The Sacrifice of the Wicked
Dedication of Solomon's Temple.
David Martin, 1639-1721.
Otto Elliger engraving shows the dedication of the Temple with large numbers of animals sacrificed on the altar, trumpets blown, and a cloud filling the house of the Lord.
It might be worthwhile to consider what Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, had to say along these lines. Solomon wrote many proverbs, including the one featured below.
Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord; but the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord; but He loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 10 There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; and he that hateth reproof shall die. 11 The nether-world and Destruction are before the Lord; how much more then the hearts of the children of men! (JPS)
In addition to all of the foregoing considerations, there were many instances at this assembly where Solomon did something in front of the "whole assembly of Israel." In each case, for these acts he should have been removed from the temple as a minimum, and in most cases, the "whole assembly of Israel" should have stoned him to death at that instant. This is why God's judgment befell the whole nation, because they failed to carry out the law and actually participated in these events.