2 Chronicles 29

2 Chronicles 29 narrates the reign of King Hezekiah, focusing on his efforts to restore true worship in Judah. Following the idolatrous practices of his father, King Ahaz, Hezekiah initiates significant reforms, including the reopening and cleansing of the temple, the reinstitution of the Levitical priesthood, and the celebration of the Passover. These actions reflect his desire to lead the nation back to God, emphasizing themes of repentance, restoration, and divine favor.

2 Chronicles 29:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Hezekiah became king when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abijah the daughter of Zechariah.
2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done.
3 In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them.
4 Then he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them in the East Square,
5 and said to them: “Hear me, Levites! Now sanctify yourselves, sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry out the rubbish from the holy place.”

Hezekiah ascended to the throne at a young age and immediately set a course for restoration, following in the footsteps of David. His first act was to address the neglected temple, emphasizing its importance in the worship of God. By calling the priests and Levites to sanctify themselves and the temple, he highlights the need for purity in worship. This urgency to restore the temple reflects his commitment to reinstate true worship among the people of Judah.

2 Chronicles 29:6-9 (NKJV)
6 For our fathers have trespassed and done evil in the eyes of the Lord our God; they have forsaken Him and have turned their faces away from the dwelling place of the Lord, and turned their backs on Him.
7 They have also shut up the doors of the vestibule, put out the lamps, and have not burned incense or offered burnt offerings in the holy place to the God of Israel.
8 Therefore the wrath of the Lord fell upon Judah and Jerusalem, and He has given them up to trouble, to desolation, and to hissing, as you see with your own eyes.
9 For indeed, because of this our fathers have fallen by the sword; and our sons, our daughters, and our wives are in captivity.

Hezekiah acknowledges the sins of previous generations, emphasizing the severe consequences of turning away from God. He lists the specific ways in which the people have neglected worship, such as shutting the temple doors and ceasing sacrifices. This neglect has led to divine judgment, evident in their current suffering and captivity. Hezekiah’s recognition of past failures sets the stage for his reform, as he seeks to reclaim the people’s relationship with God.

2 Chronicles 29:10-11 (NKJV)
10 Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that His fierce wrath may turn away from us.
11 My sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that you should minister to Him and burn incense.”

Hezekiah expresses his intention to renew a covenant with God, seeking to avert His wrath through genuine repentance and worship. He emphasizes the importance of the priests and Levites in this process, urging them not to be negligent in their duties. This call to service illustrates Hezekiah’s understanding of the priestly role as crucial in facilitating a restored relationship between God and His people.

2 Chronicles 29:12-14 (NKJV)
12 Then the Levites arose: Mahath the son of Amasai and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi and Azariah the son of Jehallelel; and of the Gershonites, Joah the son of Zimmah and Eden the son of Joah;
13 of the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeuel; of the sons of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah;
14 of the sons of Heman, Jehiel and Shimei; and of the sons of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel.

The Levites respond positively to Hezekiah’s call for reform. Their willingness to stand up signifies a collective commitment to the restoration efforts. Listing the names of the Levites underscores the unity and readiness of the priestly families to serve God once again. This highlights the role of leadership and communal responsibility in pursuing spiritual revival within the nation.

2 Chronicles 29:15-17 (NKJV)
15 And they gathered their brethren, sanctified themselves, and went according to the commandment of the king, at the words of the Lord, to cleanse the house of the Lord.
16 Then the priests went into the inner part of the house of the Lord to cleanse it, and brought out all the debris that they found in the temple of the Lord to the court of the house of the Lord.
17 And the Levites took it out and carried it to the Brook Kidron.

The Levites and priests diligently begin the process of cleansing the temple, following Hezekiah’s instructions. Their actions reflect both obedience to the king and the desire to align with God’s commands. The removal of debris symbolizes the purging of sin and idolatry from the temple, making it a suitable place for worship. This practical step illustrates their commitment to restoring true worship.

2 Chronicles 29:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Then they went in to King Hezekiah and said, “We have cleansed all the house of the Lord, the altar of burnt offerings with all its articles, and the table of showbread with all its articles.
19 Moreover, all the articles which King Ahaz in his reign had cast aside in his transgression have been prepared and sanctified; and they are in front of the altar of the Lord.”

Upon completing the cleansing process, the priests report to Hezekiah their success in restoring the temple’s sanctity. They have not only cleaned the physical space but also prepared the articles for worship that had been neglected. This thorough preparation indicates a significant step toward revitalizing worship in Judah and restoring the proper honor of God in the temple. The acknowledgment of the prior king’s transgressions serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing faithfulness.

2 Chronicles 29:20-24 (NKJV)
20 Then King Hezekiah rose early, gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the Lord.
21 And they brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats for a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he commanded the priests, the sons of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the Lord.
22 So they killed the bulls, and the priests received the blood and sprinkled it on the altar. Likewise, they killed the rams and sprinkled the blood on the altar.
23 Then they brought out the lambs and the priests received the blood and sprinkled it on the altar.
24 And they brought out the male goats for the sin offering before the king and the assembly, and they laid their hands on them.

Hezekiah’s early rise and gathering of the rulers to offer sacrifices demonstrates his dedication to restoring worship promptly. The selection of seven of each type of animal for the offerings signifies completeness and dedication to God. This act of sacrifice represents a collective acknowledgment of sin and a desire for atonement, highlighting the seriousness of their covenant renewal. The priests’ participation in the sacrificial system illustrates the importance of their role in mediating between God and the people.

2 Chronicles 29:25-30 (NKJV)
25 And he stationed the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with stringed instruments, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet; for thus was the commandment of the Lord by His prophets.
26 The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets.
27 And Hezekiah commanded them to offer the burnt offering on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord also began, with the trumpets and with the instruments of David king of Israel.
28 So all the assembly worshiped, the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded; all this continued until the burnt offering was finished.
29 And when they had finished offering, the king and all who were present with him bowed and worshiped.
30 Moreover, King Hezekiah and the leaders commanded the Levites to sing praise to the Lord with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and they bowed their heads and worshiped.

Hezekiah’s organization of worship is marked by the inclusion of music and praise, following David’s example. The Levites, equipped with instruments, lead the assembly in worship, which accompanies the sacrificial offerings. This integration of music emphasizes the importance of joyful worship in acknowledging God’s presence. As the burnt offerings conclude, both the king and the people express their reverence through bowing and singing, illustrating a genuine communal response to God’s goodness. This act of worship signifies a fresh start for Judah.

2 Chronicles 29:31-36 (NKJV)
31 Then Hezekiah answered and said, “Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the Lord, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the Lord.” So the assembly brought in sacrifices and thank offerings, and as many as were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings.
32 And the number of the burnt offerings which the assembly brought was seventy bulls, one hundred rams, and two hundred lambs; all these were for a burnt offering to the Lord.
33 The consecrated things were six hundred bulls and three thousand sheep.
34 But the priests were too few, so that they could not skin all the burnt offerings. Therefore, their brethren the Levites helped them until the work was ended and until the other priests had sanctified themselves; for the Levites were more diligent in sanctifying themselves than the priests.
35 Also the burnt offerings were in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings and the drink offerings for every burnt offering. So the service of the house of the Lord was set in order.
36 Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people’s heart to receive the things of God, and they ate throughout the feast for seven days, offering peace offerings and making confession to the Lord God of their fathers.

Hezekiah invites the people to offer sacrifices and thank offerings in response to their renewed commitment. The generous response, marked by significant numbers of burnt offerings, demonstrates the people’s willingness to participate in the restoration of worship. The priests, overwhelmed by the abundance of offerings, receive assistance from the Levites, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the restoration effort. The chapter concludes with joy and celebration, as the people acknowledge God’s preparation of their hearts. This emphasis on community and collective worship reinforces the significance of their return to God.