1 Kings 3:4-5
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)
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This verse isn't just about Solomon's big sacrifice; it's about his intentional choice to go to Gibeon, the "great high place," which was a significant religious site at the time. It highlights his proactive seeking of God, even when other, perhaps more convenient, places might have existed, showing a deep commitment to worship.
Solomon has just ascended to the throne, and the people are still figuring him out, even though he's inherited a kingdom. He begins his reign by going to Gibeon, a significant place of worship, where he makes a massive sacrifice—a thousand burnt offerings. This bold act sets the stage for God's appearance to Solomon in a dream that very night, offering him anything he desires.
Why would a new king, with all of Jerusalem's potential, go to Gibeon to worship? This wasn't just any spot; it held deep significance.
The verse tells us Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice because it was 'the great high place.' This phrase points to a significant, established religious site. While Jerusalem was becoming the center of worship under David and Solomon, 'high places' were common throughout Israel and Canaan for local worship. Gibeon's prominence suggests it was a place with a long history of divine encounters, even pre-dating the Tabernacle's central placement. For Solomon, choosing to worship at this major site, and doing so on a grand scale, was a public declaration of his reliance on God and his commitment to the covenant.
Solomon didn't just offer a sacrifice; he offered a thousand. What does this massive act of worship reveal about his heart and God's response?
The sheer scale of 'a thousand burnt offerings' is astonishing! This wasn't a casual offering; it was an immense act of devotion. A burnt offering (a 'whole burnt offering') was a complete sacrifice, symbolizing total devotion and a desire for atonement and communion with God. For Solomon to offer so much at once signifies a heart overflowing with reverence, a deep desire to honor God at the very beginning of his reign, and perhaps a plea for wisdom and guidance in the monumental task ahead. This wasn't about earning God's favor, but about extravagantly expressing his faith and commitment.
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 sacrifice at Gibeon highlights the transition from localized worship sites to the central Temple soon to be built in Jerusalem, showing his early reliance on established traditions while preparing for a new era.
c. 1070 BC
Saul Anointed King
Saul's anointing marked the transition from tribal confederation to a monarchy, setting the stage for future kings.
c. 1050 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
David established Jerusalem as his capital, unifying the tribes and bringing the Ark of the Covenant closer to its central place.
c. 1000 BC
David Conquers Philistines
David's military victories solidified his kingdom and brought a period of relative peace and prosperity.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Becomes King
Upon David's death, Solomon inherited a stable kingdom, poised for greatness and the building of the Temple.
c. 970 BC— this verse
This passage describes the acceptable ways for Israel to worship God, highlighting the significance of specific places and sacrifices, which provides context for Solomon's actions in Gibeon.
Deuteronomy 12:5-14This text mandates that Israel worship at the place the Lord chooses, emphasizing centralization of worship and sacrifices, which helps explain why Gibeon was chosen as a significant 'high place'.
2 Chronicles 1:6-7This passage recounts the same event as 1 Kings 3:4 but from a different perspective, emphasizing God's appearance to Solomon and the vastness of Solomon's offerings, adding depth to the narrative.
Psalm 50:7-15This psalm challenges a superficial approach to sacrifice, emphasizing obedience and calling on God's name as true worship, which offers a prophetic and thematic contrast to the sheer quantity of Solomon's offerings.
This verse isn't just about Solomon's big sacrifice; it's about his intentional choice to go to Gibeon, the "great high place," which was a significant religious site at the time. It highlights his proactive seeking of God, even when other, perhaps more convenient, places might have existed, showing a deep commitment to worship.
Solomon has just ascended to the throne, and the people are still figuring him out, even though he's inherited a kingdom. He begins his reign by going to Gibeon, a significant place of worship, where he makes a massive sacrifice—a thousand burnt offerings. This bold act sets the stage for God's appearance to Solomon in a dream that very night, offering him anything he desires.
Solomon has just ascended to the throne, and the people are still figuring him out, even though he's inherited a kingdom. He begins his reign by going to Gibeon, a significant place of worship, where he makes a massive sacrifice—a thousand burnt offerings. This bold act sets the stage for God's appearance to Solomon in a dream that very night, offering him anything he desires.
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Solomon Sacrifices at Gibeon
Early in his reign, Solomon offered numerous sacrifices at the prominent high place in Gibeon, seeking God's wisdom.
c. 966 BC
Temple Construction Begins
Solomon began the monumental task of building the First Temple in Jerusalem, centralizing worship.
"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 isn't just about Solomon's big sacrifice; it's about his intentional choice to go to Gibeon, the "great high place," which was a significant religious site at the time. It highlights his p…
