2 Chronicles 29:33

KJV

And the consecrated things [were] six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the consecrated things {H6944} were six {H8337} hundred {H3967} oxen {H1241} and three {H7969} thousand {H505} sheep {H6629}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The consecrated gifts amounted to 600 oxen and 3,000 sheep.

Berean Standard Bible

And the consecrated offerings were six hundred bulls and three thousand sheep.

American Standard Version

And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 29:33 succinctly records the immense scale of the voluntary offerings brought by the congregation during King Hezekiah's profound spiritual reforms. Following the initial mandatory sacrifices for national atonement, these "consecrated things"—six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep—represent a remarkable outpouring of the people's renewed devotion, generosity, and commitment to restoring proper worship of Yahweh after decades of idolatry and neglect under King Ahaz.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of King Hezekiah's immediate and radical reforms at the outset of his reign. Chapters 29-31 of 2 Chronicles detail his zealous efforts to reverse the spiritual decay of his father, Ahaz. Hezekiah's first act was to reopen and purify the Temple, which had been defiled and neglected ([2 Chronicles 29:3](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3 - Hezekiah's Initial Reforms")). Following the Levites' meticulous cleansing and the priests' offering of sin offerings and burnt offerings for all Israel ([2 Chronicles 29:20-24](/2_chronicles/29-20 "2 Chronicles 29:20-24 - Priests Offer Sacrifices for Atonement")), the congregation was invited to bring their own sacrifices. Verse 33 specifically enumerates the "consecrated things" that were brought as voluntary burnt offerings and peace offerings, demonstrating the people's eager participation and the culmination of the purification and dedication process described from [2 Chronicles 29:31](/2_chronicles/29-31 "2 Chronicles 29:31 - Congregation Brings Offerings").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah ascended the throne of Judah after the reign of his father, Ahaz, who had plunged the nation into deep idolatry, even closing the doors of the Temple and erecting altars to foreign gods throughout Jerusalem ([2 Chronicles 28:24-25](/2_chronicles/28-24 "2 Chronicles 28:24-25 - Ahaz's Idolatry")). This period marked a significant departure from the Mosaic covenant. Hezekiah's reforms were therefore a drastic and necessary national repentance, aiming to restore the covenant relationship with Yahweh. In ancient Israelite culture, sacrifices were central to worship, serving as means of atonement, thanksgiving, and dedication. The sheer volume of animals mentioned in 2 Chronicles 29:33 not only highlights the people's profound desire for reconciliation and rededication but also points to the economic capability and willingness of the populace to contribute such valuable resources, reflecting a widespread spiritual awakening.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in 2 Chronicles 29 and the broader Deuteronomistic history. First, it underscores **Abundant Sacrifice and Dedication**, demonstrating the people's overwhelming response to Hezekiah's call for spiritual renewal. The vast numbers signify a complete and unreserved turning back to God, a willingness to give generously of their most valuable possessions. Second, it is a testament to **National Renewal and Spiritual Restoration**. The collective act of bringing such immense offerings symbolizes a corporate repentance and a re-establishment of the covenant, moving from national apostasy to a vibrant recommitment to Yahweh. This revival was not merely ceremonial but deeply impacted the nation's spiritual health, as seen in the subsequent celebration of the Passover ([2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - The Celebration of Passover")). Finally, the offerings highlight the theme of **Generosity and Voluntary Giving**. While initial sacrifices were prescribed, these "consecrated things" were voluntary contributions, showcasing a heart of cheerful and willing giving, a principle echoed later in the New Testament concerning Christian giving ([2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **consecrated things (Hebrew, _qodesh'_):** This term (קֹדֶשׁ) refers to that which is "holy," "set apart," or "dedicated" for sacred use. It is derived from the root _qadash_ (קָדַשׁ), meaning "to be holy." In this context, it emphasizes that these animals were not ordinary livestock but had been specifically designated, purified, and prepared for presentation before God in the Temple. Their status as "consecrated" underscored the solemnity and sacredness of the sacrificial act, making them fit for divine acceptance.
* **oxen (Hebrew, _baqar'_):** (בָּקָר) These large, strong animals were highly valuable in ancient agrarian societies, representing significant wealth and labor. As sacrificial animals, oxen were often used for major offerings, particularly burnt offerings, due to their size and cost. Their inclusion in such large numbers signifies the immense value and scale of the offerings, indicating a profound commitment and sacrifice on the part of the people.
* **sheep (Hebrew, _tso'n'_):** (צֹאן) Sheep were the most common sacrificial animals in Israelite worship, used for various types of offerings, including sin offerings, guilt offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings. While less valuable individually than oxen, their sheer number (three thousand) highlights the widespread participation of the populace and the comprehensive nature of the offerings, allowing many families to contribute according to their means.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the consecrated things":** This phrase introduces the specific items that were set apart for sacred purposes. It implies a prior act of dedication and purification, highlighting that these animals were not merely brought to the Temple but were deemed holy and fit for God's presence.
* **"[were] six hundred oxen":** The quantity of oxen indicates a substantial and costly offering. Oxen were typically reserved for significant sacrifices, often by the wealthy or for national atonement. This number points to a remarkable collective effort and generosity from the people of Judah, demonstrating their earnest desire for reconciliation and rededication to God.
* **"and three thousand sheep":** The even larger number of sheep further emphasizes the magnitude and comprehensiveness of the offerings. Sheep were more accessible to the general populace, suggesting widespread participation from all segments of society. This vast multitude of animals underscores the depth of the national repentance and the overwhelming response to Hezekiah's call for spiritual renewal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the profound impact of Hezekiah's reforms. **Enumeration** is prominently used, with the specific numbers "six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep" providing concrete detail that underscores the immense scale and magnitude of the offerings. This precision lends credibility and emphasizes the overwhelming generosity of the people. **Hyperbole**, while not strictly present in the sense of exaggeration, is implied by the sheer, almost unbelievable, volume of animals, which serves to impress upon the reader the extraordinary nature of this spiritual revival. The animals themselves function as **Symbolism**, representing not only the material wealth sacrificed but also the people's collective repentance, dedication, and desire for atonement. The vast numbers symbolize a complete turning back to God, a national act of worship and covenant renewal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The immense scale of sacrifices in 2 Chronicles 29:33 vividly illustrates the Old Testament understanding of atonement, holiness, and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. These "consecrated things" were not merely economic transactions but tangible expressions of a people seeking to bridge the chasm created by sin and restore fellowship with a holy God. The sheer volume underscores the seriousness of their past transgressions and the depth of their desire for reconciliation, reflecting the principle that sin requires a costly sacrifice. While these animal sacrifices served as a temporary means of covering sin and maintaining the covenant, they ultimately pointed to a greater, more perfect sacrifice to come. They taught Israel about the gravity of sin, the necessity of shedding blood for atonement, and the absolute holiness of God, who demands purity and dedication from His people.

* [Leviticus 1:3-9](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3-9 - Regulations for Burnt Offerings")
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 29:33, with its overwhelming display of sacrifice and dedication, offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as Judah recognized the need for radical repentance and costly offerings to restore their relationship with God, so too are we called to examine our own lives for areas of spiritual neglect or idolatry. True repentance involves more than mere words; it demands a willingness to "consecrate" or set apart aspects of our lives—our time, talents, resources, and even our deepest desires—for God's purposes. The generosity seen in Judah reminds us that our worship should not be stingy or half-hearted, but marked by a cheerful and abundant giving of ourselves to the Lord. Furthermore, this passage highlights the potential for corporate spiritual renewal when leaders and people unite in seeking God's face and faithfully restoring biblical principles. It challenges us to consider what "costly sacrifices" we might be called to make, individually and corporately, to truly honor God and experience genuine revival in our homes, churches, and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "consecrated things" (time, talents, resources, desires) might God be calling me to set apart for Him in a fresh way?**
* **How does the scale of Judah's offerings challenge my own understanding and practice of generosity in worship?**
* **In what areas of my life or my community is spiritual renewal most needed, and what "sacrifices" might be required to pursue it?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of sincere repentance and wholehearted dedication, mirroring the spirit of Judah in this passage?**

### FAQ
**Why were so many animals needed for these offerings?**

Answer: The immense number of animals—six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep—was necessary for several reasons, reflecting the comprehensive nature of Hezekiah's reforms. Firstly, after decades of apostasy under King Ahaz, a massive national atonement was required to cleanse the land and people from widespread sin and defilement. Different types of offerings (sin offerings, burnt offerings, peace offerings) each required specific animals. Secondly, the sheer volume demonstrated the people's profound repentance and their overwhelming desire to rededicate themselves to God. It was a visible, tangible expression of their collective commitment and generosity, showing that the revival was widespread and deeply felt, not just a superficial ritual. Finally, the offerings were designed to be comprehensive, involving the entire nation in a grand act of worship and covenant renewal, symbolizing a complete turning back to Yahweh. The text notes that these were "voluntary offerings" from the congregation, indicating a willing and abundant response beyond the initial mandatory sacrifices ([2 Chronicles 29:31-32](/2_chronicles/29-31 "2 Chronicles 29:31-32 - Voluntary Offerings Commence")).

**What does "consecrated things" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: In 2 Chronicles 29:33, "consecrated things" refers to the animals that had been specifically set apart and made holy for the purpose of sacrifice to God. The Hebrew term (_qodesh_) implies that these animals were not just ordinary livestock but had undergone a ritual designation, making them sacred and fit for presentation in the Temple. This concept is foundational to Old Testament worship, where only that which is pure and holy can be offered to a holy God. The act of consecration transformed them from common property into dedicated instruments of worship, emphasizing the solemnity and sacredness of the sacrificial system and the high regard for God's holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The vast array of "consecrated things"—six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep—offered during Hezekiah's reforms, while impressive in scale and sincerity, ultimately points to their own insufficiency and the need for a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice in Jesus Christ. The repeated and numerous animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant, though commanded by God, could only provide a temporary covering for sin, serving as a constant reminder of humanity's fallen state and the ongoing need for atonement ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law as a Shadow")). They foreshadowed the ultimate "consecrated thing"—the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ—who was set apart by God from eternity to be the perfect, spotless sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Unlike the blood of oxen and sheep, which could not truly take away sins ([Hebrews 10:11](/hebrews/10-11 "Hebrews 10:11 - Ineffectual Animal Sacrifices")), the precious blood of Christ, shed on the cross, cleanses us from all unrighteousness and offers eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"); [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, the abundance of offerings in 2 Chronicles 29:33, while demonstrating a national turning to God, ultimately magnifies the singular, complete, and eternally effective sacrifice of Christ, who truly consecrates us by His one offering forever ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ Perfects Those He Sanctifies")).

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.