2 Chronicles 29 31

2 Chronicles 29:31 kjv

Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.

2 Chronicles 29:31 nkjv

Then Hezekiah answered and said, "Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the LORD, come near, and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD." So the assembly brought in sacrifices and thank offerings, and as many as were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings.

2 Chronicles 29:31 niv

Then Hezekiah said, "You have now dedicated yourselves to the LORD. Come and bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the temple of the LORD." So the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings.

2 Chronicles 29:31 esv

Then Hezekiah said, "You have now consecrated yourselves to the LORD. Come near; bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the LORD." And the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all who were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings.

2 Chronicles 29:31 nlt

Then Hezekiah declared, "Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the LORD, bring your sacrifices and thanksgiving offerings to the Temple of the LORD." So the people brought their sacrifices and thanksgiving offerings, and all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings, too.

2 Chronicles 29 verses

2 Chronicles 29 31 Meaning

King Hezekiah, after witnessing the successful self-consecration of the Levites and priests, exhorted the people of Judah to actively participate in the newly purified Temple worship. This call was for them to bring their personal sacrifices and specific thank offerings as an expression of their renewed devotion and gratitude to the Lord. The verse underscores that the people responded enthusiastically, particularly those whose hearts were willingly disposed, bringing additional burnt offerings, symbolizing complete dedication to God. It highlights the transition from passive observance to active, heartfelt participation in the restoration of covenant worship.

2 Chronicles 29 31 Context

Chapter 29 opens with Hezekiah, who begins his reign as King of Judah (around 715 BC) by actively undoing the apostasy of his father Ahaz. Ahaz had desecrated the Temple, closed its doors, and led the nation into idolatry (2 Chr 28:22-25). Hezekiah, in stark contrast, immediately re-opens and cleanses the House of the Lord. The Levites and priests are first called to sanctify themselves and then to purify the Temple from defilement (vv. 5-19). Following this extensive ritual purification and re-establishment of the altar, burnt offerings are made on behalf of the whole kingdom to atone for sin (vv. 20-24). The re-introduction of music and Levitical service then marks a high point of celebration (vv. 25-30). Verse 31 directly follows the completion of the priestly/Levitical consecration and atonement sacrifices, serving as Hezekiah's public call for the broader congregation of Judah to participate personally in the restored worship by bringing their own offerings. This call is a pivot from institutional restoration to national spiritual renewal.

2 Chronicles 29 31 Word analysis

• Then Hezekiah answered and said: This signifies a decisive statement made by the king, serving as a direct response and instruction following the completion of the Levites' purification and initial restoration ceremonies in the Temple. It underscores his leadership and authority in matters of spiritual revival.
• “Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the Lord":
  • consecrated: (Hebrew: qadash, קָדַשׁ) To make holy, set apart, dedicate for sacred use. This refers primarily to the Levites and priests who had undergone a rigorous process of ritual cleansing and sanctification (2 Chr 29:15-19, 24). It implies purity and readiness to serve God in His sacred presence. This act was foundational, as one cannot properly approach the Lord without a preceding act of being set apart for His service.
  • to the Lord: (Hebrew: YHWH, יְהוָה) Refers exclusively to the covenant God of Israel. It emphasizes that this consecration and subsequent worship are directed solely to the one true God, contrasting sharply with the widespread idolatry under Ahaz. This also reinforces the unique relationship between God and His people, which is based on holiness and exclusive devotion.
• come near: (Hebrew: qarab, קָרַב) To draw close, approach. This is an invitation to engage actively in the presence of God. It implies both physical proximity to the altar and a spiritual drawing near in worship and communion, signifying accessibility to God following the Temple's purification.
• and bring sacrifices: (Hebrew: zebahim, זְבָחִים) A general term for "sacrifices" but often specifically refers to "peace offerings." Peace offerings (often called "fellowship offerings") were voluntary and intended to express thanks, devotion, or to fulfill a vow. They included a meal shared by the offerer, priests, and sometimes Levites, symbolizing communion with God.
• and thank offerings: (Hebrew: todah, תּוֹדָה) A specific type of peace offering made in gratitude for God's blessings, deliverance, or salvation. It was offered out of a heart of overflowing appreciation. Its distinct mention highlights the primary motivation Hezekiah desired for their worship: sincere gratitude, moving beyond mere ritual or atonement.
• into the house of the Lord: (Hebrew: bet YHWH, בֵּית יְהוָה) The Temple in Jerusalem, which was the physical dwelling place where God had chosen to manifest His presence among His people. The act of bringing offerings into the Temple signifies a proper, structured return to covenant worship within the sanctified place of divine communion.
• So the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings:
  • the assembly: (Hebrew: ‘edah, עֵדָה) The entire congregation of Israel, the gathered community of God's people. This highlights the corporate nature of their renewed commitment and worship, encompassing the whole nation rather than just the religious leadership.
  • This phrase marks the immediate and positive response of the people to Hezekiah's call, indicating their readiness and eagerness to participate in the restoration.
• and all who were of a willing heart: (Hebrew: nadav lev, נָדַב לֵב) Signifies spontaneous, voluntary, and uncompelled giving from a disposition of genuine devotion and joy. It implies generosity and an internal desire to honor God. This principle of giving "from the heart" is consistently valued by God over mere obligatory acts (e.g., Exod 25:2, 2 Cor 9:7).
• brought burnt offerings: (Hebrew: ‘olah, עֹלָה) A type of offering entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete surrender, dedication, and atonement for sin. Unlike peace offerings where the offerer received a portion, the burnt offering was wholly for God, ascending as a "pleasing aroma" (Lev 1:9) and signifying total consecration of oneself to the Lord. The fact that those "of a willing heart" brought these specific offerings demonstrates a profound depth of commitment and sacrificial devotion beyond the initial command.

2 Chronicles 29 31 Bonus section

The spontaneous offering of burnt offerings by those with "willing hearts" is particularly significant. While Hezekiah specifically called for "sacrifices and thank offerings" (likely implying peace offerings), the additional burnt offerings signify an exceeding generosity and profound commitment that surpassed the king's direct instruction. This demonstrated an overwhelming desire for atonement and total dedication to God, a hallmark of true repentance and spiritual revival. This outpouring of generosity from the people further set the stage for the massive and joyful Passover celebration described in the subsequent chapter, reinforcing that the spiritual state of the nation had been truly transformed from within. It showcases that genuine revival involves both leadership initiatives and the fervent, willing response of the people.

2 Chronicles 29 31 Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:31 serves as a pivotal moment in Hezekiah’s reform. After the crucial process of purification and priestly consecration, which set the spiritual stage, Hezekiah directly engages the people. His words underscore that their consecration—being set apart to the Lord—is a prerequisite for meaningful worship. The call to "come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings" is more than a religious formality; it’s an invitation to intimacy and communion with God. The immediate and widespread response of "the assembly" signifies a powerful corporate turning back to the Lord, moving from collective apostasy to renewed covenant allegiance.

The distinction between "sacrifices" (often peace offerings for fellowship) and "thank offerings" (specifically for gratitude) reveals Hezekiah's emphasis on heartfelt worship that goes beyond seeking atonement to expressing genuine appreciation for God’s character and past mercies. Critically, the verse highlights those "who were of a willing heart," bringing additional "burnt offerings." This underscores God's valuing of an internal disposition – cheerful, voluntary, and generous giving – over outward obligation. Burnt offerings, consumed entirely, symbolized absolute surrender and total devotion. This verse encapsulates the essence of true biblical worship: it must stem from a clean life (consecration), a relational approach (drawing near), an expressive gratitude, and, for many, an overwhelming willingness to surrender all to God. It models effective spiritual leadership in leading a people to genuine revival.

Examples for practical usage:

• Personal Consecration: Before engaging in worship or service, consider if your life is "consecrated" to the Lord.
• Heartfelt Giving: Approach giving of time, talent, and resources with a "willing heart" and gratitude, not reluctantly.
• Active Participation: Don't just attend church; "come near" and actively participate in worship, fellowship, and service.