2 Chronicles 29:31

Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.

Then Hezekiah {H3169} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, Now ye have consecrated {H4390}{H3027} yourselves unto the LORD {H3068}, come near {H5066} and bring {H935} sacrifices {H2077} and thank offerings {H8426} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}. And the congregation {H6951} brought in {H935} sacrifices {H2077} and thank offerings {H8426}; and as many as were of a free {H5081} heart {H3820} burnt offerings {H5930}.

Hizkiyahu responded by saying, "Now that you have consecrated yourselves to ADONAI, come close, and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of ADONAI. So the community brought in sacrifices and thank offerings, and as many as were willing volunteered burnt offerings.

Then Hezekiah said, “Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the LORD.” So the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings.

Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto Jehovah; come near and bring sacrifices and thank-offerings into the house of Jehovah. And the assembly brought in sacrifices and thank-offerings; and as many as were of a willing heart brought burnt-offerings.

Commentary

Context

This verse marks a pivotal moment in King Hezekiah's reign, specifically during his extensive religious reforms and the restoration of true worship in Judah. Following the idolatrous reign of his father, King Ahaz, the Temple had been defiled and neglected. Hezekiah, in his first year, immediately initiated a spiritual revival, beginning with the cleansing and consecration of the Temple and the purification of the Levites and priests. Having completed this essential preparation, Hezekiah now directs the congregation to bring their offerings, signaling the resumption of proper, God-honoring worship.

Key Themes

  • Preparation for Worship: The verse highlights the principle that true worship requires spiritual readiness. The priests and Levites first consecrated themselves, and then the people were invited to bring their offerings. This emphasizes the importance of a pure heart and cleansed space before approaching God.
  • Restoration of God's Ordinances: Hezekiah's command to bring "sacrifices and thank offerings" signifies a deliberate return to the Mosaic Law and the prescribed forms of worship that had been abandoned. It underscores the king's commitment to re-establish God's order.
  • Voluntary and Sincere Giving: The phrase "as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings" is crucial. While sacrifices were commanded, the additional burnt offerings given from a "free heart" demonstrate genuine devotion and willingness beyond mere obligation. This echoes the sentiment found in 2 Corinthians 9:7 about cheerful giving.
  • Thanksgiving and Atonement: The mention of both "sacrifices" (often for sin or dedication) and "thank offerings" (for expressing gratitude) shows a comprehensive approach to worship, acknowledging both God's holiness and His blessings.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "consecrated yourselves" comes from the Hebrew root qadash (קָדַשׁ), meaning to be set apart, purified, or made holy. It stresses the necessary spiritual and ritual cleansing undertaken by the priests and Levites before they could facilitate worship. The term "free heart" translates the Hebrew word nedabah (נְדָבָה), which refers to a freewill or voluntary offering. This emphasizes that the burnt offerings given by the congregation were not compulsory but flowed from a willing and generous spirit, indicative of genuine faith and devotion.

Practical Application

This passage offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that our approach to God should be preceded by spiritual preparation and a consecrated heart. Just as the Temple was cleansed, we are called to examine our lives and seek purification before engaging in worship. Furthermore, the emphasis on a "free heart" teaches us that God values our willingness, generosity, and sincere gratitude more than mere ritual. Our offerings, whether of time, talent, or treasure, are most pleasing to Him when given out of love and a genuine desire to honor Him, not out of compulsion or obligation.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 13:9 (4 votes)

    Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of [other] lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, [the same] may be a priest of [them that are] no gods.

  • Exodus 35:22 (3 votes)

    And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, [and] brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered [offered] an offering of gold unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 1:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

  • Leviticus 1:3 (2 votes)

    ¶ If his offering [be] a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.

  • Ezra 1:4 (2 votes)

    And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that [is] in Jerusalem.

  • Leviticus 7:12 (2 votes)

    If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.

  • Leviticus 23:38 (2 votes)

    Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD.