And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
Ver. 17. An hundred bullocks, &c.] This little (in comparison of what was done at Solomon's dedication, 1Ki 8:63) was highly accepted in heaven: as was likewise Noah's sacrifice, which yet could not be great: because that after a great trial of affliction, "the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality," 2 Corinthians 8:2; which, saith Aristotle, is not to be measured by the worth of the gift, but by the will of the giver, Oυ τω πληθει των διδομενων, αλλα τη του διδοντος εξει (Arist. Ethic. lib. 4). See Trapp on " Ezr 2:6 "
Twelve he-goats] A fit creature for a sin offering, because nasty, unruly, &c.
According to the number of the tribes of Israel] All whom (wheresoever dispersed) they remember in their prayers; as we should likewise do all the Israel of God, in all places.