2 Chronicles 29:22

So they slaughtered the bulls, and the priests took the blood and sprinkled it on the altar. They slaughtered the rams and sprinkled the blood on the altar. And they slaughtered the lambs and sprinkled the blood on the altar.

Study Bible

So they slaughtered the bulls
The act of slaughtering bulls in ancient Israelite worship was a significant ritual, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. The Hebrew word for "slaughtered" is "שָׁחַט" (shachat), which conveys the idea of a sacrificial offering. Bulls were considered valuable and powerful animals, representing strength and wealth. Their sacrifice was a profound act of submission and reverence to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His favor.

and the priests received the blood
The role of the priests was crucial in the sacrificial system. The Hebrew term for "priests" is "כֹּהֲנִים" (kohanim), who were descendants of Aaron, tasked with mediating between God and the people. Receiving the blood signifies the priests' responsibility to handle the sacred elements of the sacrifice, emphasizing the holiness required in approaching God. Blood, in Hebrew "דָּם" (dam), is a powerful symbol of life and atonement, as it was believed to cover the sins of the people.

and sprinkled it on the altar
Sprinkling the blood on the altar was a critical part of the sacrificial ritual. The Hebrew word for "sprinkled" is "זָרַק" (zarak), which means to scatter or throw. This act symbolized purification and consecration, as the altar represented the meeting place between God and man. The altar, "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), was central to worship, and the blood's application signified the cleansing of sin and the restoration of fellowship with God.

they also slaughtered the rams
Rams were another significant sacrificial animal, often associated with substitutionary atonement. The Hebrew word for "rams" is "אֵילִים" (elim), which were used in various offerings, including burnt offerings and peace offerings. The sacrifice of rams highlighted the need for a substitute to bear the penalty of sin, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God.

and sprinkled the blood on the altar
Reiterating the importance of blood in the sacrificial system, this phrase underscores the repetitive and necessary nature of atonement under the Old Covenant. Each act of sprinkling was a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the cost of reconciliation with God. It foreshadowed the New Covenant, where Christ's blood would be shed once for all.

they slaughtered the lambs as well
Lambs were commonly used in sacrifices, symbolizing innocence and purity. The Hebrew word for "lambs" is "כְּבָשִׂים" (kevasim). The slaughter of lambs was a poignant reminder of the need for a pure and spotless sacrifice to atone for sin. This imagery is fulfilled in the New Testament with Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

and sprinkled the blood on the altar
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the centrality of blood in the sacrificial system. It highlights the continuous need for atonement and the meticulous care required in worship. The altar, as the focal point of sacrifice, represents the place where divine justice and mercy meet, ultimately fulfilled in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the redemption of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms to restore proper worship in the temple.

2. Priests
The Levitical priests who were responsible for performing the sacrifices and rituals as prescribed by the Law of Moses.

3. Temple of the LORD
The central place of worship in Jerusalem where the sacrifices were made.

4. Sacrificial Animals (Bulls, Rams, Lambs)
These animals were used in the sacrificial system as offerings to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication.

5. Altar
The structure in the temple where sacrifices were made, representing the place of meeting between God and His people.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Atonement
The shedding of blood in the Old Testament sacrifices points to the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins.

Restoration of True Worship
Hezekiah's reforms highlight the importance of returning to true worship according to God's commands. Believers today are called to worship in spirit and truth, aligning their lives with God's Word.

Role of the Priesthood
The priests' role in the sacrificial system underscores the need for mediation between God and man. In the New Covenant, Jesus is our High Priest, and believers are called to be a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices.

Symbolism of the Altar
The altar represents a place of sacrifice and meeting with God. In our lives, we are called to build altars of prayer and worship, dedicating ourselves wholly to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the sacrificial system in 2 Chronicles 29:22 point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

2. In what ways can we restore true worship in our personal lives and communities today?

3. What does it mean to be a "living sacrifice" as described in Romans 12:1, and how can we apply this in our daily walk with God?

4. How does understanding the role of the priests in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of Jesus as our High Priest?

5. What practical steps can we take to build "altars" in our lives, dedicating ourselves to God in prayer and worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1-7
These chapters provide detailed instructions on the various types of sacrifices, including burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, which are foundational to understanding the sacrificial system.

Hebrews 9:22
This verse highlights the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel between the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament and the spiritual sacrifices of the New Testament.