2 Chronicles 29:27
And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel.
Then Hezekiah commanded
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, is portrayed as a reformer and a man of action. The Hebrew root for "commanded" is צָוָה (tsavah), which implies a directive with authority. Hezekiah's leadership is pivotal in restoring proper worship in the temple, reflecting his commitment to the covenant with God. His command signifies a return to obedience and reverence for God's laws, setting a spiritual precedent for the nation.

that the burnt offering be offered
The "burnt offering," or עֹלָה (olah) in Hebrew, was a sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total devotion to God. This act of offering is deeply rooted in the Levitical laws (Leviticus 1), representing atonement and dedication. Hezekiah's insistence on the burnt offering underscores the importance of repentance and renewal in the life of Israel, aligning the nation back to God's will.

on the altar
The altar, מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) in Hebrew, is central to Israelite worship, serving as the place where sacrifices were made to God. It represents a meeting point between the divine and the human. By offering the burnt offering on the altar, Hezekiah reestablishes the sacredness of the temple as the heart of spiritual life in Judah, emphasizing the need for a consecrated space for worship.

As the offering began
The beginning of the offering marks a significant moment of transition from neglect to active worship. This phrase indicates a renewal of spiritual practices that had been abandoned. It is a call to action, reminding believers of the importance of initiating and maintaining a life of worship and dedication to God.

the song of the LORD
The "song of the LORD" refers to the sacred music and psalms used in temple worship. Music, in this context, is a powerful tool for expressing devotion and praise. The Hebrew word for song, שִׁיר (shir), often denotes a spiritual or religious hymn. This highlights the role of music in worship as a means to glorify God and uplift the congregation.

and the trumpets began to sound
Trumpets, or חֲצֹצְרָה (chatzotzerah) in Hebrew, were used in Israel for various purposes, including worship, signaling, and warfare. Their sound in this context signifies a call to worship and a proclamation of God's presence. The use of trumpets aligns with the instructions given in Numbers 10:10, where they are used to accompany sacrifices, symbolizing joy and celebration in the presence of God.

accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel
David, known as the "sweet psalmist of Israel," established the use of musical instruments in worship. The reference to "the instruments of David" connects Hezekiah's reforms to the Davidic tradition of worship, emphasizing continuity and fidelity to the worship practices ordained by God. This phrase underscores the importance of tradition and the role of music in creating a vibrant and dynamic worship experience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms to restore proper worship in the temple. He is known for his faithfulness to God and efforts to lead the nation back to righteousness.

2. Burnt Offering
A sacrificial offering made to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication. It was a central part of the worship practices in the temple.

3. The Altar
The sacred place in the temple where sacrifices were made. It represents the meeting point between God and His people.

4. Song of the LORD
A form of worship through music, likely involving psalms and hymns, which was an integral part of temple worship.

5. Instruments of David
Musical instruments established by King David for temple worship, emphasizing the importance of music in praising God.
Teaching Points
Restoration of True Worship
Hezekiah's command to offer the burnt offering signifies a return to authentic worship. Believers today are called to examine and restore their worship practices to align with biblical principles.

The Role of Music in Worship
The inclusion of music and instruments highlights the importance of worship through song. Music can be a powerful expression of devotion and should be used to glorify God.

Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
Hezekiah's leadership in reforming worship practices demonstrates the impact of godly leadership. Christians in leadership positions should guide others towards spiritual renewal and faithfulness.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The burnt offering symbolizes total dedication to God. Believers are encouraged to live sacrificially, dedicating their lives wholly to God's service.

Community Worship
The collective nature of the worship event, involving music and offerings, underscores the importance of communal worship. Christians are encouraged to gather and worship together, fostering unity and shared faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Hezekiah's leadership in restoring temple worship challenge us to evaluate our own worship practices today?

2. In what ways can music enhance our personal and communal worship experiences, as seen in the use of instruments in 2 Chronicles 29:27?

3. What parallels can we draw between the burnt offering in the Old Testament and the call to be living sacrifices in Romans 12:1?

4. How can we, like Hezekiah, take initiative in leading others towards spiritual renewal and authentic worship?

5. What role does community play in our worship, and how can we foster a sense of unity and shared purpose in our church gatherings?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 1
Provides detailed instructions on the burnt offering, highlighting its significance in atonement and worship.

Psalm 150
Emphasizes the use of musical instruments in worship, connecting to the instruments of David mentioned in 2 Chronicles 29:27.

1 Chronicles 23:5
Describes David's organization of temple musicians, showing the historical roots of musical worship in the temple.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the concept of the burnt offering as a dedication to God.
Sacrifice and SongJ. Ogle.2 Chronicles 29:27
The Re-Dedication of the TempleT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 29:20-36
The Public Worship of GodW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 29:26-36
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
Accompanied, Altar, Ascend, Blowing, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Cause, Commanded, David, Hands, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Horns, Instruments, Moment, Offer, Offered, Offering, Ordained, Order, Sacrifice, Singing, Song, Started, Trumpets
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 29:3-36

     7390   Levites

2 Chronicles 29:15-31

     8271   holiness, purpose

2 Chronicles 29:26-28

     5595   trumpet

2 Chronicles 29:27-28

     7960   singing

2 Chronicles 29:27-30

     8626   worship, places

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

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