2 Chronicles 29:31
Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.
2 Chronicles 29:31 · King James Version
Meaning
Hezekiah's response in this verse reflects the importance of consecration and dedication to the LORD. After the people had consecrated themselves, Hezekiah invited them to bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. This action symbolized their commitment to God and their desire to worship Him with their whole hearts. The congregation responded by bringing in sacrifices and thank offerings, showing their willingness to give back to the LORD out of gratitude for all He had done for them. Those who were of a free heart also burnt offerings, indicating their generosity and sincerity in their worship. This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of dedicating ourselves to God and giving thanks to Him for His blessings. It encourages us to approach Him with grateful hearts, ready to offer sacrifices and praise as a demonstration of our love and devotion.
Theological Overview
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, spoke to the people after they had consecrated themselves to the Lord. He invited them to come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the Lord. This act of consecration and offering sacrifices was an important aspect of the Israelite worship practices. The word 'consecrate' in this verse comes from the Hebrew word "qadash," which means to set apart or make holy. The sacrifices and thank offerings brought by the congregation were symbolic of their gratitude and devotion to God. The phrase "as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings" highlights the voluntary nature of their offerings, indicating that they were given willingly and with a sincere heart. In the context of Hezekiah's reign, this verse reflects the revival of true worship and dedication to God among the people of Judah. It serves as a reminder to believers today of the importance of giving freely and wholeheartedly in worship to the Lord.
2 Chronicles 29:31 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto Jehovah; come near and bring sacrifices and thank-offerings into the house of Jehovah. And the assembly brought in sacrifices and thank-offerings; and as many as were of a willing heart [brought] burnt-offerings.
World English Bible
Then Hezekiah answered, “Now you have consecrated yourselves to Yahweh; come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into Yahweh’s house.” The assembly brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings.
Douay-Rheims
And Ezechias added, and said: You have filled your hands to the Lord, come and offer victims, and praises in the house of the Lord. And all the multitude offered victims, and praises, and holocausts with a devout mind.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Hezekiah spake, and sayde, Now ye haue consecrate your selues to the Lord: come neere and bring the sacrifices and offerings of prayse into the house of the Lord. And the Congregation brought sacrifices; and offrings of prayses, and euery man that was willing in heart, offred burnt offrings.