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2 Chronicles 29:21

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And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he commanded the priests the sons of Aaron to offer [them] on the altar of the LORD.

And they brought {H935} seven {H7651} bullocks {H6499}, and seven {H7651} rams {H352}, and seven {H7651} lambs {H3532}, and seven {H7651} he {H6842} goats {H5795}, for a sin offering {H2403} for the kingdom {H4467}, and for the sanctuary {H4720}, and for Judah {H3063}. And he commanded {H559} the priests {H3548} the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175} to offer {H5927} them on the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068}.

They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary and for Y'hudah; and he ordered the cohanim to offer them on the altar of ADONAI.

They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And the king commanded the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the LORD.

And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he-goats, for a sin-offering for the kingdom and for the sanctuary and for Judah. And he commanded the priests the sons of Aaron to offer them on the altar of Jehovah.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 29:21

This verse is situated in the early reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, a pivotal period of religious reform and spiritual revival. After the apostasy and idolatry of his father, King Ahaz, who had shut the doors of the temple and established pagan altars (2 Chronicles 28:24), Hezekiah immediately prioritized the restoration of true worship. In the very first month of his reign, he reopened and cleansed the Temple, commissioning the Levites and priests for this sacred task (2 Chronicles 29:3). 2 Chronicles 29:21 describes a crucial step in this process: the bringing of specific animals for a comprehensive sin offering to atone for the defilement of the kingdom, the sanctuary, and the people of Judah.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Atonement and Purification: The primary purpose of these sacrifices was to make atonement (kopher, covering) and purify the nation from the sins committed, especially during Ahaz's reign. The specific mention of "sin offering" (Hebrew: chattath) emphasizes the need for cleansing from defilement and rebellion against God.
  • Comprehensive Forgiveness: The offerings were made "for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah." This signifies a recognition that sin had permeated all aspects of national life – the leadership, the place of worship, and the people themselves. Hezekiah understood the need for a holistic cleansing.
  • Restoration of Right Worship: Hezekiah's actions demonstrated a fervent desire to bring Judah back into right relationship with God, following the Mosaic Law concerning sacrifices. This was a deliberate break from the past idolatry and a return to the covenant.
  • Significance of Numbers: The use of "seven" (seven bullocks, seven rams, seven lambs, seven he goats) is highly symbolic in biblical numerology, often representing completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. This suggests a thorough and complete act of purification and dedication.
  • Leadership in Repentance: King Hezekiah's initiative to command these offerings highlights the vital role of godly leadership in guiding a nation toward repentance and spiritual revival.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sin offering" (Hebrew: chattath, חַטָּאת) is significant. While it addresses guilt, its core meaning often relates to purification and cleansing from defilement caused by sin, rather than solely punishment for transgression. The blood of these animals was used to purify the altar and the sanctuary, making it holy again for God's presence.

Practical Application

The account in 2 Chronicles 29:21 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Need for Atonement: While Old Testament sacrifices pointed forward, they underscore humanity's universal need for atonement for sin. Christians understand that the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin is Jesus Christ, whose blood cleanses us completely (Hebrews 9:22).
  • Personal and Corporate Repentance: Just as Hezekiah led Judah in national repentance, individuals and communities today are called to acknowledge sin and turn back to God. This involves a deliberate cleansing of our lives from anything that defiles our relationship with Him.
  • Restoration of Worship: This passage encourages a continuous commitment to pure and sincere worship of God, free from idols or distractions that compromise our devotion. It reminds us to prioritize spiritual health in our lives and communities.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 4:3 (4 votes)

    If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.

  • Leviticus 4:14 (4 votes)

    When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Job 42:8 (3 votes)

    Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you [after your] folly, in that ye have not spoken of me [the thing which is] right, like my servant Job.

  • Ezekiel 45:23 (3 votes)

    And seven days of the feast he shall prepare a burnt offering to the LORD, seven bullocks and seven rams without blemish daily the seven days; and a kid of the goats daily [for] a sin offering.

  • Numbers 23:29 (2 votes)

    And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.

  • Ezra 8:35 (2 votes)

    [Also] the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats [for] a sin offering: all [this was] a burnt offering unto the LORD.

  • Numbers 23:14 (2 votes)

    And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on [every] altar.