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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they offered {H2076} unto the LORD {H3068} the same time {H3117}, of the spoil {H7998} which they had brought {H935}, seven {H7651} hundred {H3967} oxen {H1241} and seven {H7651} thousand {H505} sheep {H6629}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That day they sacrificed to ADONAI 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep from the spoil they had brought;

Berean Standard Bible

At that time they sacrificed to the LORD seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep from all the plunder they had brought back.

American Standard Version

And they sacrificed unto Jehovah in that day, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 15:11 captures a profound moment in King Asa’s reign, detailing the magnificent offering presented to the LORD by the people of Judah. This act of worship, involving seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep, was drawn from the vast spoils acquired after a miraculous victory over the Cushite army. It served as a powerful, tangible expression of their national gratitude, renewed covenant commitment, and a public declaration of restored devotion, marking a significant turning point from spiritual decline to fervent obedience. This verse stands as a testament to the transformative power of seeking God wholeheartedly and responding to His faithfulness with lavish generosity and sincere worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of King Asa's early reign, serving as a climactic response to God's faithfulness. Preceding it, [2 Chronicles 14](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14 - Asa's Early Reign and Victory") details Asa's initial reforms, his removal of idolatry, and his reliance on the LORD when faced with the overwhelming Cushite invasion led by Zerah. The miraculous divine intervention granted Judah a decisive victory, resulting in immense "spoil" (2 Chronicles 14:13-15). Immediately following this triumph, the prophet Azariah son of Oded delivers a powerful message of encouragement and warning in [2 Chronicles 15:1-7](/2_chronicles/15-1-7 "2 Chronicles 15:1-7 - Azariah's Prophecy to Asa"), urging the people to continue seeking the LORD, for "the LORD is with you while you are with Him." The offering in verse 11 is the direct, grateful, and obedient response to both God's deliverance and Azariah's prophetic word, setting the stage for the nationwide covenant renewal and oath-taking described in [2 Chronicles 15:12-15](/2_chronicles/15-12-15 "2 Chronicles 15:12-15 - The Covenant Renewal"). Thus, this offering is not an isolated event but a pivotal, tangible expression of a genuine spiritual revival that propelled Judah's recommitment to God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of dedicating "spoil" from military victories to a deity was common in the ancient Near East, signifying thanksgiving and acknowledging divine assistance in battle. However, in Israel, such offerings were exclusively consecrated to Yahweh, reinforcing His unique sovereignty over all aspects of national life, including warfare, and His sole claim to Israel's worship. King Asa's reign (c. 913-873 BC) marked a crucial period of religious purification following the syncretism and idolatry prevalent under previous kings. The sheer scale and public nature of this offering—seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep—would have been a powerful cultural and political statement. It demonstrated a profound shift in national consciousness, signaling a genuine turning away from pagan practices and a return to the Mosaic covenant. This massive sacrifice would have reinforced the restored centrality of the Jerusalem Temple and the Levitical priesthood in Judahite society, publicly affirming God's rightful place at the heart of the nation.

* **Key Themes:** The offering described in [2 Chronicles 15:11](/2_chronicles/15-11 "2 Chronicles 15:11 - The Offering of Spoils") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Chronicler's narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies **Abundant Thanksgiving and Dedication**, showcasing a response of overflowing gratitude to God's miraculous deliverance and abundant blessing. The magnitude of the offering underscores the biblical principle of honoring God with the [firstfruits and the very best of one's possessions](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the LORD with your wealth and the firstfruits of all your produce"). Secondly, this act is intrinsically linked to **Covenant Renewal and Obedience**. It served as a public, tangible demonstration of the nation's commitment to reaffirm their covenant relationship with God, a commitment further solidified by the solemn oath taken in [2 Chronicles 15:12](/2_chronicles/15-12 "2 Chronicles 15:12 - Renewing the Covenant with All Their Heart"). Finally, the collective nature of such a vast offering highlights the theme of **Corporate Worship and Unity**, demonstrating the transformative power of a nation united in devotion, seeking God together, and fostering deep spiritual unity among His people, as seen in the subsequent joy and peace (cf. [2 Chronicles 15:15](/2_chronicles/15-15 "2 Chronicles 15:15 - The Joy of the Covenant Renewal")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offered (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** From H2076, a primitive root meaning "to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice); kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay." In this context, _zâbach_ signifies more than a mere presentation of gifts; it denotes a solemn, intentional act of consecrating these animals to the LORD as a sacrifice. This implies a covenantal act of worship, thanksgiving, and dedication, underscoring the sacred and ritualistic nature of the transaction. It speaks to the people's recognition of God's holiness and their desire to approach Him in a prescribed manner.
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _shâlâl'_):** From H7998, meaning "booty; prey, spoil." This term specifically refers to the vast plunder, livestock, and goods captured from the defeated Cushite army, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 14:13-15](/2_chronicles/14-13-15 "2 Chronicles 14:13-15 - Plunder from the Cushites"). The consecration of this "spoil" to the LORD is highly significant. It signifies the people's explicit acknowledgment that their victory and subsequent enrichment were entirely due to God's intervention, making Him the rightful recipient of the firstfruits of their triumph rather than keeping it for themselves. It transforms material gain into an act of spiritual devotion.
* **Seven (Hebrew, _shebaʻ'_):** From H7651, a primitive cardinal number meaning "seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number." The repetition of "seven" in "seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep" is deeply symbolic. In biblical numerology, "seven" frequently represents completeness, perfection, divine fullness, or covenant. The amplified use of "seven" here emphasizes the immense, comprehensive, and wholehearted nature of the offering. It suggests a complete and perfect dedication of the spoil to the LORD, representing a thorough, unreserved, and divinely sanctioned act of national devotion, rather than a partial or reluctant giving.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they offered unto the LORD the same time,"**: This clause establishes the immediate context and recipient of the offering. "The same time" refers to the period directly following the great victory over Zerah the Cushite and the subsequent prophetic encouragement from Azariah. It highlights a prompt and unhesitating response to God's deliverance and word, underscoring the immediacy and sincerity of their gratitude and renewed commitment. The direction "unto the LORD" emphasizes that this was an act of worship and devotion solely to the God of Israel, acknowledging His supreme authority and benevolence.
* **"of the spoil [which] they had brought,"**: This specifies the unique source of the offering. The animals were not purchased or accumulated through ordinary means but were part of the vast plunder taken from the defeated Cushite army. This detail underscores the miraculous nature of their victory and the people's recognition that the wealth itself was a divine provision. By dedicating the "spoil," they publicly acknowledged God as the true victor and ultimate benefactor, affirming His sovereignty over their material gains.
* **"seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep."**: This quantifies the immense scale of the offering, representing a truly lavish and substantial sacrifice. The specific numbers, as elaborated in the "Key Word Analysis," carry profound symbolic weight. The repeated use of "seven" (seven hundred, seven thousand) reinforces the idea of a complete, perfect, and wholehearted national dedication. This staggering quantity signifies the depth of Judah's gratitude, the sincerity of their repentance, and the unreserved nature of their renewed covenant with God, demonstrating a truly magnificent outpouring of devotion.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance the impact and theological significance of this verse. **Numerology** is prominently featured, particularly through the repeated use of the number "seven" (seven hundred, seven thousand). This number, frequently associated with completeness, perfection, and divine covenant in biblical thought, emphasizes the thoroughness, wholeheartedness, and sacred nature of the people's dedication. The sheer magnitude of the offering – "seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep" – also functions as **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, not necessarily implying a precise literal count, but rather conveying the overwhelming abundance, generosity, and extraordinary scale of the offering. This highlights the people's profound gratitude and the exceptional nature of their commitment. Furthermore, the act of offering the "spoil" itself is highly **Symbolic**, representing the consecration of their victory and newfound prosperity to the God who granted it. This act visually acknowledges His absolute sovereignty, their dependence on Him, and their renewed covenant fidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The grand offering in 2 Chronicles 15:11 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of true worship and covenant faithfulness. It profoundly demonstrates that genuine spiritual revival is invariably accompanied by tangible, often sacrificial, expressions of gratitude and renewed commitment. The people's lavish generosity, drawn directly from the spoils of God's miraculous deliverance, underscores the principle that our response to divine grace should be proportionate to the blessings received. This act of corporate worship reinforces the enduring biblical truth that national prosperity, security, and well-being are intrinsically linked to national obedience and a wholehearted pursuit of God. It vividly illustrates the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship: God's faithfulness in granting victory is met by the people's faithfulness in offering their very best and renewing their vows. This reciprocal dynamic is a cornerstone of Old Testament theology, emphasizing that God honors those who honor Him.
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Blessings of Obedience and Covenant Faithfulness") - Illustrates the abundant blessings that flow from national obedience and wholehearted seeking of the LORD.
* [Nehemiah 8:1-12](/nehemiah/8-1-12 "Corporate Covenant Renewal and Joyful Response to God's Word") - Depicts another significant moment of corporate covenant renewal, public reading of the Law, and joyful, unified response to God's word, mirroring the spiritual fervor seen in Asa's day.
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Bringing the Whole Tithe and Receiving God's Blessing") - Calls for generous and complete giving to the LORD and promises divine blessing in return, echoing the principle of honoring God with one's substance and the firstfruits of all increase.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound act of worship in 2 Chronicles 15:11 offers timeless and deeply relevant lessons for believers today. Just as Judah responded to God's miraculous deliverance with an abundant offering, we too are called to cultivate a heart of profound and generous thanksgiving for the countless blessings, deliverances, and provisions we experience in our lives. Our gratitude should extend beyond mere verbal expressions, manifesting in tangible acts of devotion, selfless service, and sacrificial giving that truly reflect the immeasurable depth of God's grace towards us. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder for us to regularly examine and reaffirm our personal and corporate commitment to God. Are we living in faithful obedience to His covenant principles? Are we actively seeking Him with all our heart and soul, especially after experiencing His goodness, faithfulness, and intervention in our circumstances? Like the people of Judah, we have the opportunity to consciously and publicly reaffirm our dedication, offering our very best—our time, talents, resources, and indeed, our whole lives—to the One who has given us everything through Christ. True worship, as exemplified here, is not merely ritualistic or obligatory, but a heartfelt, generous, and comprehensive response to a faithful and benevolent God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life has God recently granted you a "victory" or a significant blessing? How have you expressed your gratitude to Him in a tangible and sacrificial way?**
* **What does "seeking the LORD with all your heart and soul" practically look like in your daily life, especially in light of the renewed commitment of Judah? Are there areas where your own dedication needs to be re-evaluated and strengthened?**
* **How does the overwhelming generosity of the people of Judah, offering from their spoils, challenge your personal approach to giving, stewardship, and the allocation of your resources?**
* **How can you participate more fully and wholeheartedly in corporate worship within your faith community, contributing to a deeper sense of unity, devotion, and collective gratitude towards God?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of offering such a large number of animals from the "spoil"?**

Answer: The primary purpose of this massive offering was multifaceted. It was, first and foremost, an act of profound thanksgiving to the LORD for His miraculous deliverance over the Cushite army, a public acknowledgment that the victory and the resulting wealth were entirely His doing. Secondly, it served as a tangible expression of the nation's renewed commitment to God's covenant, a sign of their repentance from past idolatry, and a demonstration of their wholehearted devotion to Him alone. The sheer scale and symbolic numbers (seven hundred oxen, seven thousand sheep) underscored the sincerity and completeness of their dedication, signifying a national turning back to God in a comprehensive and unreserved manner. This act paved the way for the formal and joyful covenant renewal described immediately after in [2 Chronicles 15:12-15](/2_chronicles/15-12-15 "2 Chronicles 15:12-15 - The Covenant Renewal").

**Does this verse imply that God requires large, material offerings for His favor?**

Answer: While this verse records a grand material offering, it is crucial to understand its context and the underlying spiritual principle. The emphasis is not on the *size* of the offering as a prerequisite for God's favor, but rather on the *heart* behind it—a heart overflowing with gratitude, renewed commitment, and obedience. God had already granted them victory *before* this offering was made. The offering was a *response* to His goodness and faithfulness, not a means to earn it. The prophet Azariah's message to Asa in [2 Chronicles 15:2](/2_chronicles/15-2 "2 Chronicles 15:2 - Azariah's Prophecy to Asa") clearly confirms this: "The LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you." The material offering was a visible manifestation of an internal spiritual reality—a renewed desire to seek and honor God. The New Testament similarly emphasizes that God desires a cheerful giver and a willing heart more than the quantity of the gift (e.g., [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")), and that the ultimate sacrifice is one of self (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The lavish offering of seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep in 2 Chronicles 15:11, while a powerful expression of Old Covenant worship and national gratitude, ultimately points forward to the infinitely greater and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The blood of these animals, though temporarily covering sin and symbolizing renewed covenant, could never truly take away sin or perfect the worshiper (cf. [Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Animal Sacrifices Cannot Take Away Sins")). Instead, these numerous sacrifices foreshadowed the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose single, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice on the cross inaugurated a new and eternal covenant, securing eternal redemption for all who believe (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Eternal Redemption")). Just as Judah offered the spoils of their physical victory, believers today, having received the spiritual victory Christ secured over sin, death, and the devil (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Our Lord Jesus Christ")), are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). Our "spoil" is the new life, complete forgiveness, and eternal hope we have received through Him, prompting a wholehearted dedication that far surpasses any animal offering, culminating in worship that is "in spirit and truth" (cf. [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), a worship made possible only by the perfect sacrifice of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 14:13

And Asa and the people that [were] with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil.

2 Chronicles 14:15

They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.

1 Samuel 15:15

And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.

2 Chronicles 7:5

And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

Numbers 31:28

And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, [both] of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:

Numbers 31:29

Take [it] of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, [for] an heave offering of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 1:6

And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which [was] at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.