2 Chronicles 33:16
And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel.
2 Chronicles 33:16 · King James Version
Meaning
After the period of idolatry led by King Ahaz, his son Hezekiah took the throne in Judah and sought to bring about religious reform. The repairing of the altar of the LORD was a symbolic act of restoring the proper worship of God in the land. By sacrificing peace offerings and thank offerings on the altar, Hezekiah showed his commitment to returning Judah to the ways of the Lord. He not only repaired the physical altar but also desired the hearts of the people to turn back to serving the Lord God of Israel. By commanding Judah to serve the Lord, Hezekiah was emphasizing the importance of true worship and obedience to God in the nation. This verse serves as a pivotal moment in the spiritual renewal of Judah under King Hezekiah's reign, highlighting the significance of restoring proper worship and devotion to the one true God.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see King Asa taking a significant step towards restoring the worship of the true God in Judah by repairing the altar of the Lord. This action symbolizes a restoration of the covenant relationship between God and His people. By sacrificing peace offerings and thank offerings on the altar, Asa not only acknowledges the goodness of God but also seeks reconciliation and forgiveness for the sins of the nation. The act of commanding Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel reinforces the idea of loyalty and devotion to the one true God. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of worship, repentance, and obedience in the life of a believer. Furthermore, the word studies reveal that "peace offerings" symbolize reconciliation and harmony with God, while "thank offerings" express gratitude and praise. As believers today, we are called to follow Asa's example by repairing our relationship with God through worship, repentance, and obedience.
2 Chronicles 33:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he built up the altar of Jehovah, and offered thereon sacrifices of peace-offerings and of thanksgiving, and commanded Judah to serve Jehovah, the God of Israel.
World English Bible
He built up the altar of Yahweh, and offered sacrifices of peace offerings and of thanksgiving on it, and commanded Judah to serve Yahweh, the God of Israel.
Douay-Rheims
And he repaired the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed upon it victims, and peace offerings, and praise: and he commanded Juda to serve the Lord the God of Israel.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Also he prepared the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings, and of thankes, and commanded Iudah to serue the Lord God of Israel.