2 Chronicles 15 11

2 Chronicles 15:11 kjv

And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.

2 Chronicles 15:11 nkjv

And they offered to the LORD at that time seven hundred bulls and seven thousand sheep from the spoil they had brought.

2 Chronicles 15:11 niv

At that time they sacrificed to the LORD seven hundred head of cattle and seven thousand sheep and goats from the plunder they had brought back.

2 Chronicles 15:11 esv

They sacrificed to the LORD on that day from the spoil that they had brought 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep.

2 Chronicles 15:11 nlt

On that day they sacrificed to the LORD 700 cattle and 7,000 sheep and goats from the plunder they had taken in the battle.

2 Chronicles 15 verses

2 Chronicles 15 11 Meaning

This verse describes a monumental act of worship and dedication undertaken by the people of Judah and Benjamin under King Asa. After a great victory and encouraged by a prophet, they collectively presented a massive number of animals—700 oxen and 7,000 sheep—to the Lord as sacrifices. These animals were drawn from the extensive spoil they had captured from their enemies, signifying their acknowledgment that their prosperity and victory came from God, to whom they gratefully dedicated a portion of their war booty. This offering was a powerful expression of thanksgiving, national repentance, and a renewal of their covenant with Yahweh.

2 Chronicles 15 11 Context

Chapter 15 of 2 Chronicles narrates a significant spiritual revival in Judah during the reign of King Asa. After Asa's decisive victory over Zerah the Cushite (2 Chron 14), the prophet Azariah son of Oded delivers a message from the Lord (vv. 1-7), warning that the Lord is with them "while you are with him," and urging them to be strong and not let their hands be weak, for their work would be rewarded. This prophetic encouragement profoundly impacted Asa. Motivated by these words, Asa undertook a zealous reform movement, removing idolatrous altars and foreign gods, and repairing the altar of the Lord. He then gathered the entire population of Judah and Benjamin, along with defectors from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon (who had come to Judah upon seeing that the Lord was with Asa), in Jerusalem. Verse 11 describes a climactic moment within this gathering, where, "on that day" (referring to the same day as the grand assembly mentioned in v. 10), the people collectively brought massive sacrifices, particularly from the extensive spoil they had gained in their recent victory, as a tangible demonstration of their restored devotion to God and thanksgiving for His blessing and protection. This event preceded their renewal of the covenant (vv. 12-15).

2 Chronicles 15 11 Word analysis

• And they offered (יַקְרִ֤יבוּ):
  • Original Hebrew: Yaqrivu (from the root קָרַב qarab), meaning "to come near, bring close, present." In a cultic context, it means "to offer a sacrifice."
  • Significance: This is not just a passive act but a deliberate presentation, an bringing-near of the dedicated items to the Divine presence. It emphasizes the active participation of the people. The plural "they" refers to the multitude of Judah and Benjamin and those from northern Israel who had gathered (2 Chr 15:9-10), signifying a widespread, collective act of worship.
• unto the Lord (לַיהוָ֖ה):
  • Original Hebrew: Lāyhōwāh (YHWH, the sacred covenant name of God, often rendered "the LORD" in English translations).
  • Significance: The focus is squarely on Yahweh, distinguishing Him from any foreign gods or idols. This reinforces the polemical stance against the idolatry that was prevalent in the region and among prior generations of Israelites. It's an affirmation of exclusive worship.
• the same time / on that day (בַּיּ֣וֹם הַהוּא֙):
  • Original Hebrew: Bayyōwm hahhūw literally "on the day the that," referring directly to the "third month in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa" when they gathered in Jerusalem (2 Chr 15:10).
  • Significance: This emphasizes the immediacy and connection of the offering to the grand assembly and the solemn covenant-making that followed. It shows the promptness of their obedience and devotion after Azariah's prophecy. It was a singular, momentous event.
• of the spoil (מִן־הַשָּׁלָ֔ל):
  • Original Hebrew: Min-hashālāle (from שָׁלָל shalal), meaning "booty, plunder, spoil" taken in battle.
  • Significance: The origin of the animals is crucial. They were not purchased, but were war plunder, demonstrating that the victory and the wealth gained from it were from God's hand (2 Chr 14:13-15). This dedicates a portion of God's blessing back to Him, acknowledging His sovereignty over warfare and wealth. It embodies the principle of honoring God with one's best and with what He has given (Prov 3:9).
• which they had brought (אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֵבִ֑יאוּ):
  • Original Hebrew: 'ǎšer hēvî'û (from בּוֹא bo'), "to come, to bring, to lead."
  • Significance: Reinforces the intentionality and active participation. They physically brought these numerous animals to the designated place, signifying personal and national commitment.
• seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep:
  • Significance: These numbers are enormous, reflecting both the vast quantity of spoil taken and the scale of national devotion.
  • Oxen (בָּקָר baqar) were the largest and most valuable animals for sacrifice, typically used for burnt offerings (Lev 1), symbolizing complete surrender or dedication, and peace offerings (Lev 3) for communion.
  • Sheep (צֹאן tson), a collective term for sheep and goats, were common sacrificial animals.
  • Magnitude: The sheer quantity speaks to the fervent zeal and dedication of the people. It demonstrates their unreserved gratitude and earnestness in seeking the Lord. It signifies a lavish, overwhelming offering of praise and renewed commitment to the covenant God, far exceeding mere ritual. It indicates the extensive prosperity God had given them in the recent victory.

2 Chronicles 15 11 Bonus section

This act of sacrifice at Jerusalem highlights the central place of the Temple and the approved sacrificial system as restored by Asa, in contrast to the high places and illegal altars that had proliferated. The gathering of not just Judah and Benjamin, but also "defectors" from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon, underscores the broad impact of Asa's reforms and the powerful magnetic pull of a genuinely revived faith centered on Yahweh. The prosperity reflected in such large numbers of animals also points to God's immediate blessing on those who honor Him; the previous chapter describes the incredible wealth taken from the Cushite army, a testament to divine enablement.

2 Chronicles 15 11 Commentary

2 Chronicles 15:11 depicts a profound act of corporate worship, marking a pivotal moment in Judah's spiritual history under King Asa. Following a miraculous victory, this massive offering of 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep from the war spoil was far more than a ceremonial duty; it was a tangible outpouring of national thanksgiving, repentance, and dedication. The "spoil" as the source emphasizes that the offering stemmed from God's own blessing and provision, thereby acknowledging His ultimate ownership and sovereignty over all things, including the outcome of battle and material wealth. The sheer scale of the sacrifice speaks to the depth of their renewed zeal and the totality of their commitment to Yahweh, illustrating that their hearts were genuinely engaged. This act set the stage for the formal covenant renewal, ushering in a period of divine rest and prosperity. It exemplifies how sincere worship, driven by gratitude for God's deliverance and empowered by prophetic encouragement, can transform a nation.