1 Kings 3:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Solomon travels to Gibeon, the foremost high place, and offers a thousand burnt offerings there.
What Does 1 Kings 3:4 Mean?
Solomon journeys to Gibeon, called "the great high place," and offers a thousand burnt offerings on its altar. The scale is staggering and deliberate. This is no token act of religion; it is an outpouring of devotion that empties the king's resources before God. It is at this place of extravagant worship that God will choose to meet him.
The burnt offering was wholly consumed, given up entirely to God, holding nothing back. Solomon's thousand offerings speak of a heart laid completely on the altar. Such whole devotion still draws near to God, and it foreshadows the one perfect offering of Christ, who gave Himself up for us (Ephesians 5:2). Worship that costs us much is worship that opens the way for God to speak.
1 Kings 3:4 in the Original Language
olah (עֹלָה), 'burnt offering' -- an offering wholly consumed by fire, given entirely to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 3:4
What does 1 Kings 3:4 mean?
Solomon travels to Gibeon, the foremost high place, and offers a thousand burnt offerings there.