And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished.

2 CHRONICLES 29:28KJV
Know the Bible

What does 2 Chronicles 29:28 mean?

2 Chronicles 29:28 describes a moment during King Hezekiah’s temple reforms when the entire congregation participated in worship while singers and trumpeters performed, and this continued until the burnt offering was completed. The verse highlights a coordinated act of worship involving music and ritual sacrifice, showing the unity and devotion of the people.

This scene takes place as King Hezekiah restores proper worship in Jerusalem after a period of neglect. The verse emphasizes the involvement of all present—the congregation, the singers, and the trumpeters—each playing a role as the burnt offering was made. The focus is on the collective and continuous nature of their worship until the ritual was fully carried out.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 29:28

  • "congregation" (קָהָל, qāhāl): This word refers to the assembled people, emphasizing that the entire community was present and involved, not just the priests or musicians.
  • "worshipped" (שָׁחָה, shāchāh): This verb often means to bow down or prostrate oneself, showing a physical act of reverence and humility before God.
  • "offering" (עֹלָה, ʿōlāh): This is the specific term for a burnt offering, a sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God.
  • "finished" (כָּלָה, kālāh): This word means to complete or bring to an end, indicating that the worship and music continued without interruption until the entire sacrificial process was done.

Why 2 Chronicles 29:28 matters

  • The verse clarifies that worship in ancient Israel was not just about ritual sacrifice but included music and the participation of the whole community.
  • It shows the careful order and unity in temple worship, where everyone had a role and the worship continued seamlessly until the offering was complete.
  • This moment is part of a larger narrative about restoring faithful worship, helping the reader see Hezekiah’s reforms as both spiritual and communal events.

Where else these words appear

“sounded” Hebrew H2690 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:24 And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.
  • 2 Chronicles 5:12 Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)
  • 2 Chronicles 7:6 And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.

“trumpeters” Hebrew H2689 · used in 27 verses

  • Numbers 10:2 Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.
  • 1 Chronicles 15:24 And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:28 And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.

“sang” Hebrew H7891 · used in 79 verses

  • Exodus 15:1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
  • Ezra 10:24 Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.
  • Psalms 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

“singers” Hebrew H7892 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
  • Psalms 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.