2 Chronicles 7:5

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.

Study Bible

King Solomon
King Solomon, the son of David, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, most notably the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign marks a period of unprecedented prosperity and peace for Israel. Solomon's dedication to God is evident in his actions, and his leadership is a fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build the Temple (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). Solomon's role as a king who leads his people in worship underscores the importance of godly leadership.

offered a sacrifice
The act of offering sacrifices was central to Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement, thanksgiving, and dedication to God. The Hebrew root for "sacrifice" is "זָבַח" (zabach), which means to slaughter for sacrifice. This act was not merely ritualistic but a profound expression of devotion and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Sacrifices were a way to maintain a covenant relationship with God, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

twenty-two thousand oxen and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep
The enormity of the sacrifice reflects the magnitude of the occasion—the dedication of the Temple. Such a vast number of animals signifies the wealth and resources of Solomon's kingdom, as well as the collective participation of the people. This grand offering demonstrates the people's gratitude and commitment to God. Historically, large-scale sacrifices were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures during significant religious events, but Solomon's offering is unparalleled, highlighting the unique relationship between Israel and Yahweh.

So the king and all the people
The phrase emphasizes communal worship and unity. The dedication of the Temple was not just a royal event but a national one, involving all the people of Israel. This collective participation signifies the importance of community in worship and the shared identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people. It reflects the biblical principle that worship is both personal and communal, involving the entire body of believers.

dedicated the house of God
The dedication of the Temple marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The Hebrew word for "dedicated" is "חָנַךְ" (chanak), which means to initiate or consecrate. This act of dedication signifies setting apart the Temple as holy, a place where God's presence would dwell among His people. The "house of God" refers to the Temple, a physical manifestation of God's covenant with Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the centrality of worship in the life of His people. The dedication is a foreshadowing of the New Testament understanding of believers as the temple of the Holy Spirit, dedicated to God's service.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Solomon
The son of King David, known for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem, which is the central focus of this passage.

2. The Temple (House of God)
The temple in Jerusalem, a significant place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

3. Sacrifices
The act of offering 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep as a dedication to God, demonstrating the magnitude of worship and reverence.

4. The People of Israel
The community of Israelites who participated in the dedication of the temple, signifying unity and collective worship.

5. Dedication Ceremony
A significant event marking the completion and consecration of the temple, highlighting the importance of worship and commitment to God.

Teaching Points

The Magnitude of Worship
Solomon's grand offering reflects the importance of giving our best to God. Worship should be wholehearted and sacrificial, not just in material terms but in our time, talents, and devotion.

Unity in Worship
The collective participation of the people of Israel in the dedication ceremony emphasizes the power of communal worship. As believers, gathering together to worship strengthens our faith and community.

The Presence of God
The dedication of the temple signifies God's dwelling among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that honors His presence within us.

Commitment to God
The dedication ceremony was a public declaration of commitment to God. Similarly, our lives should reflect a continuous dedication to living according to God's will.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The sacrifices offered by Solomon point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Understanding this connection deepens our appreciation for Christ's atonement and encourages us to live sacrificially for others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's dedication of the temple inspire you to approach your own worship and dedication to God?

2. In what ways can you contribute to unity and collective worship within your church community?

3. Reflect on the significance of being a temple of the Holy Spirit. How does this understanding impact your daily life and decisions?

4. How can the concept of sacrifice in the Old Testament enhance your appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your life is a continuous dedication to God, similar to the dedication of the temple?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 8
This chapter provides a parallel account of the temple dedication, offering additional details about Solomon's prayer and the presence of God filling the temple.

Leviticus 1-7
These chapters outline the laws of sacrifices, providing context for the significance and types of offerings made by Solomon.

Hebrews 10
This New Testament passage discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the fulfillment in Christ.