II Chronicles 30
And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel.
For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.
For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.
And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation.
So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beer–sheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done it of a long time in such sort as it was written.
So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.
And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the Lord God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.
Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.
For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.
So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.
Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.
Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the Lord.
And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation.
And they arose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast them into the brook Kidron.
Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the Lord.
And they stood in their place after their manner, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood, which they received of the hand of the Levites.
For there were many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto the Lord.
For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good Lord pardon every one
That prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.
And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.
And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the Lord.
And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the Lord: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the Lord God of their fathers.
And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness.
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.
And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced.
So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem.
Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.
II Chronicles 30 recounts a pivotal moment in Judah's history: Hezekiah's initiative to revive the Passover celebration. This chapter beautifully illustrates themes of repentance, restoration, and the unifying power of genuine worship. It serves as a powerful reminder that returning to God brings forgiveness, renewal, and joy.
A Long-Overdue Celebration (II Chronicles 30:1-5)
Following the restoration of proper temple worship, Hezekiah recognized the importance of observing the Passover, a practice that had been neglected for many years (II Chronicles 30:1). Recognizing the spiritual significance of the moment, Hezekiah understood that true restoration involved more than just cleaning the temple; it required the people to reconnect with their spiritual heritage.
Due to various logistical challenges – an insufficient number of consecrated priests and the need to allow time for people from distant regions to travel (II Chronicles 30:3) – the celebration was scheduled for the second month of the religious calendar, a month later than prescribed (II Chronicles 30:2). This decision, while unconventional, highlights Hezekiah's pragmatism and his commitment to ensuring that as many people as possible could participate.
Hezekiah extended the invitation not only to the southern kingdom of Judah but also to those remaining in the northern kingdom of Israel, specifically referring to Ephraim and Manasseh (II Chronicles 30:1). This was a bold move, reaching out to those who had not been taken captive by the Assyrians, in an effort to unify the divided nation in worship and repentance.
An Invitation to Return (II Chronicles 30:6-12)
Hezekiah's invitation was filled with warmth and a genuine desire for reconciliation (II Chronicles 30:6-7). He earnestly pleaded with those in the north to join in a unified celebration in Jerusalem. The king's appeal wasn't just a political maneuver; it was a heartfelt plea for spiritual reunion.
Within the invitation was a powerful promise: "Return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may turn again to the remnant of you who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria" (II Chronicles 30:6). This promise echoes throughout Scripture: return to God, and He will return to you (see Zechariah 1:3). Hezekiah held out hope that turning back to God would bring about restoration even for those who had suffered greatly.
Tragically, the majority of the people of Israel rejected the invitation, mocking the messengers and dismissing the call to repentance (II Chronicles 30:10-11). However, some individuals humbled themselves and chose to heed the call (II Chronicles 30:11). This mixed response underscores the reality that even in times of national crisis, individual choices determine one's destiny. The rejection by many confirmed God's judgment upon them, leading to captivity for their rebellion.
A Heartfelt Celebration and Cleansing (II Chronicles 30:13-20)
Those who chose to participate in the Passover experienced a profound spiritual renewal. A very large assembly gathered in Jerusalem to observe the Festival of Unleavened Bread (II Chronicles 30:13), the seven-day celebration that followed the Passover.
The people's hearts were so devoted to the Lord that they undertook another purge of the altars where false gods were worshiped (II Chronicles 30:14). This act of cleansing demonstrates their commitment to removing any trace of idolatry and dedicating themselves fully to God.
The celebration was marked by such enthusiasm that some participants were ritually unclean (II Chronicles 30:18), a violation that would normally have brought severe judgment. However, because they were seeking the Lord with all their hearts, Hezekiah interceded on their behalf, and the Lord forgave them (II Chronicles 30:18-20). This highlights God's mercy and willingness to overlook technicalities when the heart is truly devoted to Him.
Extended Joy and Blessings (II Chronicles 30:21-27)
The Festival of Unleavened Bread was such a significant event that it required a vast number of animals to provide for all the worshipers (II Chronicles 30:22-24). Overjoyed and renewed, the people took the unprecedented step of extending the festival for another seven days (II Chronicles 30:23). Their enthusiasm was a testament to the transformative power of genuine worship and their desire to linger in God's presence.
The chronicler emphasizes that nothing like this had been experienced in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon (II Chronicles 30:26), highlighting the profound impact of the Davidic king's faithfulness to the Lord. This comparison underscores the importance of leadership in fostering spiritual revival.
The extended celebration culminated in a powerful moment of blessing: the priests and Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, and their prayer reached His holy dwelling place in heaven (II Chronicles 30:27). This signifies God's acceptance of their repentance and His promise to continue blessing them.
II Chronicles 30 serves as a timeless reminder of the power of repentance, the joy of restored fellowship with God, and the unifying force of genuine worship. It encourages us to examine our own hearts, to remove any idols that may be hindering our relationship with God, and to seek Him with all our being. When we do, we can experience the same joy, forgiveness, and blessing that the people of Judah experienced during Hezekiah's reign.
And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel.
For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.
For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.
And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation.
So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beer–sheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done it of a long time in such sort as it was written.
So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.
And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the Lord God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.
Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.
For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.
So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.
Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.
Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the Lord.
And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation.
And they arose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast them into the brook Kidron.
Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the Lord.
And they stood in their place after their manner, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood, which they received of the hand of the Levites.
For there were many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto the Lord.
For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good Lord pardon every one
That prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.
And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.
And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the Lord.
And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the Lord: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the Lord God of their fathers.
And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness.
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.
And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced.
So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem.
Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.
II Chronicles 30 recounts a pivotal moment in Judah's history: Hezekiah's initiative to revive the Passover celebration. This chapter beautifully illustrates themes of repentance, restoration, and the unifying power of genuine worship. It serves as a powerful reminder that returning to God brings forgiveness, renewal, and joy.
A Long-Overdue Celebration (II Chronicles 30:1-5)
Following the restoration of proper temple worship, Hezekiah recognized the importance of observing the Passover, a practice that had been neglected for many years (II Chronicles 30:1). Recognizing the spiritual significance of the moment, Hezekiah understood that true restoration involved more than just cleaning the temple; it required the people to reconnect with their spiritual heritage.
Due to various logistical challenges – an insufficient number of consecrated priests and the need to allow time for people from distant regions to travel (II Chronicles 30:3) – the celebration was scheduled for the second month of the religious calendar, a month later than prescribed (II Chronicles 30:2). This decision, while unconventional, highlights Hezekiah's pragmatism and his commitment to ensuring that as many people as possible could participate.
Hezekiah extended the invitation not only to the southern kingdom of Judah but also to those remaining in the northern kingdom of Israel, specifically referring to Ephraim and Manasseh (II Chronicles 30:1). This was a bold move, reaching out to those who had not been taken captive by the Assyrians, in an effort to unify the divided nation in worship and repentance.
An Invitation to Return (II Chronicles 30:6-12)
Hezekiah's invitation was filled with warmth and a genuine desire for reconciliation (II Chronicles 30:6-7). He earnestly pleaded with those in the north to join in a unified celebration in Jerusalem. The king's appeal wasn't just a political maneuver; it was a heartfelt plea for spiritual reunion.
Within the invitation was a powerful promise: "Return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may turn again to the remnant of you who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria" (II Chronicles 30:6). This promise echoes throughout Scripture: return to God, and He will return to you (see Zechariah 1:3). Hezekiah held out hope that turning back to God would bring about restoration even for those who had suffered greatly.
Tragically, the majority of the people of Israel rejected the invitation, mocking the messengers and dismissing the call to repentance (II Chronicles 30:10-11). However, some individuals humbled themselves and chose to heed the call (II Chronicles 30:11). This mixed response underscores the reality that even in times of national crisis, individual choices determine one's destiny. The rejection by many confirmed God's judgment upon them, leading to captivity for their rebellion.
A Heartfelt Celebration and Cleansing (II Chronicles 30:13-20)
Those who chose to participate in the Passover experienced a profound spiritual renewal. A very large assembly gathered in Jerusalem to observe the Festival of Unleavened Bread (II Chronicles 30:13), the seven-day celebration that followed the Passover.
The people's hearts were so devoted to the Lord that they undertook another purge of the altars where false gods were worshiped (II Chronicles 30:14). This act of cleansing demonstrates their commitment to removing any trace of idolatry and dedicating themselves fully to God.
The celebration was marked by such enthusiasm that some participants were ritually unclean (II Chronicles 30:18), a violation that would normally have brought severe judgment. However, because they were seeking the Lord with all their hearts, Hezekiah interceded on their behalf, and the Lord forgave them (II Chronicles 30:18-20). This highlights God's mercy and willingness to overlook technicalities when the heart is truly devoted to Him.
Extended Joy and Blessings (II Chronicles 30:21-27)
The Festival of Unleavened Bread was such a significant event that it required a vast number of animals to provide for all the worshipers (II Chronicles 30:22-24). Overjoyed and renewed, the people took the unprecedented step of extending the festival for another seven days (II Chronicles 30:23). Their enthusiasm was a testament to the transformative power of genuine worship and their desire to linger in God's presence.
The chronicler emphasizes that nothing like this had been experienced in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon (II Chronicles 30:26), highlighting the profound impact of the Davidic king's faithfulness to the Lord. This comparison underscores the importance of leadership in fostering spiritual revival.
The extended celebration culminated in a powerful moment of blessing: the priests and Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, and their prayer reached His holy dwelling place in heaven (II Chronicles 30:27). This signifies God's acceptance of their repentance and His promise to continue blessing them.
II Chronicles 30 serves as a timeless reminder of the power of repentance, the joy of restored fellowship with God, and the unifying force of genuine worship. It encourages us to examine our own hearts, to remove any idols that may be hindering our relationship with God, and to seek Him with all our being. When we do, we can experience the same joy, forgiveness, and blessing that the people of Judah experienced during Hezekiah's reign.