On the riṣpah. The entire floor of the Temple is called a riṣpah, because it was raṣuf (=tiled) with marble. The point of mentioning that they knelt with their faces to the floor is that Solomon had been kneeling upon the laver, the place where he had been standing (2 Chr 6:13). Thus, they too bowed where they were—with their faces to the riṣpah.

With the hallel of David be-yadam (=in/with their hands). [This refers to] the musical instruments that David had made le-hallel (=to offer praise). Alternatively, “the hallel (=praising) of David” means that they would utter the psalms composed by David, and “with their hands” means that they would do so following the music of the instruments.

Solomon consecrated the center of the court. There is a debate on this among our Sages, of blessed memory (b. Zevaḥim 59a-60a). Some say that because of the large number of burnt offerings, he temporarily consecrated the floor of the court to make burnt offerings on it in addition to on the altar. And some say that he built another altar there to meet the temporary demand.

For [the Israelites] observed the dedication of the altar seven days. Our Sages, of blessed memory (b. Moed Qatan 9a), say that they ate on the Day of Atonement. After all, the seven days prior to the Feast of Booths include the Day of Atonement, and the dedication was an occasion of celebration with peace sacrifices, food and drink. But this was not considered a transgression for them; for a heavenly voice burst forth and said: You are all designated for life in the World to Come.

On the twenty-third day of the seventh month [Solomon] dismissed the nation. But in the book of Kings it says, “On the eighth day he dismissed the nation” (1 Kgs 8:66), which is the twenty-second of the month! Our Sages, of blessed memory (b. ibid.), explain that on the eighth day they obtained his permission but that they did not set out on that day because it was a holiday. And the next day—that is, the twenty-third of the month—when they did set out, they obtained his permission again.

But should you turn away. This means: you and the Israelite nation.

Which was once so exalted to all who would pass it by. This means: which was once so exalted and wondrous in the eyes of all who would pass it by. In its destruction, passersby will be appalled and will hiss over it.