The dedication concluded with all Israel
taking part in a feast. This was most probably the Feast of Booths, given the emphasis on the peace offerings
and the duration of the feast. The statement of all Israel
is a generalization, and we are not intended to understand every single person in the kingdom was in attendance. Yet although it is a generalization, it is not a large overstatement. The law required all the people to live in booths, and as many as were able, to gather at the central place of worship. The size of the multitude would explain the number of sacrificial animals, since the people would eat from them once the fat and other portions dedicated to God and the priests were removed.
The same verse gives us an idea of the physical size of Solomon’s kingdom in which the people of Israel resided. Those tributary nations inhabited overwhelmingly by foreigners would not be included. Only the North-South length of the kingdom is mentioned, not the width. The northern extent is said to be Lebo-hamath. This city was far to the north in now what is northern Lebanon. The southern border was the Brook of Egypt, which is a phrase that is difficult to interpret.
The final verse of the chapter speaks of the joy with which the people went to their homes when Solomon released them. Such a situation suggests that Israel at this time was quite content with Solomon’s rule. It would not be very long, however, for the situation to change rapidly.
65 So Solomon held the feast at that time, and all Israel with him, a great assembly, from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days.