This verse highlights Solomon's immediate, radical commitment to God by offering an astonishing thousand burnt offerings at once, not just as a routine act, but to seek wisdom at the "great high place." It's a powerful picture of an all-in spiritual pursuit, showing that his quest for wisdom began with an overwhelming act of devotion.
And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Before this, Solomon had just secured his kingdom and married Pharaoh's daughter, seemingly setting himself up for a peaceful reign. This passage is showing us his first major act as king: seeking God's wisdom directly from Him at the sacred altar in Gibeon, even though it meant sacrificing a massive number of animals to do so. This establishes the tone for Solomon's early reign, highlighting his desire for understanding above all else.
Solomon heads to Gibeon to offer sacrifices at a massive altar. But why was this specific place so important, and what does it mean that it was a 'great high place'?
Solomon chose Gibeon for a significant sacrifice. This location was known as a 'great high place,' which in the Old Testament often referred to prominent spots for worship, sometimes associated with Canaanite practices. However, the text emphasizes that the Ark of the Covenant was not yet in Jerusalem (it would be placed there later by Solomon himself). God had appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon before this sacrifice, promising him wisdom. So, while the location had a complex history, Solomon's act was in direct response to God's command and earlier encounter. It was a massive act of worship – a thousand burnt offerings! – demonstrating his devotion and dependence on God, even as he stepped into immense responsibility.
A thousand burnt offerings is an incredible amount of sacrifice. What does this extreme act tell us about Solomon's heart and the nature of true worship?
Solomon didn't just go through the motions; he went 'to sacrifice there.' The sheer scale of his offerings—a thousand burnt offerings—speaks volumes. In the ancient world, burnt offerings were a way to dedicate everything to God, a total surrender. This wasn't just a routine religious duty for Solomon; it was a profound act of seeking God's favor and wisdom as he was about to rule. It was a public and powerful declaration of his reliance on the Lord, especially in light of God's earlier promise of wisdom in a dream. This demonstrates that true worship is often sacrificial, costly, and a deliberate act of aligning our hearts with God's will, not just a passive experience.
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Understand the original words
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
A structure built to facilitate the act of sacrificing to God. It serves as a meeting point between the human and the divine, where a life is surrendered in worship or atonement.
ra'ah · Hebrew Verb
A unique manifestation of God’s presence, power, and character to humanity. Throughout Scripture, God appears to reveal His will, call individuals, or assure His servants of His ongoing protection and promise.
chalowm · Hebrew Noun
A method of divine communication used in the Old Testament to convey God's message or will directly to a recipient while they slept. It is an expression of God's sovereign initiative in revealing Himself.
Solomon's massive sacrifice at Gibeon highlights the transition period in Israelite worship; Jerusalem is becoming the central sanctuary, but older, established high places like Gibeon are still significant early in his reign.
c. 1070 BC
Saul Anointed King
After a period of judges, Saul is anointed king, marking the beginning of the monarchy in Israel. This ushers in a new era of centralized leadership.
c. 1050 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
David conquers the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and establishes it as his capital. This strategic move unifies the tribes and creates a central religious and political hub.
c. 1010 BC
David Brings Ark to Jerusalem
King David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, further solidifying its status as the religious center of Israel. This event signifies God's presence in the new capital.
c. 970 BC— this verse
Solomon Becomes King
Following David's death, his son Solomon ascends to the throne. He inherits a united kingdom and a strong position, ready to fulfill his father's vision.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Sacrifices at Gibeon
Early in his reign, Solomon travels to Gibeon, the primary high place, to offer sacrifices. It is here that God appears to him in a dream and offers him wisdom.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
After seven years of construction, Solomon dedicates the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This marks a shift in Israel's primary worship center from Gibeon to Jerusalem.
This passage sets the stage for the importance of specific places of worship and sacrifice, highlighting God's instructions for how He is to be approached.
2 Samuel 6:17This shows David, Solomon's father, also offering sacrifices to God as part of his worship and celebration, demonstrating a pattern of royal devotion.
Psalm 50:23This psalm emphasizes that true worship isn't just about outward sacrifice, but about the inner disposition of obedience and giving thanks, a principle Solomon would eventually embody.
John 4:23Jesus teaches about a new way of worship that transcends physical locations, pointing to a future where worship is in spirit and truth, contrasting with the singular 'high place' of Gibeon.
This verse highlights Solomon's immediate, radical commitment to God by offering an astonishing thousand burnt offerings at once, not just as a routine act, but to seek wisdom at the "great high place." It's a powerful picture of an all-in spiritual pursuit, showing that his quest for wisdom began with an overwhelming act of devotion.
Before this, Solomon had just secured his kingdom and married Pharaoh's daughter, seemingly setting himself up for a peaceful reign. This passage is showing us his first major act as king: seeking God's wisdom directly from Him at the sacred altar in Gibeon, even though it meant sacrificing a massive number of animals to do so. This establishes the tone for Solomon's early reign, highlighting his desire for understanding above all else.
Before this, Solomon had just secured his kingdom and married Pharaoh's daughter, seemingly setting himself up for a peaceful reign. This passage is showing us his first major act as king: seeking God's wisdom directly from Him at the sacred altar in Gibeon, even though it meant sacrificing a massive number of animals to do so. This establishes the tone for Solomon's early reign, highlighting his desire for understanding above all else.
"And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall…" — This verse highlights Solomon's immediate, radical commitment to God by offering an astonishing thousand burnt offerings at once, not just as a routine act, but to seek wisdom at the "great high pl…
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Last reviewed October 2026
