1 kings 9:25 - Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar which he built to Yahweh three times per year, burning incense with them, on the altar that was before Yahweh. So he finished the house.

Generated Verse: 1 kings 9:25

What does "1 kings 9:25" mean?


1 Kings 9:25 describes Solomon's consistent and devout worship practices after completing the construction of the Temple. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:

"Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar which he built to Yahweh..." This highlights Solomon's commitment to religious rituals. Burnt offerings were sacrifices where an animal was completely burned, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. Peace offerings were partially burned and partially eaten, symbolizing fellowship and communion with God and others. The altar was specifically built for these sacrifices, emphasizing its dedicated purpose to Yahweh (God).

"...three times per year..." This emphasizes the regularity and importance of these sacrifices. These likely coincided with the three major pilgrimage festivals: Passover, Shavuot (Weeks/Pentecost), and Sukkot (Tabernacles/Booths). Offering sacrifices at these festivals was a significant aspect of Israelite religious life.

"...burning incense with them, on the altar that was before Yahweh." Incense was burned alongside the sacrifices, adding a fragrant aroma believed to be pleasing to God. This altar is "before Yahweh," stressing the presence of God in the Temple and the act of worship taking place in His presence.

"So he finished the house." This closing statement links Solomon's devout actions to the completion of the Temple. It implies that the Temple was not merely a building but a place of active worship, and Solomon's dedication to these religious practices demonstrated the true completion and purpose of the Temple. It suggests that the physical construction was finished, but the temple truly came into its own as a place of worship through these actions.

In summary, the verse emphasizes:

Solomon's piety and devotion to Yahweh.
The importance of regular sacrificial worship in ancient Israelite religion.
The Temple's purpose as a place of active worship and communion with God.
The idea that Solomon's actions fulfilled the purpose of the Temple's construction.

The verse depicts a king who is not just a builder but also a devout worshiper, ensuring that the newly built Temple is used for its intended purpose: to glorify God through prescribed rituals and sacrifices. It paints a picture of a time of religious dedication and fulfillment in Israel's history.

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