King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 29:32 Mean?

2 Chronicles 29:32 in the King James Version says “And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams,...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD.”

2 Chronicles 29:32 · KJV

Context

30

Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.

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. consecrated: or, filled your hand

32

And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD.

33

And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep.

34

But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests. did help: Heb. strengthened them

Read 2 Chronicles 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD.

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 · 16 words
וַיְהִ֞י1 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִסְפַּ֣ר2 of 16

“And the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

לְעֹלָ֥ה3 of 16

“all these were for a burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵבִ֣יאוּ5 of 16

“brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַקָּהָל֒6 of 16

“which the congregation”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

בָּקָ֣ר7 of 16

“bullocks”

H1241

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

שִׁבְעִ֔ים8 of 16

“was threescore and ten”

H7657

seventy

אֵילִ֥ים9 of 16

“rams”

H352

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

מָאתָ֑יִם10 of 16

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

כְּבָשִׂ֣ים11 of 16

“lambs”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

מָאתָ֑יִם12 of 16

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

לְעֹלָ֥ה13 of 16

“all these were for a burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

לַֽיהוָ֖ה14 of 16

“to the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כָּל15 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֵֽלֶּה׃16 of 16
H428

these or those

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 29:32 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 29:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 3:41 Kings 8:63Ezra 6:171 Chronicles 29:21

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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