Zevachim 59: Consecrating the Temple Courtyard; Too Many Offerings?

After considering the different offerings and how they should be sacrificed, today's daf considers the physical items required for this service.  Steinsaltz teaches us that the navi in  Sefer Melachim describes the day that the Temple was consecrated by King Solomon.  The king was made to consecrate the floor of the Temple courtyard so that it would be prepared for sacrifices.  The original altar that was carried from the Tabernacle along with other sacrificial utensils was too small to accommodate the animals brought as sacrifices that day.

Rabbi Yosei suggests that the notion that the altar was too small was just a metaphor.  The altar had become disqualified for use.  One suggestion was that the old copper altar filled with earth was not too small; instead it was not a permanent altar made of wood and copper as required in the Temple courtyard.  

Rabbi Yosei argues that when King Solomon began his rule, he went to Giv'on to sacrifice on the original altar.  He brought 1000 burnt offerings.  Rashi taught that a heavenly fire played a role in burning the sacrifices.  This increased the number of sacrifices that could be burned.  When the Temple was consecrated, King Solomon was said to bring 22000 oxen as burnt offerings as well as 20000 sheep.

Again I am reminded about the power of blood; the notion that this 'life force' can expiate sins or transform states or status.