2 Chronicles 29:32

And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, [and] two hundred lambs: all these [were] for a burnt offering to the LORD.

And the number {H4557} of the burnt offerings {H5930}, which the congregation {H6951} brought {H935}, was threescore and ten {H7657} bullocks {H1241}, an hundred {H3967} rams {H352}, and two hundred {H3967} lambs {H3532}: all these were for a burnt offering {H5930} to the LORD {H3068}.

In all, the burnt offerings brought by the congregation totaled 70 bulls, 100 rams and 200 lambs; all these were for a burnt offering to ADONAI.

The number of burnt offerings the assembly brought was seventy bulls, a hundred rams, and two hundred lambs; all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD.

And the number of the burnt-offerings which the assembly brought was threescore and ten bullocks, a hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt-offering to Jehovah.

Commentary

Context

2 Chronicles 29:32 is situated within the account of King Hezekiah's extensive religious reforms and the purification of the Temple in Judah. After the spiritual decline under his father Ahaz, Hezekiah, in the first year of his reign, immediately set about restoring proper worship of the LORD. This chapter details the cleansing of the Temple by the Levites and priests, the sanctification of the altar, and the re-establishment of sacrifices. Verse 32 specifically highlights the immense quantity of animals brought by the congregation for burnt offerings, demonstrating the people's collective repentance and zeal for rededication.

Key Themes

  • Abundance of Sacrifice: The numbers—threescore and ten bullocks (70), one hundred rams, and two hundred lambs—totaling 370 animals, signify a lavish and generous offering. This was not a minimalist act but a profound expression of devotion and a desire for thorough atonement after years of neglect.
  • Corporate Repentance and Restoration: The phrase "which the congregation brought" emphasizes that this was a unified effort by the people of Judah, reflecting a collective turning back to God and a communal desire for spiritual restoration under Hezekiah's leadership.
  • Complete Dedication: The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: 'olah, meaning "that which ascends") symbolized complete surrender and dedication to the LORD, as the entire animal, save for the hide, was consumed by fire on the altar. It was an act of propitiation and consecration.
  • Zeal for Worship: The sheer volume of offerings underscores the renewed passion for God's worship and a commitment to re-establishing the covenant relationship that had been broken.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "burnt offering" is 'olah (עֹלָה), derived from a root meaning "to go up" or "to ascend." This highlights the nature of the sacrifice: it was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, ascending as a "sweet savor" to the LORD. This type of offering was distinct from other sacrifices because nothing was kept by the offerer or the priests, symbolizing total dedication and atonement. See Leviticus 1:3 for more on burnt offerings.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Wholehearted Giving: Just as the congregation brought abundant offerings, our worship and service to God should be generous and wholehearted, not grudging or minimal. It reflects the depth of our devotion.
  • Corporate Responsibility: The collective action reminds us of the importance of corporate worship and the communal responsibility of God's people to seek Him and participate in His work.
  • Understanding Sacrifice: While animal sacrifices are no longer necessary for atonement due to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the principle of dedication remains. We are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), fully consecrated to God's will.
  • The Need for Restoration: The narrative of Hezekiah's reforms highlights that periods of spiritual decline can be overcome through repentance, cleansing, and a renewed commitment to God's commands.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 8:63

    And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.

  • Ezra 6:17

    And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:21

    And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, [even] a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, [and] a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:

  • 1 Kings 3:4

    And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that [was] the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.
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