1 Chronicles 29:21 – “The next day they made sacrifices to the Lord and presented burnt offerings to him: a thousand bulls, a thousand rams and a thousand male lambs, together with their drink offerings, and other sacrifices in abundance for all Israel.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse describes the worship and sacrifices offered to God by the people of Israel following King David’s prayer and their commitment to build the temple. The large number of animals offered—1,000 bulls, rams, and lambs—represents a significant act of devotion and worship. These offerings were presented to God as a way of acknowledging His provision, power, and presence in their lives. Sacrifices in the Old Testament were a key part of Israel’s worship, symbolizing repentance, thanksgiving, and fellowship with God.
In addition to the burnt offerings, there were drink offerings and other sacrifices given “in abundance.” This phrase emphasizes the people’s wholehearted and generous participation in this act of worship. They were not holding back but giving their best in response to God’s goodness and in anticipation of the temple being built. This scene reflects a unified moment of deep reverence and joy in the community as they came together to honor God.
Historical Context
This verse takes place at the end of King David’s reign, during the preparations for the building of the temple, which his son Solomon would carry out. David had gathered resources for the temple and led the people in giving generously to support the project. After this outpouring of generosity, the people engage in a large-scale act of worship, offering sacrifices to God.
In the Old Testament, sacrifices were a central part of Israel’s worship system. Burnt offerings were made to atone for sin, and they symbolized complete dedication to God. Drink offerings, often given alongside burnt offerings, were another way of expressing devotion. The scale of the sacrifices in this verse shows the people’s desire to honor God in a significant way as they prepared for this new chapter in their relationship with Him, centered around the future temple.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the theological principle that true worship involves sacrifice and wholehearted devotion. The people’s willingness to offer such a large number of animals reflects their recognition that God is worthy of the best they have to give. Worship, in the biblical sense, is not just about words or rituals; it involves giving something of value, whether it be time, resources, or obedience. The scale of their offerings reflects the magnitude of their gratitude and reverence for God.
It also underscores the communal aspect of worship. The whole nation of Israel participated in these sacrifices, showing that worship is something that we do together as God’s people. This unity in worship reflects the shared identity and purpose of the community, all focused on glorifying God.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses repetition to emphasize the abundance of the offerings: “a thousand bulls, a thousand rams and a thousand male lambs.” This repetition underscores the extravagance and seriousness of the worship being offered to God. The mention of “sacrifices in abundance for all Israel” indicates that this was a collective act, involving the entire nation. The use of numbers and the description of different types of offerings help paint a picture of the scale and significance of this worship event.
The structure of the verse places the focus on both the scale of the sacrifices and the unity of the people in their worship. The phrase “for all Israel” shows that the whole community was involved, reinforcing the idea that worship is not a private or individual act but something shared by the people of God.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 1:3-4 – “If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect. You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord.” This describes the requirements for burnt offerings, which were offered in the worship described in 1 Chronicles 29:21.
- Exodus 29:38-42 – This passage gives instructions for daily burnt offerings, showing that sacrifices were a regular part of Israel’s worship life, not just for special occasions.
- Psalm 51:16-17 – “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” This shows that while sacrifices were important, God also values a heart of repentance and humility in worship.
- Romans 12:1 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” This verse connects the Old Testament practice of sacrifices to the New Testament idea of offering our lives as acts of worship.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us that true worship involves giving something of value to God. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, we are called to offer ourselves—our time, talents, resources, and devotion—to God as acts of worship. Romans 12:1 teaches that our lives should be living sacrifices, set apart for God’s purposes. This means that worship is not just about what we do in church but about how we live our daily lives in obedience to God.
The verse also emphasizes the importance of communal worship. Just as the people of Israel came together to offer their sacrifices, we too are called to gather together with other believers to worship God. There is something powerful about coming together as a community to honor God and to give Him the best of what we have.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving nature in the way He invites His people to worship Him and offer sacrifices. While God does not need anything from us, He desires our worship because it reflects our love, gratitude, and acknowledgment of His provision. God’s love is shown in His willingness to accept these sacrifices and His desire to be in a relationship with His people.
Moreover, the abundance of the offerings shows that the people recognized God’s generosity toward them, and they responded with generosity in return. God’s love is not based on what we give but on His character, yet our response to His love is often seen in how we worship and offer ourselves to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points forward to Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were offered repeatedly as a way of atoning for sin and maintaining fellowship with God. But these sacrifices were only temporary. Jesus, however, offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10), once and for all, fulfilling the need for animal sacrifices.
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we now have direct access to God and can offer ourselves as “living sacrifices” in response to His grace. Jesus’ death and resurrection transformed the way we relate to God, making it possible for us to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean for you to offer your life as a “living sacrifice” in response to God’s love and grace?
- How can you worship God with greater generosity, offering the best of your time, talents, and resources?
- How can this verse encourage you to prioritize communal worship and fellowship with other believers?
- How does understanding Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice change the way you think about worship and your relationship with God?
- In what ways can you honor God through your daily actions, making your life an offering of worship to Him?
This verse from 1 Chronicles 29:21 teaches us that true worship involves sacrifice and a heart of devotion. The people of Israel offered their best to God in response to His goodness, and we are called to do the same. Through Jesus Christ, we are empowered to offer our lives as living sacrifices, worshiping God with all that we are and all that we have.