⁷ Solomon ·made holy [consecrated] the middle part of the courtyard, which is in front of the ·Temple [^Lhouse] of the Lord. There he ·offered [sacrificed] whole burnt offerings and the fat of the ·fellowship [peace] offerings. He ·offered [sacrificed] them in the courtyard, because the bronze altar he had made could not hold the burnt offerings [Lev. 1:1–17], ·grain [^Lgift; tribute] offerings [Lev. 2:1], and fat [Lev. 3:16].

⁸ Solomon and all the Israelites ·celebrated [kept; observed] the festival [^Cof Shelters/Tabernacles/Booths] for seven days. There ·were many people [^Lwas a great assembly/congregation], and they came from as far away as Lebo Hamath [^Cin the north] and the brook of Egypt [^Cin the south]. ⁹ For seven days they celebrated ·giving [the dedication of] the altar. Then they ·celebrated [kept; observed] the festival for seven days. On the eighth day they had a ·meeting [solemn assembly; closing ceremony].