2 Chronicles 29:22

So they killed the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled [it] on the altar: likewise, when they had killed the rams, they sprinkled the blood upon the altar: they killed also the lambs, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar.

So they killed {H7819} the bullocks {H1241}, and the priests {H3548} received {H6901} the blood {H1818}, and sprinkled {H2236} it on the altar {H4196}: likewise, when they had killed {H7819} the rams {H352}, they sprinkled {H2236} the blood {H1818} upon the altar {H4196}: they killed {H7819} also the lambs {H3532}, and they sprinkled {H2236} the blood {H1818} upon the altar {H4196}.

After slaughtering the bulls, the cohanim took the blood and splashed it against the altar. Next, they slaughtered the rams and splashed the blood against the altar and also slaughtered the lambs and splashed the blood against the altar.

So they slaughtered the bulls, and the priests took the blood and sprinkled it on the altar. They slaughtered the rams and sprinkled the blood on the altar. And they slaughtered the lambs and sprinkled the blood on the altar.

So they killed the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar: and they killed the rams, and sprinkled the blood upon the altar: they killed also the lambs, and sprinkled the blood upon the altar.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 29:22

This verse is situated during the early reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, a pivotal moment of spiritual revival and reform. After the idolatrous and negligent rule of his father, Ahaz, the Temple in Jerusalem had fallen into disrepair and defilement. Hezekiah immediately initiated a comprehensive cleansing and rededication of the Temple, restoring proper worship according to the Mosaic Law. Chapter 29 details this extensive purification process, which began with the sanctification of the Levites and priests, followed by a series of elaborate sacrifices to atone for the sins of the kingdom and to consecrate the altar and the people. Verse 22 specifically describes the commencement of the sin offerings, where the blood of the sacrificed animals—bullocks, rams, and lambs—was ritually applied to the altar, signifying purification and atonement.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Atonement Through Blood: The central act described is the sprinkling of blood on the altar. In the Old Covenant, blood was essential for atonement and purification, symbolizing life given in exchange for sin. This repetitive act underscored the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a divine provision for cleansing.
  • Obedience and Restoration: Hezekiah's meticulous adherence to the prescribed sacrificial rituals demonstrates a profound commitment to restoring proper worship and obedience to God's commands. This act was crucial for the spiritual renewal of Judah after a period of apostasy.
  • The Priestly Role: The priests played an indispensable role in receiving and applying the blood. They served as mediators between God and the people, carrying out the precise instructions for atonement, highlighting the importance of proper spiritual leadership.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "sprinkled" (זָרַק - zaraq) implies a forceful or energetic casting or splashing of the blood, rather than a gentle drizzle. This suggests a deliberate and thorough application, emphasizing the complete and decisive nature of the purification ritual. The repetition of the action for bullocks, rams, and lambs further stresses the systematic and comprehensive nature of the atonement being performed for the entire nation.

Practical Application and Significance

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled, 2 Chronicles 29:22 offers profound insights for today. It vividly illustrates humanity's need for atonement and God's provision for it. The repeated shedding and sprinkling of blood pointed forward to the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His blood, shed on the cross, provides complete and eternal forgiveness for sins, making the animal sacrifices unnecessary. Understanding this elaborate Old Covenant ritual deepens our appreciation for the simplicity and efficacy of the New Covenant in Christ, where spiritual cleansing is available through faith in His finished work. It reminds us that true reconciliation with God always requires a divine act of atonement.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 4:18

    And he shall put [some] of the blood upon the horns of the altar which [is] before the LORD, that [is] in the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which [is at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Leviticus 8:19

    And he killed [it]; and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

  • Leviticus 8:24

    And he brought Aaron's sons, and Moses put of the blood upon the tip of their right ear, and upon the thumbs of their right hands, and upon the great toes of their right feet: and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

  • Leviticus 1:5

    And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that [is by] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Leviticus 4:7

    And the priest shall put [some] of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which [is] in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which [is at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Leviticus 8:14

    ¶ And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering.

  • Leviticus 8:15

    And he slew [it]; and Moses took the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.
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