What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 29:23? They brought the goats “Then they brought the goats…” (2 Chronicles 29:23) • The Levites present two male goats exactly as prescribed in the law (Leviticus 16:5; Numbers 28:15), showing that Hezekiah’s reforms return to God’s own pattern rather than human invention. • Their immediate obedience underscores that true revival is always tethered to Scripture’s details (Deuteronomy 12:32). • By using goats—animals specifically designated for sin offerings—the narrative signals that purification from guilt is the foremost concern before any further worship can occur (Leviticus 4:24). For the sin offering “…for the sin offering…” • A sin offering deals with unintentional, accumulated, or national sin (Leviticus 4:2–3; Hebrews 9:22). Judah’s pollution after Ahaz’s idolatry (2 Chronicles 28:24) calls for substitutionary atonement before fellowship with God can be restored. • The text teaches that cleansing is God-initiated and blood-based, pointing ahead to the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:10–14). Before the king and the assembly “…before the king and the assembly…” • Hezekiah stands with all the people (2 Chronicles 29:20), illustrating corporate responsibility: leaders and laity alike need cleansing (Ezra 10:1; Jonah 3:6–8). • Public presentation underscores transparency—sin is not hidden, and repentance is not private (Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9). • It also manifests national unity: the entire covenant community gathers around God’s prescribed remedy (Joshua 8:34–35). Who laid their hands on them “…who laid their hands on them.” • Laying hands transfers guilt symbolically from the people to the substitute (Leviticus 1:4; 4:15); it is an act of identification and confession. • Both king and assembly participate, reflecting that every individual’s sin contributes to the nation’s need for atonement (Isaiah 53:6). • This gesture anticipates the gospel picture of our sins being laid on Christ, the perfect substitute (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24). summary 2 Chronicles 29:23 shows Judah returning to God’s exact instructions for dealing with sin: designated animals, public accountability, and substitutionary atonement. By bringing goats for a sin offering, presenting them before both king and people, and laying hands to transfer guilt, the nation affirms that cleansing is possible only through God-ordained sacrifice—foreshadowing the complete and final work of Jesus Christ for all who believe. |
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