Priests' role in reconciling to God?
What role did the priests play in reconciling the people to God in 29:24?

Setting the Scene

King Hezekiah has reopened and cleansed the long-neglected temple (2 Chron 29:3-19). With the sanctuary ready, he gathers the leaders and people for a nationwide return to covenant faithfulness.


Key Verse – 2 Chronicles 29:24

“Then the priests slaughtered the goats and presented their blood on the altar for sin to atone for all Israel, since the king had commanded the burnt offering and the sin offering for all Israel.”


Actions the Priests Took

• Handled the sacrificial animals—slaughtering the sin-offering goats on behalf of the nation.

• Carried the blood into the presence of God, applying it to the altar exactly as the Law required (Leviticus 4:20; 16:15-17).

• Performed the “presentation” (lit., offered up) of the blood, an act that Scripture repeatedly links with atonement (Leviticus 17:11).

• Obeyed royal command while exercising their unique, God-ordained office; no one else in Israel was authorized to do this (Numbers 3:10).

• Stood between a holy God and a sinful people, mediating reconciliation (“made atonement,” KJV; “to atone,”).


What Their Ministry Accomplished

• Removed guilt: The blood sacrifice covered (“kaphar,” to make atonement) Israel’s sins so fellowship could be restored (Leviticus 6:7).

• Re-opened access: Once atonement was made, the temple’s worship could continue with songs, offerings, and praise (2 Chron 29:25-30).

• Unified the nation: Offerings were made “for all Israel,” signaling national repentance and solidarity under God’s covenant.

• Demonstrated obedience: By following Mosaic prescriptions exactly, the priests affirmed God’s Word as the sole standard.

• Prefigured a greater Priest: Their mediating work foreshadowed the perfect, once-for-all mediation of Christ (Hebrews 9:11-14).


Rooted in the Law

• Priests represent the people before God (Exodus 28:29-30; Hebrews 5:1).

• Blood is required for atonement (Leviticus 17:11).

• Sin offerings cleanse both altar and worshipers (Leviticus 4:25-35).

• Only consecrated priests may handle sacrificial blood (Numbers 18:1-7).


Foreshadowed Fulfillment in Christ

• Jesus, the sinless High Priest, offers His own blood—no longer goats or bulls (Hebrews 9:24-26).

• He provides reconciliation once for all, accomplishing forever what the priests pictured temporarily (Romans 5:10-11).

• Through Him we have “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).


Living Out the Lesson Today

• Rest in completed atonement: Christ’s blood fully reconciles us—nothing more must be added (John 19:30).

• Maintain a priestly heart: As a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), believers now intercede for others and point them to the Savior.

• Honor God’s Word: The priests’ exact obedience challenges us to submit wholeheartedly to Scripture in every detail.

• Pursue corporate repentance: Hezekiah’s reforms show that whole communities can—and should—turn back to God together.

How does 2 Chronicles 29:24 emphasize the importance of atonement for sin today?
Top of Page
Top of Page