2 Chronicles 29:23

Shilluk DC Bible © Bible Society in South Sudan, 2011

Kì cyɑ̈n, ɑmuuj gen ónyögg rɑ̈dh geki ji-ɑ mɑ̈ddi, kɑ cinggi gen thɑɑny gen kömi ónyöggɑni.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, he goats are being prepared for a sin offering before King Hezekiah and the congregation. The people place their hands on the goats, symbolizing the transfer of their sins to the animals that will be sacrificed.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a really bad day and you want to apologize for something you did wrong. The goats are like that apology. The people touch the goats, saying 'we're sorry,' and then the goats are used to show God that the people want to make things right.

Historical Background

2 Chronicles was written by an anonymous author, likely a Levite, after the Babylonian exile. It records events during the reign of Hezekiah, focusing on his religious reforms. The passage describes the purification of the Temple in Jerusalem, a significant event for the Judean people.

Living It Out Today

Today, when we apologize for something we’ve done wrong, we don’t use animals, but we can think of this verse as a reminder to take our apologies seriously and seek forgiveness wholeheartedly.

Topics

sin offeringpurificationrepentancesacrificeworshipforgiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were goats used for sin offerings?

Goats were used as sin offerings because they represented a sacrificial animal that could take on the sins of the people, symbolizing the transfer of guilt from the people to the animal.

What is the significance of laying hands on the goats?

Laying hands on the goats was a symbolic act of transferring sins from the people to the animal, which would then be sacrificed to atone for their sins.

Who was Hezekiah and why was this event important?

Hezekiah was a king of Judah known for his religious reforms and purification of the Temple. This event was crucial as it marked a return to pure worship practices after a period of apostasy.

How does this verse relate to the New Testament's concept of atonement?

This verse illustrates the Old Testament practice of atonement through animal sacrifice, which prefigures the New Testament teaching of Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

Compare 2 Chronicles 29:23 →