feasting. Unlike burnt offerings, where the entire animal was consumed on the altar, peace offerings allowed the worshipers to partake in the meat, fostering a sense of communion with God and unity among the people. This massive feast, which lasted for fourteen days ([1 Kings 8:65](/1_kings/8-65 "1 Kings 8:65 - The Feast Duration")), allowed the entire nation to participate in the celebration of God's presence and the consecration of His house. Thirdly, the sheer volume underscored the magnitude of the event—the dedication of God's permanent dwelling place—and the profound desire of the king and the people to honor God with an unparalleled act of worship, thanksgiving, and atonement for the nation.

**What does "dedicated the house of God" mean in this context?**

Answer: To "dedicate" (Hebrew: _ḥānaḵ_) the house of God means to formally inaugurate, consecrate, and set it apart for sacred use. It signifies a solemn act of making something holy and exclusive for divine purposes. In the context of Solomon's Temple, this meant declaring it as the unique and designated dwelling place for God's presence among His people, the central locus for worship, prayer, and sacrifice. This act was not merely a ceremonial formality but a profound theological statement that the Temple was now God's own house, distinct from any common building. The dedication, accompanied by such immense sacrifices and God's visible glory ([2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - God's Glory Fills the Temple")), established the Temple as the physical embodiment of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, a place where God promised to hear and respond to His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dedication of Solomon's Temple, with its lavish sacrifices and the filling of God's glory, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Temple, as the dwelling place of God, foreshadowed Christ, who is the true and ultimate Temple—the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple") declares that Jesus' body is the Temple, which He would raise in three days). The immense sacrifices of oxen and sheep, offered repeatedly for atonement and communion, pointed forward to the singular, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ, whose blood cleanses from all sin and inaugurates a new and living way to God ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"); [Hebrews 10:1-14](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Just as Solomon, the king, led the people in dedication, Christ, our eternal King and High Priest, dedicated Himself ([John 17:19](/john/17-19 "John 17:19 - Jesus Sanctifies Himself")) to God's will, thereby consecrating a new people for God. The glory of the Lord filling the Temple prefigured the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, who are now collectively the spiritual temple of God ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple"); [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), consecrated and dedicated to Him through Christ's perfect work. Thus, the dedication in 2 Chronicles 7:5 is a magnificent shadow of the greater reality found in Jesus, who brings us into direct communion with God, not in a building, but through His very person and finished work.

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

John 10:22

¶ And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

2 Chronicles 2:4

Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate [it] to him, [and] to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This [is an ordinance] for ever to Israel.

Numbers 7:10

¶ And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.

2 Chronicles 5:6

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.

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.

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.