And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.

2 CHRONICLES 15:11KJV
truelightbible.com

2 Chronicles 15:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 15:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 15:11 describes how the people of Judah offered a large sacrifice to the LORD, giving seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep from the goods they had taken as spoil. This act was part of a public worship event, showing their gratitude and dedication after a successful campaign.

The verse is set during the reign of King Asa, after he and the people of Judah had experienced victory over their enemies. The people are gathered together, and this offering is made as a response to God’s help and faithfulness. The verse highlights the scale of their offering and the communal nature of their worship at this moment in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 15:11

  • "offered" (זָבַח, zāvaḥ): This word means to sacrifice or slaughter, especially in a ritual sense. It emphasizes that these animals were given as an act of worship, not just as a meal or celebration.
  • "spoil" (שָׁלָל, shālāl): This word refers to goods or animals taken in battle. The verse clarifies that the offerings came from what they had gained in victory, not from their regular possessions.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the specific name for Israel’s God, underlining that the sacrifice was directed to the God of Israel, not to any other deity.
  • "brought" (בּוֹא, bō’): This verb means to bring or carry. It shows that the people physically brought the animals from the spoil to the place of worship, making the act intentional and deliberate.

Why 2 Chronicles 15:11 matters

  • 2 Chronicles 15:11 helps clarify that the offerings were not just routine sacrifices, but a special act of thanksgiving using the spoils of victory, which underscores the people’s recognition of God’s role in their success.
  • The verse connects to the broader story of King Asa’s reforms and the people’s renewed commitment to God, showing a turning point where the nation publicly expresses loyalty and gratitude.
  • This verse also highlights the communal aspect of worship in ancient Israel, with the whole community participating together in a significant act of devotion.