Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.
Solomon kept the feast seven days. The time chosen for the dedication of the temple was immediately previous to the feast of tabernacles (see the notes at 1 Kings 8:1-12). That season, which came after the harvest, corresponding to our September and October, lasted seven days, and during so prolonged a festival there was time afforded for the offering of the immense sacrifices enumerated. A large proportion of these were peace offerings, which afforded to the people the means of festive enjoyment.
All Israel ... from the entering in of Hamath - i:e., the defile at Lebanon.
Unto the river of Egypt - i:e., Rhinocorura, now el-Arish, the south boundary of Palestine.