Setting something apart, or marking new use or practice. The dedication of the altar of Solomon’s Temple took seven days (2Chr 7:9). Solomon’s Temple was dedicated with a multitude of sacrifices (1Kgs 8:63; 2Chr 7:5). The dedication of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah was accompanied by music, song, thanksgiving offerings, and joy (Neh 12:27-45). The pagan dedication of Nebuchadnezzar’s idol was accompanied by music and worship (Dan 3:2-5). It appears that a dedication differed from a sanctification (or consecration) in that the community as a whole participated in the former, while the latter was performed only by those responsible for the sanctified object(s) (e.g., the priests).
