1 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.
2 For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.
3 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.
4 And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation.
5 So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba 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.
6 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.
7 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.
8 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.
9 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.
10 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.
11 Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.
12 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.
13 And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation.
14 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.
15 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.
16 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.
17 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.
18 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
19 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.
20 And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.
21 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.
22 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.
23 And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness.
24 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.
25 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.
26 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.
27 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.
The book of 2 Chronicles is a continuation of the history of the Israelites, beginning with the reign of King Solomon and continuing through the divided kingdom and the reigns of various kings. Chapter 30 focuses on the reign of King Hezekiah, who is described as a righteous and faithful king. This chapter discusses the events surrounding the celebration of the Passover, which had not been observed properly for many years. The main themes of this chapter include repentance, unity, and the importance of following God's commands. This chapter serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience to God.
The chapter begins by describing King Hezekiah's reign over Judah. Hezekiah was the son of Ahaz, a king who did not follow God's commands and led the people of Judah into idolatry. Despite his father's actions, Hezekiah chose to follow in the footsteps of his ancestor King David and was a faithful king. Hezekiah's first act as king was to reopen the doors of the temple and restore the worship of God in Judah. He also removed the idols and altars that had been erected by his father and the people of Judah. Hezekiah's actions were seen as a sign of his dedication to God and his desire to lead the people back to righteousness.
After the temple was reopened, Hezekiah sent letters to all the people of Israel and Judah, inviting them to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The Passover was a significant event in the history of the Israelites, as it commemorated their liberation from slavery in Egypt. However, the Passover had not been celebrated properly for many years due to the disobedience of the people and their neglect of God's commands.
In his letter, Hezekiah urged the people to repent and return to God, emphasizing the importance of following His commands. Hezekiah also extended the invitation to the people of Israel, who had been separated from Judah for many years. This invitation was seen as a gesture of unity and reconciliation between the two kingdoms.
Many of the people of Judah responded positively to Hezekiah's invitation and came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. However, some of them mocked and ridiculed the messengers sent by Hezekiah, showing their lack of faith and disobedience. Despite this, Hezekiah and the priests persisted in their efforts to encourage the people to come and celebrate the Passover.
Some of the people of Israel also responded to the invitation and came to Jerusalem to join in the celebration. This was a significant event, as it marked the first time in many years that the people of Israel and Judah came together to worship God. This reunion was a symbol of the unity and reconciliation that Hezekiah had hoped for.
The Passover was celebrated in Jerusalem with great joy and enthusiasm. The people rejoiced in the goodness of God and the freedom He had given them. The Levites and priests performed their duties and offered sacrifices according to the Law of Moses. The people of Judah and Israel ate the Passover lamb and the unleavened bread, as commanded by God. The celebration lasted for seven days, and the people were filled with joy and thanksgiving.
The main themes of this chapter are repentance, unity, and obedience to God's commands. Hezekiah's invitation to the Passover was a call to repentance for the people of Judah and Israel. It was a reminder that despite their disobedience and neglect of God's commands, He was still willing to forgive them and bless them. The response of the people, both positive and negative, shows the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience.
The celebration of the Passover also symbolizes unity and reconciliation. Hezekiah's invitation to the people of Israel showed his desire to reunite the two kingdoms and to worship God together. The people of Israel's response to this invitation reflects the importance of unity among God's people and the blessings that come from it.
Furthermore, this chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's commands. Hezekiah's actions in reopening the temple and restoring the worship of God in Judah were seen as a sign of his dedication to following God's commands. The celebration of the Passover according to the Law of Moses also serves as a reminder that obedience to God's commands brings blessings and joy.
Chapter 30 of 2 Chronicles holds great significance in the history of the Israelites and the Christian faith. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience to God. It also highlights the importance of repentance, unity, and following God's commands. The celebration of the Passover in this chapter foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became the Passover lamb for all humanity and brought reconciliation between God and humanity.
Furthermore, the invitation to the Passover and the response of the people of Israel foreshadow the invitation of the Gospel to all people and the unity of believers in Jesus Christ. Just as Hezekiah extended his invitation to the people of Israel, Jesus extended His invitation to all people, regardless of their background or past sins. The celebration of the Passover also symbolizes the ultimate celebration of the marriage supper of the Lamb in the book of Revelation, where believers from every nation will come together to worship God in unity.
Chapter 30 of 2 Chronicles teaches us several important lessons that are still relevant today. It reminds us of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of repentance. It also shows us the blessings that come from obedience to God's commands and the importance of unity among believers. This chapter also serves as a reminder that God is always willing to forgive and restore those who turn to Him in repentance.
Furthermore, this chapter teaches us the importance of following God's commands and the significance of the Passover in the history of the Israelites and the Christian faith. It also serves as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the invitation of the Gospel to all people. As believers, we are called to follow the example of Hezekiah and be faithful and obedient to God, trusting in His goodness and mercy.
In conclusion, chapter 30 of 2 Chronicles is a significant chapter in the history of the Israelites and the Christian faith. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience to God. This chapter also highlights the importance of repentance, unity, and following God's commands. The celebration of the Passover in this chapter foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the invitation of the Gospel to all people. As believers, we are called to follow the example of Hezekiah and be faithful and obedient to God, trusting in His goodness and mercy.
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