November 25, 2023
What does it say?
God accepted the massive number of sacrifices offered by the people of Israel at the dedication of the temple. They went back to their homes rejoicing at God’s goodness.
What does it mean?
There are five types of offerings described in the Old Testament: the burnt offering, the grain offering, the peace offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering. The offering described in these chapters at the dedication of the temple is the burnt offering. The bulls were the costliest sacrifices offered, and the sheep were the more commonly offered sacrifices. Thus, there were over five times as many sheep offered that day – signifying that even the middle-income Israelites were giving an offering according to their ability. God consumed all sacrifices that day to show His approval.
How should I respond?
Although we don’t bring our cattle and sheep to a temple today, we do bring gifts to the Lord by giving to and through our local churches. When we think about giving, we often give only what we don’t need. However, these Israelites were giving from their best and first earnings out of a heart of thankfulness. Do you give to God first or just offer Him the leftovers? Jesus was more impressed by a widow who gave her last few pennies than the rich who were giving out of their surplus (Mark 12:41-44). God sees the hearts of those who give. You don’t have to give the most; just offer Him your best.