“And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house.”
Majesty; the cloud. For some time the priests were obliged to keep at a distance. They afterwards offered up many victims. (Calmet)
“And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Glory. The same word was before rendered majesty. (Haydock)
“Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD.”
Victims, by the hands of the priests: or they slew them themselves, and presented the blood and fat to be placed on the altar by the priests.
“And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.”
Rams, including sheep and goats. — People, each in their proper sphere. The priests had the chief part, as the ministers of religion. The solemnity continued for a week, and many altars were erected in the court. (Calmet)
“And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood. by their: Heb. by their hand”
Which music, or Psalms, (carminum) David had composed. (Haydock) — Because. This was the chorus of the 135th Psalm, which was sung on this occasion by some, while others played on their musical instruments. (Calmet) — Literally, “singing by their hands.” Protestants, “when David praised by their ministry.” (Haydock) — As the temple was chosen by God for the place of prayer, so special forms of blessing, &c., are more agreeable to him. (Worthington)
“And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days. a solemn: Heb. a restraint”
Solemnity of tabernacles, (Menochius) which ensued after the dedication was ended.
“And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.”
Day. He had given them leave to depart, the day before, 3 Kings viii. 66.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. which: Heb. upon whom my name is called”
Face, to appease me, that I may look down upon them in mercy. (Calmet)