1 Kings 8:63

Solomon offered. In offering these sacrifices Solomon was not at this time performing the functions of a priest; he made his offering in the same sense as anyone might who brought his sacrifice before the Lord (Lev. 2:1; 3:7, 12). The sacrifices here mentioned are identified as peace offerings. In such offerings only a portion of the sacrifice was burnt upon the altar as a “sweet savour unto the Lord” (Lev. 3:3-5, 14-17). The remaining part was eaten by the offerer and his family or friends (Lev. 7:15-21).

This offering was not an atoning sacrifice but an offering of thanksgiving rendered to God in grateful and joyous recognition of blessings received. It was a happy and festive occasion in which large numbers of people might participate (2 Sam. 6:18, 19; 1 Chron. 16:2, 3). The number of animals sacrificed at the dedication of the Temple was extraordinarily large, but it must be remembered that a vast concourse of people were present, having gathered together from “all Israel, ... a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt,” and that they were there for a period of 14 days (1 Kings 8:65).