2 Chronicles 29 32

2 Chronicles 29:32 kjv

And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29:32 nkjv

And the number of the burnt offerings which the assembly brought was seventy bulls, one hundred rams, and two hundred lambs; all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29:32 niv

The number of burnt offerings the assembly brought was seventy bulls, a hundred rams and two hundred male lambs?all of them for burnt offerings to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29:32 esv

The number of the burnt offerings that the assembly brought was 70 bulls, 100 rams, and 200 lambs; all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29:32 nlt

The people brought to the LORD 70 bulls, 100 rams, and 200 male lambs for burnt offerings.

2 Chronicles 29 verses

2 Chronicles 29 32 Meaning

2 Chronicles 29:32 describes the vast quantity of burnt offerings the Israelite assembly brought for the cleansing and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Under King Hezekiah’s leadership, this act signified the nation's profound repentance, renewed commitment to God, and adherence to the Mosaic covenant after years of apostasy and neglect. The abundance of sacrifices underscored the earnestness of their desire for reconciliation and restoration of proper worship.

2 Chronicles 29 32 Context

The setting of 2 Chronicles 29:32 is during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, immediately following the severe apostasy and spiritual decline under his father, King Ahaz. Ahaz had closed the doors of the Temple, desecrated its vessels, and promoted pagan worship throughout Judah (2 Chron 28:22-25). Upon ascending the throne, Hezekiah's primary initiative was a thorough purification and restoration of the Temple and traditional Israelite worship (2 Chron 29:3-19).

The previous verses detail Hezekiah's passionate exhortation to the priests and Levites to sanctify themselves and the Temple (2 Chron 29:5-11). After the priests completed the ritual cleansing, offerings were made for sin (2 Chron 29:21-24) and thanksgiving (2 Chron 29:25-30). Verse 31 describes Hezekiah urging the congregation to bring sacrifices and thank offerings, and the enthusiastic response from the people. The burnt offerings mentioned in verse 32 represent a key component of this national re-consecration, symbolizing complete surrender and devotion to God. Their vast number underscores the depth of the people's renewed spiritual fervor and a strong re-affirmation of the Mosaic Covenant, countering the earlier polemics of polytheism and spiritual neglect.

2 Chronicles 29 32 Word analysis

• And the number: Indicates a quantitative measurement, emphasizing the impressive volume of the offerings. It highlights the magnitude of the people's collective contribution and eagerness.

• of the burnt offerings: Hebrew: ‘ōlōt (עֹלוֹת), from ‘ālāh (עָלָה), "to go up" or "ascend." These sacrifices were completely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion, atonement, and ascending prayer. Unlike peace offerings or sin offerings where parts were retained by priests or offerers, ‘ōlōt were entirely given to God, representing a total dedication and often propitiation for general sin.

• which the assembly: Hebrew: haqqāhāl (הַקָּהָל). This term signifies the gathered congregation or community of Israel, stressing the collective nature of this worship and restoration. It was not just the king or priests, but the entire nation participating, showcasing national unity and repentance.

• brought: Hebrew: hēbhî'û (הֵבִיאוּ), "they brought" or "they presented." This verb emphasizes the voluntary and active participation of the people. This was not a command enforced under duress but a heartfelt response, stemming from Hezekiah's invitation in verse 31 ("And you, yourselves, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD.").

• was seventy bulls: The bull was the largest and most valuable of the sacrificial animals. Seventy might symbolize a complete or representative number, often associated with nations (Gen 10) or aspects of the covenant. Here, it denotes significant value and atonement.

• one hundred rams: Rams were also costly animals, frequently used in offerings, signifying strength and leadership, or a high level of dedication. One hundred, being a round, significant number, further indicates the abundance and willingness.

• and two hundred lambs: Lambs, typically offered as more common individual sacrifices or sin offerings, when offered in such numbers, further exemplify the massive scale of the corporate repentance and dedication. This variety of animals aligns with prescriptions in the Torah, emphasizing their adherence to the divine law.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "the assembly brought": This phrase powerfully illustrates the unified, corporate response of the people to Hezekiah's call for revival. It highlights that true national spiritual renewal requires the participation and commitment of the entire community, not just its leaders.
  • "seventy bulls, one hundred rams, and two hundred lambs": This specific enumeration, escalating in quantity (70, 100, 200), emphasizes the extraordinary volume and value of the offerings. This was an unprecedented act of national giving, reflecting deep contrition, profound thankfulness, and an immense desire for God's favor. It reveals the Israelites' immense wealth and their commitment to giving back to the Lord.

2 Chronicles 29 32 Bonus section

• The immense quantity of animals presented for burnt offerings (370 total for ‘ōlōt, beyond the earlier sin and peace offerings) actually created a logistical challenge for the priests. 2 Chronicles 29:34 reveals that there were too few priests to flay all the burnt offerings, necessitating assistance from the Levites who were "more conscientious to sanctify themselves than the priests." This detail, immediately following verse 32, highlights not only the overwhelming generosity of the people but also the state of the priesthood itself—some still needing sanctification, emphasizing the ongoing nature of spiritual renewal.
• The large numbers also served as a public demonstration of the kingdom's restored covenant relationship with God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such elaborate public sacrifices often communicated prosperity, strength, and the favor of the gods, here, uniquely for the One True God of Israel.

2 Chronicles 29 32 Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:32 marks a pivotal moment in Judah's spiritual history. After decades of national decline and religious syncretism, Hezekiah’s reform movement reached a zenith in this large-scale corporate worship. The impressive number and variety of animals, amounting to 370 large animals dedicated as burnt offerings, highlight the profound repentance and voluntary commitment of the people. These burnt offerings, consumed entirely by fire, symbolized complete dedication and an act of propitiation for the nation's cumulative sins. The very act of the "assembly" bringing them underscored the communal aspect of their turning back to God, a testament to widespread spiritual awakening. While magnificent, this multitude of animal sacrifices points forward to the ultimate, perfect, and single sacrifice of Christ, which truly takes away sins and fully dedicates humanity to God (Hebrews 10:4, 10-14). This generous giving and sacrificial commitment serve as a biblical example of how a people, having strayed, could collectively and sincerely return to the Lord with offerings proportionate to their heartfelt desire for reconciliation and renewal.