1 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 62
And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
and all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
and all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 8
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עִמּ֑וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֑וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
זֹֽבְחִ֥ים
with him offered
H2076
זֹֽבְחִ֥ים
with him offered
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
5 of 8
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
זֶ֖בַח
sacrifice
H2077
זֶ֖בַח
sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the LORD.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of dedication of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all temple offerings (Hebrews 10:1-18).
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.