What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 15:11? At that time – The phrase ties the sacrifice to a specific historical moment: the assembly “in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign” (2 Chron 15:10). – It follows Asa’s victory over Zerah the Cushite (2 Chron 14:9-15) and the prophetic word from Azariah son of Oded (2 Chron 15:1-7), showing an immediate, grateful response to God’s deliverance. – Scripture often links timely obedience with blessing, as in Joshua 8:30-31 and Ezra 6:16-18. they sacrificed – Worship moved beyond words to action; the entire community participated (compare 2 Chron 29:20-24). – Sacrifice remained the God-ordained means of expressing devotion and atonement (Leviticus 1:3-9; Hebrews 9:22). – Their willing giving echoes Samuel’s reminder that “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22), because true sacrifice flows from obedient hearts. to the LORD – The covenant name (YHWH) underscores exclusive allegiance (Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 4:10). – Asa had just removed foreign altars (2 Chron 15:8), so the direction of worship is clear and uncompromised. – Psalm 50:14 links thank offerings with genuine gratitude, exactly what Asa and the people display here. seven hundred oxen – Oxen were valuable, large animals used for labor and for high-value offerings (1 Kings 8:63). – The substantial number signals costly thanksgiving—mirroring David’s refusal to offer that which costs him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). – The “seven” motif hints at completeness and covenant faithfulness, as seen in Genesis 2:2-3 and Revelation 1:4. and seven thousand sheep – Sheep provided for burnt, fellowship, and peace offerings (Leviticus 3:6-11). – The ten-to-one ratio of sheep to oxen reflects customary sacrificial balance (2 Chron 30:24; 35:7). – Again, “seven” amplifies the sense of fullness; the abundance echoes God’s promise in Proverbs 3:9-10 that barns overflow when firstfruits honor Him. from all the plunder they had brought back – The animals were part of the war spoils taken after God granted victory (2 Chron 14:13-15). – Offering plunder recognizes the Lord as the true giver of triumph (1 Chron 29:14; Deuteronomy 20:4). – It models dedicating the first and best of unexpected gain to God (Numbers 31:50; 2 Corinthians 9:11). summary 2 Chronicles 15:11 records a tangible, timely, and wholehearted act of worship. Fresh from God’s deliverance, Asa and the people publicly devote a costly, abundant portion of their war gains to the LORD alone. Their sacrifice demonstrates gratitude, obedience, and recognition that every victory and resource ultimately belong to Him. |
    |