King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 29:22 Mean?

2 Chronicles 29:22 in the King James Version says “So they killed the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar: likewise, when they had ...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So they killed the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar: likewise, when they had killed the rams, they sprinkled the blood upon the altar: they killed also the lambs, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar.”

2 Chronicles 29:22 · KJV

Context

20

Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

21

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.

22

So they killed the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar: likewise, when they had killed the rams, they sprinkled the blood upon the altar: they killed also the lambs, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar.

23

And they brought forth the he goats for the sin offering before the king and the congregation; and they laid their hands upon them: forth: Heb. near

24

And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel: for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel.

Read 2 Chronicles 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So they killed the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar: likewise, when they had killed the rams, they sprinkled the blood upon the altar: they killed also the lambs, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Comprehensive restoration of worship beginning immediately. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַֽיִּשְׁחֲטוּ֙1 of 18

“So they killed”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

הַבָּקָ֔ר2 of 18

“the bullocks”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וַיְקַבְּל֤וּ3 of 18

“received”

H6901

to admit, i.e., take (literally or figuratively)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙4 of 18

“and the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֶת5 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדָּ֖ם6 of 18

“the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וַיִּזְרְק֥וּ7 of 18

“and sprinkled”

H2236

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃8 of 18

“it on the altar”

H4196

an altar

וַֽיִּשְׁחֲטוּ֙9 of 18

“So they killed”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

הָֽאֵלִ֗ים10 of 18

“the rams”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

וַיִּזְרְק֥וּ11 of 18

“and sprinkled”

H2236

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

הַדָּ֖ם12 of 18

“the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃13 of 18

“it on the altar”

H4196

an altar

וַֽיִּשְׁחֲטוּ֙14 of 18

“So they killed”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

הַכְּבָשִׂ֔ים15 of 18

“also the lambs”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

וַיִּזְרְק֥וּ16 of 18

“and sprinkled”

H2236

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

הַדָּ֖ם17 of 18

“the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃18 of 18

“it on the altar”

H4196

an altar

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 29:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 29:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:18Leviticus 8:19Leviticus 8:24Leviticus 1:5Hebrews 9:21-22Leviticus 8:14-15

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