Peace offerings: See the comments on 1 Kgs 3.15. There “peace offerings” renders a single term in Hebrew, which is described in detail in Lev 3.1-17. Here, however, the Hebrew has two nouns (literally “offering of peaces).” Some scholars have argued that there is a difference in meaning between these two Hebrew expressions for peace offerings, but this does not seem to be true.

Oxen: See the comments on 1 Kgs 1.9.

Sheep: The Hebrew term used here may refer to “sheep and goats” (New International Version, Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie).

People of Israel is literally “sons of Israel” (see the comments on 1 Kgs 6.1).

The Hebrew verb translated dedicated has a basic meaning of “to use for the first time” or “to put [something] into use.” This Hebrew root lies behind the word “Hanukkah,” the Jewish winter celebration in memory of the rededication of the Temple at the time of the Maccabees. In certain languages the idea here may have to be rendered as “inaugurated” (Bible en français courant) or “opened.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .