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.

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

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

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.

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 counted nor numbered for multitude.

Commentary

1 Kings 8:5 describes a pivotal moment in ancient Israel's history: the dedication of the newly completed Temple in Jerusalem. King Solomon, along with the entire assembly of Israel, stood before the Ark of the Covenant, engaging in an unprecedented act of worship through sacrifice.

Context

This verse is set during the grand dedication ceremony of the First Temple, built by King Solomon, fulfilling the vision of his father, King David. The event marked a significant milestone, providing a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's presence among His people. The gathering included "all the congregation of Israel," highlighting national unity and devotion. The sacrifices described here immediately precede the powerful moment when the glory of the Lord fills the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11), signifying divine acceptance of the Temple and the worship offered.

Key Themes

  • Magnificent Worship: The sheer scale of the sacrifices—"sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude"—underscores the depth of devotion and the immense resources dedicated to this act of worship. It speaks to a national outpouring of gratitude and reverence for God.
  • National Unity: The presence of "all the congregation of Israel" emphasizes a collective, unified act of worship under the leadership of King Solomon. This unity was vital for the spiritual and national identity of Israel.
  • God's Centrality: The focus of the worship was "before the ark," signifying that all attention and reverence were directed towards God's dwelling presence. The Ark was the most sacred object to Israel, representing God's covenant with them.
  • Solomon's Leadership: King Solomon's role in orchestrating this monumental event highlights his commitment to God and his leadership in establishing Israel's spiritual center.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "could not be told nor numbered for multitude" (Hebrew: lo' yissapheru mirov) powerfully conveys the immeasurable quantity of the animals sacrificed. This hyperbole emphasizes the extraordinary abundance and the overwhelming nature of the offering, indicating a sacrifice far beyond mere ritual obligation—it was an act of profound national dedication and generosity.

Practical Application

While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, 1 Kings 8:5 offers timeless lessons:

  • Wholehearted Devotion: The verse challenges believers to consider the sincerity and generosity of their own worship and giving. It encourages a spirit of unreserved devotion to God, not just going through the motions.
  • Corporate Worship: The image of "all the congregation of Israel" united in worship reminds us of the power and importance of corporate worship and fellowship among believers.
  • The Ultimate Sacrifice: This multitude of sacrifices foreshadowed the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fully atoned for sin, making the elaborate Old Testament sacrificial system obsolete. Our worship today is an offering of praise and thanks, rooted in Christ's finished work.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 6:13 (5 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 8:62 (2 votes)

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

  • 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.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.