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2 Chronicles 29:24

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And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel: for the king commanded [that] the burnt offering and the sin offering [should be made] for all Israel.

And the priests {H3548} killed {H7819} them, and they made reconciliation {H2398} with their blood {H1818} upon the altar {H4196}, to make an atonement {H3722} for all Israel {H3478}: for the king {H4428} commanded {H559} that the burnt offering {H5930} and the sin offering {H2403} should be made for all Israel {H3478}.

the cohanim slaughtered them and made a sin offering with their blood on the altar to make atonement for all Isra'el; for the king had ordered that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be for all Isra'el.

And the priests slaughtered the goats and put their blood on the altar for a sin offering, to make atonement for all Israel, because the king had ordered the burnt offering and the sin offering for all Israel.

and the priests killed them, and they made a sin-offering with their blood upon the altar, to make atonement for all Israel; for the king commanded that the burnt-offering and the sin-offering should be made for all Israel.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:24 describes a pivotal moment in King Hezekiah's spiritual reforms, highlighting the sacrificial system's role in making atonement for the nation of Israel. This verse details the priestly actions of offering sacrifices and applying the blood on the altar to achieve reconciliation, all at the king's express command for the benefit of the entire nation.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in 2 Chronicles 29, which recounts King Hezekiah's immediate actions upon ascending the throne. Unlike his idolatrous father, Ahaz, Hezekiah began his reign with a fervent commitment to restoring the pure worship of the Lord. The first month of his reign saw the reopening and cleansing of the Temple, which had been defiled and shut during Ahaz's rule. Following the purification, Hezekiah commanded the Levites and priests to consecrate themselves and then to offer sacrifices to make atonement for the kingdom, the sanctuary, and Judah. Verse 24 specifically focuses on the burnt offering and sin offering, emphasizing their purpose for "all Israel," signifying a national act of repentance and cleansing.

Key Themes

  • Atonement and Reconciliation: The central theme is the concept of atonement (Hebrew: kaphar, meaning "to cover" or "to purge"). The shedding of blood was prescribed by God as the means by which sins could be covered and reconciliation achieved between a holy God and sinful humanity. The blood applied to the altar symbolized the life given for the remission of sin, a principle foundational to the Old Covenant.
  • Divine Mandate and Obedience: King Hezekiah's command was not arbitrary but an act of obedience to God's law regarding sacrifices (see Leviticus 4 for sin offerings). His leadership facilitated the nation's return to God's prescribed methods of worship and purification.
  • Corporate Responsibility: The sacrifices were made "for all Israel," underscoring the idea of corporate sin and corporate atonement. The actions of individuals affected the whole nation, and likewise, the nation's repentance and reconciliation brought blessing to all.
  • Restoration of True Worship: This act of sacrifice was a critical step in the spiritual revival under Hezekiah, signifying the restoration of proper relationship with God after years of apostasy. It highlights the importance of adhering to God's instructions for worship.

Linguistic Insights

The term "atonement" in this verse comes from the Hebrew word kaphar (כָּפַר), which fundamentally means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation." It conveys the idea of a covering for sin that allows God's holiness to be maintained while mercy is extended to the repentant. The phrase "made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar" directly translates this concept, emphasizing the vital role of the lifeblood of the sacrifice in mediating between God and humanity.

Reflection and Application

While Old Testament sacrifices provided a temporary covering for sin, they pointed forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The shedding of His blood on the cross accomplished a complete and eternal atonement for all who believe, fulfilling the shadows of the Old Covenant (see Hebrews 10:10). This verse reminds us of:

  • The seriousness of sin and the necessity of its atonement.
  • God's provision for reconciliation, both in the Old Testament sacrificial system and supremely in Christ.
  • The importance of leadership in guiding a community towards spiritual restoration and obedience to God's commands.

Just as Hezekiah led Israel to cleanse their spiritual house, believers today are called to acknowledge sin and embrace the perfect reconciliation offered through Christ Jesus.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 2:17 (2 votes)

    Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

  • Ezekiel 45:17 (2 votes)

    And it shall be the prince's part [to give] burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.

  • Leviticus 14:20 (2 votes)

    And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meat offering upon the altar: and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean.

  • Colossians 1:20 (2 votes)

    And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

  • Colossians 1:21 (2 votes)

    And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

  • 2 Corinthians 5:18 (2 votes)

    And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21 (2 votes)

    For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.