(13) Even after a certain rate every day.--Literally, and with a day's matter on a day (Leviticus 23:37) they had to offer (infinitive construct, as at 1Chronicles 13:4; 1Chronicles 15:2), or, perhaps, he would offer.

The solemn feasts.--Literally, set seasons, viz., the three great festivals whose designations follow. (The form mo'adoth for mo'adim occurs here only.)

8:1 - 18 Solomon's buildings and trade. - It sometimes requires more wisdom and resolution to govern a family in the fear of God, than to govern a kingdom with reputation. The difficulty is increased, when a man has a hinderance instead of a help meet in the wife of his bosom. Solomon kept up the holy sacrifices, according to the law of Moses. In vain had the altar been built, in vain had fire come down from heaven, if sacrifices had not been constantly brought. Spiritual sacrifices are required of us, which we are to bring daily and weekly; it is good to be in a settled method of devotion. When the service of the temple was put into good order, it is said, The house of the Lord was perfected. The work was the main matter, not the place; the temple was unfinished till all this was done. Canaan was a rich country, and yet must send to Ophir for gold The Israelites were a wise people, but must be beholden to the king of Tyre for men that had knowledge of the seas. Grace, and not gold, is the best riches, and acquaintance with God and his law, the best knowledge. Leaving the children of this world to scramble for the toys of this world, may we, as the children of God, lay up our treasure in heaven, that where our treasure is, our hearts also may be.Even after a certain rate every day, according to the commandment of Moses,.... The daily sacrifice, morning and evening, Exodus 29:38,

on the sabbaths, and on the new moons; when there were additional sacrifices, Numbers 28:9, &c.

and on the solemn feasts three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles; which serves to explain the three times in 1 Kings 9:25.