For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.

2 CHRONICLES 30:24KJV
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2 Chronicles 30:24 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 30:24 mean?

2 Chronicles 30:24 describes how King Hezekiah of Judah and the leading officials gave a large number of animals—specifically, a thousand bullocks and thousands of sheep—to the gathered people for a major religious celebration, and that many priests prepared themselves for their sacred duties. This verse highlights the generosity of the leaders and the special efforts made by the priests during this event.

The setting is the time of King Hezekiah, who is leading a major Passover celebration in Jerusalem after a period of religious neglect. The verse notes the specific numbers of animals provided by Hezekiah and the princes, showing the scale of the event and the leaders’ commitment. The mention of many priests sanctifying themselves points to the need for ritual purity and the extraordinary nature of this gathering.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 30:24

  • קָהָל (qāhāl, “congregation”): This word refers to the assembled group of Israelites. It emphasizes that the gifts were for the benefit of the whole community, not just a select few.
  • קָדַשׁ (qāḏash, “sanctified”): This verb means to make holy or set apart. The priests had to undergo special preparations to be able to serve, underlining the seriousness of the occasion.
  • פַּר (par, “bullocks”) and צֹאן (ṣō’n, “sheep”): The specific mention of these animals, and their large numbers, shows the scale of the offerings and the importance of the festival.

Why 2 Chronicles 30:24 matters

  • This verse shows the extraordinary generosity and leadership of Hezekiah and the officials, which helped make the Passover celebration possible for everyone.
  • The detail about many priests sanctifying themselves highlights the spiritual preparation required for such a large and significant event, suggesting that the usual number of priests was not enough for the size of this gathering.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme of 2 Chronicles 30, which is about restoring proper worship and unity among the people after a time of decline.

Where else these words appear

“Hezekiah” Hebrew H2396 · used in 78 verses

  • 2 Kings 16:20 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 20:3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
  • Isaiah 36:16 Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern;

“congregation” Hebrew H6951 · used in 116 verses

  • Genesis 28:3 And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;
  • 1 Kings 8:22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:
  • Nehemiah 7:66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,

“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:

“number” Hebrew H7230 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:5 Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.
  • Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.