2 Chronicles 29:24
And the priests slaughtered the goats and put their blood on the altar for a sin offering, to make atonement for all Israel, because the king had ordered the burnt offering and the sin offering for all Israel.
And the priests slaughtered the goats
In the Old Testament sacrificial system, priests played a crucial role as mediators between God and the people. The act of slaughtering goats for a sin offering was a prescribed ritual in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 4:24). Goats were often used for sin offerings, symbolizing the removal of sin and impurity. This act signifies the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.

and put their blood on the altar for a sin offering
The blood of the sacrificed animal was a vital component of the atonement process. According to Leviticus 17:11, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls." The altar was the designated place for offerings, symbolizing God's presence and the need for purification from sin.

to make atonement for all Israel
Atonement involves reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through the sacrificial system. This phrase highlights the communal aspect of the offering, emphasizing that the sin offering was made on behalf of the entire nation of Israel. It reflects the collective responsibility and need for national repentance and forgiveness.

because the king had ordered the burnt offering and the sin offering for all Israel
King Hezekiah's leadership in ordering these offerings demonstrates his commitment to restoring proper worship and obedience to God. This act of national repentance and renewal is a response to the previous period of idolatry and neglect of the temple under King Ahaz. Hezekiah's reforms are detailed in 2 Chronicles 29-31, showing his dedication to reestablishing the covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms and restored temple worship. He is known for his faithfulness to God and efforts to bring the people back to the covenant.

2. Priests
The Levitical priests who were responsible for performing the sacrifices and maintaining the temple rituals. They played a crucial role in the atonement process.

3. Goats
The animals used for the sin offering. In the Hebrew tradition, goats were often used in sacrificial rituals to atone for the sins of the people.

4. Altar
The place where sacrifices were made. It was central to the worship practices in the temple and symbolized the meeting place between God and His people.

5. Israel
Refers to the collective people of God, including both the northern and southern kingdoms. The sin offering was made on behalf of all Israel, signifying unity and collective repentance.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of Atonement
Atonement is essential for restoring the relationship between God and His people. The sacrificial system in the Old Testament points to the need for a mediator and the seriousness of sin.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
Hezekiah's leadership demonstrates the impact of godly leadership in guiding people back to true worship. Leaders today are called to prioritize spiritual renewal and obedience to God's commands.

Unity in Repentance
The sin offering for all Israel signifies the importance of collective repentance and unity in seeking God's forgiveness. As believers, we are called to intercede for one another and seek communal restoration.

Foreshadowing Christ's Sacrifice
The Old Testament sacrifices foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who atoned for the sins of all humanity. Understanding this connection deepens our appreciation for Christ's work on the cross.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Hezekiah's leadership in 2 Chronicles 29 inspire you to take initiative in your own spiritual community?

2. In what ways does the role of the priests in this passage reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?

3. How can the concept of collective repentance be applied in your church or community setting?

4. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance your appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your personal and communal worship aligns with biblical principles of atonement and repentance?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 4
Provides detailed instructions on sin offerings, highlighting the importance of blood for atonement and the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people.

Hebrews 9:22
Emphasizes that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Isaiah 53
Describes the suffering servant who bears the sins of many, foreshadowing the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ.
Confession, Propitiation, ConsecrationW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 29:20-24
The Re-Dedication of the TempleT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 29:20-36
People
Aaron, Abdi, Abijah, Ahaz, Amasai, Asaph, Azariah, David, Elizaphan, Esther, Gad, Gershonites, Heman, Hezekiah, Jeduthun, Jehalelel, Jehiel, Jeiel, Jeuel, Joah, Joel, Kish, Kohathites, Levites, Mahath, Mattaniah, Merari, Merarites, Nathan, Shemaiah, Shimei, Shimri, Uzziel, Zechariah, Zimmah
Places
Holy Place, Jerusalem, Kidron
Topics
Altar, Atone, Atonement, Blood, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Commanded, Death, Goats, Killed, Offering, Ordered, Orders, Presented, Priests, Purged, Purification, Reconciliation, Sin, Sin-offering, Slaughter, Slaughtered
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 29:3-36

     7390   Levites

2 Chronicles 29:15-31

     8271   holiness, purpose

2 Chronicles 29:20-24

     4615   bull

2 Chronicles 29:21-24

     6648   expiation

2 Chronicles 29:22-24

     7454   sprinkling

Library
A Godly Reformation
'Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. 2. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. 3. He in the first year of his reign, in the first mouth, opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and repaired them. 4. And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Sacrifice Renewed
'Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have cleansed all the house of the Lord, and the altar of burnt-offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the shew-bread table, with all the vessels thereof. 19. Moreover, all the vessels, which king Ahaz in his reign did cast away in his transgression, have we prepared and sanctified, and, behold, they are before the altar of the Lord. 20. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 Cor. vii. 1. That holiness is more than cleansing, and must be preceded by it, is taught us in more than one passage of the New Testament. 'Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.' 'If a man cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
2 Chronicles 29:24 NIV
2 Chronicles 29:24 NLT
2 Chronicles 29:24 ESV
2 Chronicles 29:24 NASB
2 Chronicles 29:24 KJV

2 Chronicles 29:24 Commentaries

Bible Hub
2 Chronicles 29:23
Top of Page
Top of Page