2 Chronicles 29:23

KJV

And they brought forth the he goats [for] the sin offering before the king and the congregation; and they laid their hands upon them:

KJV (with Strong's)

And they brought forth {H5066} the he goats {H8163} for the sin offering {H2403} before {H6440} the king {H4428} and the congregation {H6951}; and they laid {H5564} their hands {H3027} upon them:

Complete Jewish Bible

After bringing the male goats for the sin offering close to the king and the assembly and laying their hands on them,

Berean Standard Bible

Then they brought the goats for the sin offering before the king and the assembly, who laid their hands on them.

American Standard Version

And they brought near the he-goats for the sin-offering before the king and the assembly; and they laid their hands upon them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 29:23 describes a crucial moment in King Hezekiah's spiritual reformation of Judah, detailing the presentation of he-goats for the sin offering before the assembled king and congregation. This act, culminating in the symbolic laying on of hands, was a vital step in the nation's purification and atonement, re-establishing the divinely ordained sacrificial system after years of neglect and idolatry under previous kings. It profoundly underscores the need for cleansing from sin to restore right relationship with God and facilitate proper worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the detailed account of King Hezekiah's immediate and radical reforms upon ascending the throne of Judah. The preceding verses in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms") describe Hezekiah's command to the Levites to cleanse and consecrate the defiled Temple, a painstaking process that took sixteen days, culminating in the purification of the altar and the holy place ([2 Chronicles 29:16-17](/2_chronicles/29-16-17 "2 Chronicles 29:16-17 - Cleansing of the Temple")). Following this essential purification, the king and the city officials gathered in the Temple to offer sacrifices for the entire kingdom, the sanctuary, and Judah ([2 Chronicles 29:20-21](/2_chronicles/29-20-21 "2 Chronicles 29:20-21 - Hezekiah's Sacrifices")). Verse 23 specifically zeroes in on the sin offering, which was foundational for the atonement necessary before other sacrifices of fellowship and thanksgiving could be properly offered. The subsequent verses detail the actual offering, the joyful worship, and the establishment of the Levitical service, marking a profound national spiritual renewal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah's reign (c. 715-686 BC) followed that of his father, Ahaz, who had plunged Judah into deep idolatry, closing the Temple doors and promoting pagan worship throughout the land ([2 Chronicles 28:24-25](/2_chronicles/28-24-25 "2 Chronicles 28:24-25 - Ahaz's Idolatry")). Hezekiah's reforms were thus a dramatic reversal, aimed at restoring the Mosaic covenant and the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The sacrificial system described here was an integral part of Israelite religious life, meticulously detailed in the Torah, particularly in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Offerings"). The "sin offering" (חַטָּאת, _chatta't_) was crucial for purifying individuals and the community from ritual impurity and unintentional sins, making them acceptable to approach a holy God. The act of laying hands on the animal was a well-established ritual, symbolizing identification and the transfer of guilt or impurity from the worshiper to the sacrificial victim, a practice rooted in ancient Near Eastern traditions but divinely ordained for Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - History of Kings and Temple Worship") and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **necessity of atonement and purification** for sin, emphasizing that fellowship with a holy God requires a covering for human transgression. The defilement of the Temple and the land under Ahaz necessitated a comprehensive cleansing, beginning with the sin offering. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **corporate responsibility and national repentance**, as the sin offering was made "before the king and the congregation," signifying a collective acknowledgment of sin and a united turning back to God. This contrasts sharply with the individualistic idolatry under Ahaz and emphasizes the communal impact of sin and the need for communal restoration. Thirdly, it demonstrates the **restoration of proper worship** and adherence to God's covenant commands, a recurring motif in the Deuteronomistic history. Hezekiah's actions here are a testament to his commitment to bringing Judah back into alignment with the divine will, ensuring that the Temple, the heart of Israelite worship, was once again consecrated for its intended purpose. The meticulous adherence to the sacrificial rites, including the laying on of hands, reinforces the theme of **divine order and ritual precision** required for approaching God, echoing the instructions found in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Offerings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **he goats (Hebrew, _sâʻîyr'_):** (H8163) This term refers to a "shaggy" animal, specifically a male goat. In the context of the sin offering, the selection of he-goats was prescribed for certain communal or leadership offerings, as seen in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Law of the Sin Offering") for a ruler's sin offering, or for specific purification rituals on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:5](/leviticus/16-5 "Leviticus 16:5 - Animals for the Day of Atonement")). Their use here signifies the specific nature of the offering as a corporate purification for the kingdom, sanctuary, and Judah, aligning with the detailed instructions for national atonement.
* **sin offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** (H2403) This Hebrew term, derived from the root meaning "to miss the mark" or "to sin," refers in a cultic context to an "offering for sin" or "purification offering." Its primary purpose was to cleanse from ritual impurity or unintentional sin that defiled the people or the sanctuary, making them unfit for God's holy presence. Unlike guilt offerings (_'asham_), which often involved restitution, the _chatta't_ focused on purification and restoration of a right standing before God, allowing the community to re-enter a state of holiness necessary for worship. It addressed the defilement caused by sin, rather than the guilt itself.
* **laid (Hebrew, _çâmak'_):** (H5564) This verb means "to prop," "to lean upon," "to rest upon," or "to support." In the context of sacrifices, particularly when combined with "hands" (Hebrew, _yâd_, H3027), it describes the ritual act of the offerer pressing his hands firmly upon the head of the sacrificial animal. This gesture was profoundly symbolic, signifying identification with the animal and, crucially, the transfer of the offerer's sins, guilt, or impurity onto the innocent victim. It was an act of confession and a visual representation of the substitutionary nature of the sacrifice, where the animal bore the burden of the worshiper's transgression. This ritual was essential for the efficacy of the sin offering, making the animal a legitimate substitute for the defiled or sinful party.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they brought forth the he goats [for] the sin offering before the king and the congregation;":** This clause describes the initial action of presenting the specific animals required for the sin offering. The "he goats" were chosen according to Mosaic law for a corporate sin offering, indicating the gravity and scope of the national defilement that needed to be addressed. The phrase "before the king and the congregation" emphasizes the public, corporate, and official nature of this act. It was not a private individual's offering but a national act of repentance and purification, led by the highest authority in the land (the king) and participated in by the entire assembly. This communal aspect highlights the collective responsibility for the nation's spiritual state and the need for a unified approach to atonement.
* **"and they laid their hands upon them:":** This second clause details the crucial ritual act following the presentation of the animals. The "they" refers to the representatives of the king and the congregation, likely the king himself and the leaders of the assembly, who acted on behalf of the entire nation. By laying their hands upon the heads of the he-goats, they ritually transferred the accumulated sins and impurities of the king, the priests, and the entire congregation onto these innocent animals. This act was essential for the sin offering to be effective, symbolizing the substitutionary bearing of sin by the victim, which would then be sacrificed to make atonement for the people. It was a solemn, tangible expression of the transfer of guilt and the identification of the offerer with the sacrifice, making the animal a legitimate substitute for the defiled or sinful party.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. **Ritual** is paramount, as the entire scene describes a precise, divinely ordained sequence of actions (bringing forth, laying on of hands, subsequent sacrifice) that carry profound theological meaning. The meticulous adherence to these rituals underscores their importance in restoring order and purity in the sight of a holy God. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded, particularly in the "he goats" representing the innocent substitute, and the "laying on of hands" symbolizing the transfer of sin and identification. The animals are not merely objects but living symbols of the nation's sin and the divinely appointed means of its atonement. Furthermore, the public nature of the act, "before the king and the congregation," serves as a **public declaration** and a visual testament to the nation's repentance and commitment to returning to God. This communal participation reinforces the idea of corporate responsibility and the collective need for purification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The act described in 2 Chronicles 29:23 is deeply rooted in the Old Testament theology of sin, sacrifice, and atonement. It affirms the absolute holiness of God, which necessitates a means of purification for sinful humanity to approach Him. The sin offering, with its ritual of laying on of hands and the subsequent shedding of blood, powerfully illustrates the principle that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood Atonement")). This foundational truth underscores the gravity of sin and the costly nature of reconciliation. Hezekiah's actions demonstrate a commitment to restoring the covenant relationship, acknowledging that national well-being and divine favor are contingent upon obedience and proper worship. The corporate nature of this offering also highlights the interconnectedness of sin and salvation within a community, emphasizing that the actions of leaders and the collective spiritual state impact the entire nation.

* [Leviticus 16:21-22](/leviticus/16-21-22 "Leviticus 16:21-22 - Laying Hands on the Scapegoat")
* [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 29:23, though describing an ancient ritual, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that sin is a serious matter, creating a barrier between humanity and a holy God, and that true restoration always begins with acknowledging and addressing sin. Hezekiah's immediate and comprehensive response to national defilement serves as a powerful model for spiritual leadership and corporate repentance within the church today. Just as the he-goats bore the sins of Israel, we are called to recognize the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice, which provides the ultimate and perfect atonement for our sins. This verse challenges us to consider our own need for purification, both individually and corporately, and to actively participate in the ongoing work of spiritual renewal in our lives and communities. It calls us to a deep appreciation for the holiness of God and the profound cost of our redemption, fostering gratitude and a renewed commitment to living in a manner worthy of His calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the corporate nature of this sin offering challenge my understanding of individual versus communal responsibility for sin within the church today?**
* **What "defilement" or "idolatry" in my own life or community needs to be brought before God for purification and atonement, mirroring Hezekiah's actions?**
* **In what ways do I "lay my hands" on Christ, identifying with His sacrifice for my sin, and what does that look like in practical obedience and repentance?**

### FAQ
**Why were "he goats" specifically chosen for the sin offering in this context?**

Answer: The selection of "he goats" for the sin offering, particularly for the king or the entire congregation, was prescribed by Mosaic law, as detailed in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Law of the Sin Offering"). Different animals (bulls, female goats, lambs, doves) were specified for various types of sin offerings depending on the status of the offerer (priest, congregation, ruler, common person) and the nature of the sin. For the high priest or the whole congregation, a bull was typically required ([Leviticus 4:3](/leviticus/4-3 "Leviticus 4:3 - Sin Offering for the Anointed Priest") and [Leviticus 4:14](/leviticus/4-14 "Leviticus 4:14 - Sin Offering for the Whole Congregation")). However, for a ruler, a male goat was prescribed ([Leviticus 4:23](/leviticus/4-23 "Leviticus 4:23 - Sin Offering for a Ruler")), and in some cases, multiple goats were used for communal purification, such as on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:5](/leviticus/16-5 "Leviticus 16:5 - Animals for the Day of Atonement")). In 2 Chronicles 29:21, Hezekiah also offers seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven he-goats. The seven he-goats were specifically "for a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah," indicating a comprehensive purification for the entire nation and its sacred space, aligning with the broader Levitical prescriptions for communal atonement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ritual described in 2 Chronicles 29:23, with the bringing forth of the he-goats and the laying on of hands for the sin offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices, while divinely ordained and effective for their time, were inherently temporary and had to be repeated continually because "it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")). They served as shadows, pointing forward to the reality that was to come. Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the once-for-all sin offering, bearing the sins of humanity upon Himself. Just as the sins of the king and congregation were symbolically transferred to the he-goats, our sins were actually laid upon Christ on the cross, as prophesied by Isaiah: "The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all" ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")). His sacrifice was not merely a covering but a complete removal of sin, providing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Through His shed blood, we receive true purification and reconciliation with God, making access to the Father possible not through animal sacrifice, but through faith in the finished work of our great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). Hezekiah's reformation pointed to a deeper spiritual reality, now fully realized in the new covenant established by 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

Leviticus 4:15

And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock before the LORD: and the bullock shall be killed before the LORD.

Leviticus 4:24

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the LORD: it [is] a sin offering.

Leviticus 1:4

And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.