2 Chronicles 29:32

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 29:32 details the immense quantity of animals brought by the congregation of Judah for burnt offerings during King Hezekiah's Temple cleansing and restoration. This verse marks a pivotal moment in the nation's spiritual renewal, showcasing a profound and collective act of repentance, dedication, and zeal for the re-establishment of proper worship of the LORD after years of neglect and idolatry under King Ahaz. The sheer volume of the sacrifice underscores the depth of the people's desire for atonement and their commitment to a renewed covenant relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Hezekiah's immediate and radical religious reforms, initiated in the very first year of his reign (cf. [2 Chronicles 29:3](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3 - Hezekiah's Reforms Begin")). Chapters 29-31 of 2 Chronicles describe a comprehensive spiritual revival. Specifically, [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple") details the purification and sanctification of the Temple, which had been defiled and neglected under his father, King Ahaz. The Levites and priests diligently cleansed the sacred spaces ([2 Chronicles 29:5-19](/2_chronicles/29-5 "2 Chronicles 29:5-19 - Cleansing of the Temple")), after which Hezekiah commanded the re-establishment of sacrifices for atonement and thanksgiving. Verse 32, immediately following the king's command for offerings ([2 Chronicles 29:20-31](/2_chronicles/29-20 "2 Chronicles 29:20-31 - Sacrifices Offered")), highlights the people's enthusiastic response, providing the vast number of animals necessary for the burnt offerings, which were foundational to the restoration of proper worship. This abundance sets the stage for the subsequent joyous celebration and the re-establishment of Temple service.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah ascended the throne after the deeply apostate reign of his father, Ahaz, who had closed the Temple, built idolatrous altars throughout Jerusalem, and even sacrificed his own children ([2 Chronicles 28:1-4](/2_chronicles/28-1 "2 Chronicles 28:1-4 - Ahaz's Idolatry")). This period represented a severe spiritual decline for Judah, mirroring the northern kingdom of Israel's descent into idolatry. Hezekiah's immediate actions were a stark reversal, demonstrating a commitment to the Mosaic Covenant and the worship of Yahweh alone. In ancient Israelite culture, sacrifices, particularly the burnt offering, were central to atonement, consecration, and expressing devotion to God. The act of the "congregation" bringing such a large number of animals signifies a national, corporate repentance and a collective desire for reconciliation with God, reflecting a significant financial and communal investment in their spiritual restoration. The numbers themselves (70, 100, 200) would have been understood as a lavish, generous, and complete offering, far exceeding a mere token gesture.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **corporate repentance and restoration**, showing a unified national turning back to God after a period of profound spiritual apostasy. The phrase "which the congregation brought" emphasizes this communal effort, mirroring the corporate sin under Ahaz. Secondly, it highlights the **abundance and wholeheartedness of worship**, demonstrating that genuine repentance is often accompanied by lavish giving and zealous dedication to God. The sheer volume of the offerings signifies a desire for thorough atonement and complete consecration. Thirdly, the focus on the **burnt offering** (Hebrew: *'olah*) points to the theme of **complete dedication and atonement**, as this particular sacrifice symbolized total surrender and propitiation, with the entire animal consumed by fire. This act was essential for cleansing and re-establishing the covenant relationship between God and His people, setting the stage for the renewed joy and worship described later in [2 Chronicles 29:36](/2_chronicles/29-36 "2 Chronicles 29:36 - Joy in the Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt Offerings (Hebrew, _'olah_):** Derived from the root עָלָה (*'alah*), meaning "to go up" or "to ascend," the *'olah* was a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. Unlike other offerings where portions were returned to the offerer or priests, the burnt offering symbolized complete surrender, dedication, and atonement for sin. Its total consumption signified the worshiper's desire for full consecration and the comprehensive nature of the atonement sought. It was often offered for general sinfulness or as an act of devotion.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _qahal_):** This term refers to the assembled community or assembly of Israel. Its use here emphasizes that the offerings were not merely from the king or the priests, but from the collective body of the people. This highlights the corporate nature of their repentance and their shared participation in the spiritual renewal. It signifies a national, unified response to Hezekiah's call for restoration, demonstrating a widespread desire to return to the LORD.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal covenant name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or rendered as "LORD" in English Bibles. Its presence here underscores that these sacrifices were directed specifically to the one true God of Israel, distinguishing them from the idolatrous practices prevalent under Ahaz. The offerings were not for any pagan deity but for the God who had established a covenant with His people and was now re-establishing that relationship through their acts of worship and dedication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, [and] two hundred lambs":** This clause provides the specific, impressive inventory of animals offered. "Threescore and ten" (70) bullocks, "an hundred" (100) rams, and "two hundred" (200) lambs total 370 animals. The phrase "which the congregation brought" is crucial, emphasizing the collective participation and ownership of this act of worship by the entire community, not just the king or the Levitical priesthood. This demonstrates a widespread, national commitment to the restoration of proper worship and atonement.
* **"all these [were] for a burnt offering to the LORD":** This concluding phrase clarifies the purpose and recipient of these numerous sacrifices. They were exclusively "for a burnt offering," meaning they were entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and propitiation. The explicit mention "to the LORD" (YHWH) underscores that these acts of worship were directed solely to the God of Israel, in stark contrast to the idolatrous practices that had previously defiled the land and the Temple. This reaffirms the covenant relationship and the exclusive worship of Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sheer volume of animals mentioned (370 in total), which, while perhaps literally accurate, also serves to emphasize the overwhelming generosity and zeal of the congregation. This abundance underscores the magnitude of their repentance and dedication. **Symbolism** is central, as the "burnt offering" itself is a potent symbol of complete surrender, atonement, and consecration, with the entire animal ascending in smoke as a "sweet savor" to God. The specific types of animals (bullocks, rams, lambs) also carry symbolic weight, representing valuable and pure offerings. Furthermore, the **repetition** of the phrase "burnt offering" (implied in the first clause and explicit in the second) highlights the singular purpose and significance of these sacrifices as acts of total dedication to the LORD.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the theological principle that genuine repentance and spiritual restoration are often marked by lavish and wholehearted dedication to God. The sheer volume of sacrifices reflects a profound understanding of the gravity of their past sin and the immense cost of reconciliation. It underscores the Old Testament emphasis on corporate responsibility and corporate worship, where the spiritual health of the nation was tied to the faithfulness of its people as a collective. The burnt offering, symbolizing complete surrender and atonement, points to the holiness of God and the necessity of a perfect, unreserved offering to bridge the gap between sinful humanity and a righteous God. This act of national cleansing and rededication foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect sacrifice that would truly and completely atone for sin, not just cover it temporarily.

* [Leviticus 1:3-9](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3-9 - Law of the Burnt Offering")
* [Ezra 8:35](/ezra/8-35 "Ezra 8:35 - Post-Exilic Offerings")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - The Sacrifice God Desires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The overwhelming generosity and corporate zeal displayed by the congregation in 2 Chronicles 29:32 offer a profound challenge and inspiration for believers today. It reminds us that our worship and service to God should not be minimal or grudging, but rather flow from a heart of genuine repentance and wholehearted devotion. Just as the people brought their best and their abundance, we are called to offer our lives—our time, talents, resources, and affections—as a living sacrifice, fully consecrated to God's will. This verse also highlights the vital importance of corporate worship and communal responsibility within the body of Christ. When one part of the body suffers spiritual decline, the whole body is affected, and conversely, a collective turning back to God can usher in powerful seasons of renewal and blessing. It prompts us to consider if our own individual and collective expressions of faith truly reflect a deep desire for God's presence and a willingness to give generously for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be offering a "minimal" sacrifice to God, rather than a wholehearted and abundant one?**
* **How does the corporate act of the congregation in this verse challenge my understanding of communal worship and shared responsibility within the church today?**
* **What does "complete dedication" look like in my daily walk with Christ, considering that animal sacrifices are no longer required?**
* **How can I contribute to a spirit of renewed zeal and spiritual restoration within my own faith community?**

### FAQ
**Why did they need so many animals for one offering?**
Answer: The immense number of animals (370 in total) for the burnt offering in [2 Chronicles 29:32](/2_chronicles/29-32 "2 Chronicles 29:32 - Abundant Burnt Offerings") signifies the scale of the national repentance and restoration under King Hezekiah. After years of neglect and idolatry under King Ahaz, the Temple had been defiled, and the people had strayed far from God. This was not a routine offering but a grand, national act of atonement and rededication. The large quantity symbolized the depth of their collective sin, the comprehensive nature of the cleansing required, and the overwhelming zeal and generosity of the congregation in seeking reconciliation with God. It was a lavish expression of devotion, far exceeding a token gesture, demonstrating a profound desire for God's favor and the re-establishment of the covenant.

**What was the significance of a "burnt offering" compared to other sacrifices?**
Answer: The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: *'olah*) was unique among the various Old Testament sacrifices because the entire animal (except for the hide, which went to the priests) was consumed by fire on the altar. This complete consumption symbolized total surrender, dedication, and atonement. Unlike peace offerings (where the offerer received a portion) or sin/guilt offerings (which dealt with specific transgressions), the burnt offering was often offered for general sinfulness, as an act of worship, or for consecration. Its ascending smoke was considered a "sweet savor" to the LORD, signifying His acceptance of the worshiper's complete devotion. This type of offering, therefore, represented a comprehensive act of propitiation and a desire for unreserved fellowship with God, as detailed in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Law of Burnt Offerings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The multitude of burnt offerings in 2 Chronicles 29:32, though impressive in scale and sincerity, ultimately pointed forward to the single, perfect, and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament burnt offerings, with their complete consumption, symbolized the total dedication and atonement required to reconcile sinful humanity with a holy God. However, these animal sacrifices were merely a shadow, unable to truly take away sin ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Animal Sacrifices Cannot Take Away Sins")). They had to be repeated continually, highlighting their insufficiency. In contrast, Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), fulfilling the symbolic completeness of the burnt offering. His sacrifice was not merely a covering but a complete removal of sin, making perfect those who are being sanctified ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ Perfects Forever")). Through His finished work on the cross, He achieved the ultimate reconciliation and opened the way for believers to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), not of animals, but of wholehearted devotion and obedience, empowered by His Spirit. The abundance of offerings in Hezekiah's day foreshadowed the immeasurable abundance of God's grace and the infinite value of Christ's one, perfect offering.

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

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.