1 Kings 8:1-5 - Solomon summoned into his presence the elders of Israel

8:1,2

Now we are on, what is to me, much more interesting ground. The ark is brought into the temple. The commentary by Miller points out that there is actually little emphasis on the temple itself, rather the emphasis is on the covenant and the presence of God. We do well to remember that for our own lives and churches as well. The elders and tribal leaders of all Israel are gathered in Jerusalem. The festival referred to is the Feast of Booths.

8:3-5

The ark is carried up by the priests, Solomon being careful not to repeat the mistake of his father David (2 Sam 6). Solomon sacrificed an enormous amount of sheep and cattle, “so many sheep and cattle that they could not be recorded or counted”. Solomon does seem to have a habit of doing things to excess.