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.
Twelve he-goats - as at the dedication of the tabernacle (Numbers 8:17).
According to the number of the tribes of Israel. Although the returned exiles belonged chiefly to Judah and Benjamin, some connected with the other tribes joined the caravan of travelers to Jerusalem, and these few considered themselves as representing the whole Jewish nation.