2 Chronicles 29 33

2 Chronicles 29:33 kjv

And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep.

2 Chronicles 29:33 nkjv

The consecrated things were six hundred bulls and three thousand sheep.

2 Chronicles 29:33 niv

The animals consecrated as sacrifices amounted to six hundred bulls and three thousand sheep and goats.

2 Chronicles 29:33 esv

And the consecrated offerings were 600 bulls and 3,000 sheep.

2 Chronicles 29:33 nlt

They also brought 600 cattle and 3,000 sheep and goats as sacred offerings.

2 Chronicles 29 verses

2 Chronicles 29 33 Meaning

This verse details a significant part of the vast number of animals dedicated for sacrificial purposes during King Hezekiah's revival. It specifically quantifies "the consecrated things" (meaning the animals set apart for sacred use) as six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep, offered during the renewed Temple service. These offerings underscore the deep commitment, national repentance, and zeal of the people and the king to restore proper worship of God after years of spiritual neglect and idolatry under King Ahaz.

2 Chronicles 29 33 Context

This verse is situated within a crucial period in the history of Judah, specifically during the initial phase of King Hezekiah's reign. After the widespread idolatry and defilement of the Temple under his father King Ahaz, Hezekiah immediately embarked on a comprehensive spiritual reformation. Chapter 29 describes the purification of the Temple by the Levites, the sanctification of the priests, and the re-establishment of the divinely ordained sacrificial worship. Verse 33 follows the description of the various types of sacrifices offered (burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings), indicating the immense volume of animals brought by the assembly for these rites of atonement, dedication, and fellowship. The immediate context shows a remarkable outpouring of national zeal, leading to an abundance of consecrated offerings that even exceeded the available priestly manpower (v. 34), resulting in great rejoicing.

2 Chronicles 29 33 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunction, connecting this specific detail to the preceding description of the renewed sacrificial system. It emphasizes continuity with the national acts of repentance and re-dedication.

• the consecrated things (הַקֳּדָשִׁים - haqqodashim):

  • From the root קדשׁ (qadosh), meaning "holy, set apart."
  • This plural noun refers to "holy things" or "things set apart" for sacred use. In this context, it specifically designates the animals consecrated for offerings and sacrifices.
  • Its use highlights that these animals were no longer common livestock; they were separated from ordinary use and designated for God's holy purposes, emphasizing their sacred status and the people's intention in offering them to God.

• were (implied): The Hebrew sentence structure implies the verb "were" or "amounted to," stating the quantity of the consecrated items.

• six hundred oxen (שֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת בָּקָר - shesh me'ot baqar):

  • בָּקָר (baqar): Refers to "cattle, oxen." These were the largest and most valuable sacrificial animals, typically used for significant offerings like burnt offerings and peace offerings. Their high number signifies great cost and profound devotion.

• and three thousand sheep (וּשְׁלֹשֶׁת אֲלָפִים צֹאן - ushloshet alapim tson):

  • צֹאן (tson): A collective noun meaning "flock," encompassing both sheep and goats. These were smaller, more common sacrificial animals, frequently used in various offerings due to their availability.
  • The combined immense numbers of both oxen and sheep reflect the vast scale of the national atonement and worship, demonstrating overwhelming national participation and zeal.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "The consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep": This phrase succinctly states the impressive volume of offerings. "The consecrated things" focuses on the quality—holy, set apart—while the numbers specify the quantity—immense and significant. The large scale of the offerings reflects not only the nation's agricultural wealth but more importantly, their collective heart's response to Hezekiah's call for revival, indicative of deep repentance and renewed zeal for the Lord's worship. This generous outpouring demonstrates a commitment far beyond what was strictly required by the Law, signifying the overwhelming grace of God moving among His people.

2 Chronicles 29 33 Bonus section

The vast quantities of consecrated animals also serve as a polemic against the idolatrous practices that previously plagued Judah. Unlike pagan rites that often demanded specific numbers or types of sacrifices for various deities, here the immense collective offering to YHWH demonstrates absolute, exclusive devotion to the one true God, reclaiming the act of sacrifice solely for Him. The very necessity of layman assisting the priests to skin the offerings (2 Chr 29:34) due to the sheer volume, coupled with the immediate rejoicing mentioned in verse 36 because "God had prepared the people," emphasizes that this outpouring was not a burdensome obligation but a spontaneous, God-empowered national spiritual movement. This scale suggests divine provision and blessing alongside human devotion.

2 Chronicles 29 33 Commentary

This verse provides a crucial numerical detail illustrating the magnificent scale of worship restoration under King Hezekiah. The "consecrated things"—six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep—were a testament to the nation's profound commitment and willingness to dedicate substantial resources to God. These numbers go beyond mere fulfillment of legal requirements, speaking to a zealous, overflowing response from a people newly stirred by God's Spirit after years of apostasy. It highlights a community fully engaged in making atonement, offering fellowship, and returning to the Lord. This sacrificial act was not just a ritual but a vibrant expression of renewed covenant relationship, showing the depth of national repentance and the joy in being re-established in God's favor.