And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:

1 CHRONICLES 29:21KJV
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1 Chronicles 29:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 29:21 mean?

1 Chronicles 29:21 describes how, the day after a major event, the Israelites offered a large number of animal sacrifices and drink offerings to the LORD, making abundant sacrifices on behalf of all Israel. This verse highlights the scale and communal nature of their worship, showing their dedication and gratitude to God.

This verse is set at the end of King David’s reign, during the transition of leadership to Solomon and the preparations for building the temple. The people, led by their leaders, come together to celebrate and dedicate themselves to God through these offerings. The detailed mention of the numbers and types of animals sacrificed emphasizes both the generosity of the people and the importance of this moment in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 29:21

  • "Sacrificed" (זָבַח, zāvaḥ) and "sacrifices" (זֶבַח, zevaḥ): Both words are related, with the verb meaning "to slaughter for sacrifice" and the noun referring to the actual offerings. Their use here underlines the act of dedicating something valuable to God.
  • "Offered" (עָלָה, ‘ālāh) and "offerings" (עֹלָה, ‘ōlāh): The verb means "to go up" or "to ascend," and the noun refers specifically to burnt offerings that are wholly consumed by fire. This stresses the complete devotion of these offerings to God.
  • "Abundance" (רֹב, rov): This word points to the great quantity of sacrifices, highlighting the people’s wholehearted participation and the extraordinary nature of the event.

Why 1 Chronicles 29:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the offerings were not just symbolic but involved real, significant resources, showing the people’s deep commitment.
  • The scale of the sacrifices connects to the larger narrative of Israel’s unity and collective worship as they prepare for a new era under Solomon.
  • By naming the types and numbers of animals, the verse emphasizes the careful organization and seriousness with which the people approached their relationship with God at this key moment.

Where else these words appear

“morrow” Hebrew H4283 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 19:34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
  • Numbers 11:32 And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp.
  • 1 Samuel 5:4 And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.

“offerings” Hebrew H5262 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 35:14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.
  • Numbers 28:24 After this manner ye shall offer daily, throughout the seven days, the meat of the sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: it shall be offered beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
  • 2 Kings 16:13 And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the altar.

“lambs” Hebrew H3532 · used in 100 verses

  • Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
  • Numbers 7:53 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.
  • Numbers 29:17 And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:

“bullocks” Hebrew H6499 · used in 119 verses

  • Genesis 32:15 Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.
  • Numbers 7:57 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
  • Numbers 29:32 And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: