How does 2 Chronicles 29:22 illustrate the importance of blood sacrifice for atonement? Setting the Scene King Hezekiah has just reopened and cleansed the Temple after years of neglect under his father Ahaz. The nation has drifted into idolatry, and Hezekiah knows true reconciliation with God requires more than good intentions—it demands atoning sacrifice. Reading the Verse “Then they slaughtered the goats, and the priests took the blood and sprinkled it 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.” (2 Chronicles 29:22) Key Observations from 2 Chronicles 29:22 • Slaughtered goats – Sin offerings required the life of an unblemished animal (cf. Leviticus 4:23–24). • Blood sprinkled on the altar – The priests mediate by applying the blood to God’s appointed place. • Purpose stated plainly: “to make atonement for all Israel.” The shedding and application of blood are inseparable from forgiveness. • Royal authority aligns with divine mandate—Hezekiah “ordered” the offerings, showing that even kings submit to God’s redemptive pattern. Why Blood? Scriptural Foundations • 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.” • Exodus 12:13: The Passover blood causes the destroyer to “pass over” Israel, demonstrating substitutionary protection. • Hebrews 9:22: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” The New Testament confirms the principle established in the Old. These texts affirm that life must pay for life; sin incurs death (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23). God provides a substitute so the sinner might live. Blood Sacrifice and Atonement in the Old Testament 1. Daily and monthly sacrifices (Numbers 28–29) kept Israel in continual remembrance of sin and grace. 2. The annual Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) climaxed the sacrificial system, uniting priest, people, sanctuary, and blood. 3. Covenant inaugurations (Exodus 24:6–8) were sealed with blood, underscoring that relationship with God is founded on substitutionary life poured out. Foreshadowing the Cross • Isaiah 53:5–6 speaks of the Servant “pierced for our transgressions.” • John 1:29 identifies Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” • Hebrews 9:12–14 teaches that Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary “by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” • 1 Peter 1:18–19 reminds believers they were redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” Every goat, lamb, and bull in Israel’s history pointed forward to the once-for-all sacrifice of the Son of God. Practical Takeaways • Sin is costly; it always demands life. • God’s love provides the life required, ensuring justice and mercy meet. • Confidence in forgiveness rests not in our performance but in the shed blood God accepts. • Gratitude and worship flow naturally when we grasp the price of our atonement. |
    |