2 Chronicles 29
BSB1 Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. 3 In the first month of the first year of his reign, Hezekiah opened and repaired the doors of the house of the LORD. 4 Then he brought in the priests and Levites and gathered them in the square on the east side. 5 “Listen to me, O Levites,” he said. “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove from the Holy Place every impurity. 6 For our fathers were unfaithful and did evil in the sight of the LORD our God. They abandoned Him, turned their faces away from the dwelling place of the LORD, and turned their backs on Him. 7 They also shut the doors of the portico and extinguished the lamps. They did not burn incense or present burnt offerings in the Holy Place of the God of Israel. 8 Therefore, the wrath of the LORD has fallen upon Judah and Jerusalem, and He has made them an object of terror, horror, and mockery, as you can see with your own eyes. 9 For behold, this is why our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and daughters and wives are in captivity. 10 Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us. 11 Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense." 12 Then the Levites set to work: Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah from the Kohathites; Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel from the Merarites; Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah from the Gershonites; 13 Shimri and Jeuel from the Elizaphanites; Zechariah and Mattaniah from the Asaphites; 14 Jehiel and Shimei from the Hemanites; and Shemaiah and Uzziel from the Jeduthunites. 15 When they had assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves, they went in to cleanse the house of the LORD, according to the command of the king by the words of the LORD. 16 So the priests went inside the house of the LORD to cleanse it, and they brought out to the courtyard all the unclean things that they found in the temple of the LORD. Then the Levites took these things and carried them out to the Kidron Valley. 17 They began the consecration on the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month they reached the portico of the LORD. For eight more days they consecrated the house of the LORD itself, finishing on the sixteenth day of the first month. 18 Then they went in to King Hezekiah and reported, “We have cleansed the entire house of the LORD, the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the table of the showbread with all its utensils. 19 Moreover, we have prepared and consecrated all the articles that King Ahaz in his unfaithfulness cast aside during his reign. They are now in front of the altar of the LORD." 20 Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials and went up to the house of the LORD. 21 They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And the king commanded the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the LORD. 22 So they slaughtered the bulls, and the priests took the blood and sprinkled it on the altar. They slaughtered the rams and sprinkled the blood on the altar. And they slaughtered the lambs and sprinkled the blood on the altar. 23 Then they brought the goats for the sin offering before the king and the assembly, who laid their hands on them. 24 And the priests slaughtered the goats and put their blood on the altar for a sin offering, to make atonement for all Israel, because the king had ordered the burnt offering and the sin offering for all Israel. 25 Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. 26 The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. 27 And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. 28 The whole assembly was worshiping, the singers were singing, and the trumpeters were playing. All this continued until the burnt offering was completed. 29 When the offerings were completed, the king and all those present with him bowed down and worshiped. 30 Then King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to sing praises to the LORD in the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshiped. 31 Then Hezekiah said, “Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the LORD.” So the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings. 32 The number of burnt offerings the assembly brought was seventy bulls, a hundred rams, and two hundred lambs; all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD. 33 And the consecrated offerings were six hundred bulls and three thousand sheep. 34 However, since there were not enough priests to skin all the burnt offerings, their Levite brothers helped them until the work was finished and until the priests had been consecrated. For the Levites had been more diligent in consecrating themselves than the priests had been. 35 Furthermore, the burnt offerings were abundant, along with the fat of the peace offerings and the drink offerings for the burnt offerings. So the service of the house of the LORD was established. 36 Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had prepared for the people, because everything had been accomplished so quickly.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 29
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 29
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 29
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 29
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
2 Chronicles 29 begins with the introduction of King Hezekiah, who initiates a series of reforms to restore the Temple and true worship in Judah. Hezekiah orders the purification of the Temple, and the priests and Levites work to remove the defiled objects and restore the altar and its vessels. The chapter then describes the reinstatement of the priesthood, the renewal of the covenant, and the celebration of the Passover. Key verses, such as 2 Chronicles 29:5 and 2 Chronicles 29:10, emphasize the importance of consecrating oneself to God and seeking His forgiveness. The chapter concludes with the joyful celebration of the Passover and the establishment of a new era of worship and obedience to God.
Context for the Chapter
2 Chronicles 29 is part of the larger narrative of 1 and 2 Chronicles, which describes the history of the Israelites from the creation of the world to the Babylonian exile. The chapter is situated within the reign of King Hezekiah, who ruled Judah from approximately 729 to 686 BC. The events described in the chapter are also closely tied to the prophetic ministry of Isaiah, who encouraged Hezekiah to trust in God and seek His guidance. The chapter's themes of restoration, revival, and covenant renewal are also connected to the broader biblical narrative, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption and restoration brought by Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
As we reflect on 2 Chronicles 29, we are encouraged to examine our own hearts and lives, seeking areas where we need spiritual renewal and purification. We are called to consecrate ourselves to God, seeking His forgiveness and guidance as we strive to live obediently to His commands. The chapter's emphasis on the importance of leadership and the joy of worship also reminds us of the need for godly leaders and the importance of approaching worship with enthusiasm and gratitude.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about King Hezekiah's efforts to restore the Temple and true worship in Judah. He orders the purification of the Temple and the reinstatement of the priesthood, leading to a renewed sense of worship and obedience to God. As we read this chapter, we are encouraged to examine our own hearts and lives, seeking areas where we need spiritual renewal and purification, as seen in 2 Chronicles 29:5 and 2 Chronicles 29:10.
Voices from the Church
“The Temple was purified, but it was only a symbol of the greater purification that is needed in the human heart. May we, like Hezekiah, seek to consecrate ourselves to God and remove the defilement of sin from our lives.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The covenant renewal described in 2 Chronicles 29 serves as a reminder of the importance of commitment and obedience to God's commands. As believers, we are called to renew our covenant with God, seeking to live faithfully and obediently to His will.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to King Hezekiah's Reign (29:1-2) — The chapter introduces King Hezekiah, who initiates a series of reforms to restore the Temple and true worship in Judah.
- Purification of the Temple (29:3-19) — Hezekiah orders the purification of the Temple, and the priests and Levites work to remove the defiled objects and restore the altar and its vessels.
- Reinstatement of the Priesthood (29:20-30) — The chapter describes the reinstatement of the priesthood, including the consecration of the priests and the renewal of the covenant.
- Celebration of the Passover (29:31-36) — The chapter concludes with the joyful celebration of the Passover and the establishment of a new era of worship in Judah.
- Conclusion and Reflection (29:37-36) — The chapter encourages believers to reflect on the importance of spiritual renewal, leadership, and the joy of worship, as demonstrated in the life of King Hezekiah.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Spiritual Renewal
- 2 Chronicles 29 teaches us that spiritual renewal is essential for our relationship with God. The chapter highlights the need for personal spiritual renewal and the removal of sin from our lives, as seen in the purification of the Temple and the consecration of the priests.
- The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
- The chapter demonstrates the impact that godly leaders can have on their communities. King Hezekiah's leadership and initiative are crucial in the restoration of the Temple and the revival of true worship, serving as a model for spiritual leaders and believers seeking to revitalize their relationship with God.
- The Covenant Between God and His People
- The renewal of the covenant between God and His people is a key aspect of the chapter. The chapter highlights the importance of commitment and obedience to God's commands, as seen in the covenant renewal ceremony described in 2 Chronicles 29:10.
- The Joy of Worship
- The chapter encourages believers to approach worship with enthusiasm and gratitude, recognizing the redemption and forgiveness that God has provided. The celebration of the Passover and the establishment of a new era of worship in Judah demonstrate the joy and enthusiasm that can result from a renewed commitment to God and His commands.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 29
- The Importance of Spiritual Leadership — The chapter teaches us that spiritual leaders play a crucial role in promoting spiritual renewal and the joy of worship. King Hezekiah's leadership and initiative are essential in the restoration of the Temple and the revival of true worship in Judah.
- The Need for Personal Spiritual Renewal — The chapter emphasizes the need for personal spiritual renewal and the removal of sin from our lives. The purification of the Temple and the consecration of the priests serve as a reminder of our need for spiritual cleansing and renewal.
- The Role of Covenant Renewal — The chapter highlights the importance of covenant renewal and the commitment to obey God's commands. The covenant renewal ceremony described in 2 Chronicles 29:10 serves as a reminder of the importance of commitment and obedience to God's will.
- The Joy of Worship — The chapter encourages believers to approach worship with enthusiasm and gratitude, recognizing the redemption and forgiveness that God has provided. The celebration of the Passover and the establishment of a new era of worship in Judah demonstrate the joy and enthusiasm that can result from a renewed commitment to God and His commands.
- The Importance of Community — The chapter teaches us that spiritual renewal and the joy of worship are often experienced in community. The celebration of the Passover and the establishment of a new era of worship in Judah demonstrate the importance of community and corporate worship in our relationship with God.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 29
- Restoration and Revival — The chapter describes the restoration of the Temple and the revival of true worship in Judah, highlighting the importance of spiritual renewal and the removal of sin from our lives.
- The Importance of Leadership — The chapter demonstrates the impact that godly leaders can have on their communities, as seen in the leadership and initiative of King Hezekiah.
- Covenant Renewal — The chapter highlights the importance of covenant renewal and the commitment to obey God's commands, as seen in the covenant renewal ceremony described in 2 Chronicles 29:10.
- The Joy of Worship — The chapter encourages believers to approach worship with enthusiasm and gratitude, recognizing the redemption and forgiveness that God has provided, as seen in the celebration of the Passover in 2 Chronicles 29:31-36.
- The Importance of Community — The chapter teaches us that spiritual renewal and the joy of worship are often experienced in community, as demonstrated in the celebration of the Passover and the establishment of a new era of worship in Judah.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some areas in your life where you need spiritual renewal and purification, as described in 2 Chronicles 29:5?
- How can you, like King Hezekiah, seek to consecrate yourself to God and remove the defilement of sin from your life, as seen in 2 Chronicles 29:10?
- What role can you play in promoting spiritual renewal and the joy of worship in your community, as demonstrated in the celebration of the Passover in 2 Chronicles 29:31-36?
- How can you, like the priests and Levites in 2 Chronicles 29, work to remove the defilement of sin from your life and seek God's forgiveness, as described in 2 Chronicles 29:15-19?
- What are some ways you can approach worship with enthusiasm and gratitude, recognizing the redemption and forgiveness that God has provided, as seen in the celebration of the Passover in 2 Chronicles 29:31-36?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to King Hezekiah's Reign (29:1-2)
| 29:1 | The chapter introduces King Hezekiah, who initiates a series of reforms to restore the Temple and true worship in Judah. |
| 29:2 | Hezekiah is described as a godly king who seeks to follow God's commands and promote spiritual renewal in Judah. |
2. Purification of the Temple (29:3-19)
| 29:3 | Hezekiah orders the purification of the Temple, and the priests and Levites work to remove the defiled objects and restore the altar and its vessels. |
| 29:5 | The call to consecrate oneself to God is a central theme in the chapter, emphasizing the need for spiritual cleansing and renewal. |
| 29:10 | Hezekiah expresses his desire to renew the covenant with God and seek His forgiveness, demonstrating his commitment to restoring true worship and obedience to God. |
| 29:15 | The priests and Levites work to remove the defiled objects from the Temple, symbolizing the need for spiritual purification and the removal of sin from our lives. |
| 29:19 | The purification of the Temple is completed, and the altar and its vessels are restored, demonstrating the importance of spiritual renewal and the removal of sin from our lives. |
3. Reinstatement of the Priesthood (29:20-30)
| 29:20 | Hezekiah reinstates the priesthood, including the consecration of the priests and the renewal of the covenant. |
| 29:25 | The priests and Levites are instructed to offer sacrifices and sing praises to God, demonstrating the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands. |
| 29:30 | The chapter describes the reinstatement of the priesthood and the renewal of the covenant, highlighting the importance of commitment and obedience to God's will. |
4. Celebration of the Passover (29:31-36)
| 29:31 | The chapter concludes with the joyful celebration of the Passover and the establishment of a new era of worship in Judah. |
| 29:35 | The celebration of the Passover demonstrates the joy and enthusiasm that can result from a renewed commitment to God and His commands. |
| 29:36 | The chapter encourages believers to approach worship with enthusiasm and gratitude, recognizing the redemption and forgiveness that God has provided. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the condition of the Temple in Judah before King Hezekiah's reforms?
The Temple was in a state of disrepair and defilement, with many idols and defiled objects present, as described in 2 Chronicles 29:3-5.
What was the role of the priests and Levites in the purification of the Temple?
The priests and Levites worked to remove the defiled objects and restore the altar and its vessels, as described in 2 Chronicles 29:15-19.
What was the significance of the Passover celebration in 2 Chronicles 29?
The Passover celebration marked the establishment of a new era of worship in Judah and demonstrated the joy and enthusiasm that can result from a renewed commitment to God and His commands, as described in 2 Chronicles 29:31-36.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 29:1 → 2 Kings 18:1 | The introduction to King Hezekiah's reign in 2 Chronicles 29:1 is also described in 2 Kings 18:1, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in promoting spiritual renewal. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 29:5 → Leviticus 11:44 | The call to consecrate oneself to God in 2 Chronicles 29:5 is reminiscent of the command in Leviticus 11:44 to be holy, as God is holy, emphasizing the need for spiritual cleansing and renewal. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 29:10 → Deuteronomy 29:10-13 | The covenant renewal ceremony in 2 Chronicles 29:10 is similar to the covenant renewal ceremony described in Deuteronomy 29:10-13, highlighting the importance of commitment and obedience to God's commands. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 29:15 → Ezekiel 36:25 | The purification of the Temple in 2 Chronicles 29:15 is foreshadowed in Ezekiel 36:25, which describes the spiritual purification of God's people, emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal and the removal of sin from our lives. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 29:20 → Hebrews 10:19-22 | The reinstatement of the priesthood in 2 Chronicles 29:20 is reminiscent of the priesthood of believers described in Hebrews 10:19-22, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership and the role of believers in promoting spiritual renewal. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 29:25 → 1 Chronicles 16:4-6 | The instruction to offer sacrifices and sing praises to God in 2 Chronicles 29:25 is similar to the instructions given to the Levites in 1 Chronicles 16:4-6, emphasizing the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 29:31 → Exodus 12:1-14 | The celebration of the Passover in 2 Chronicles 29:31 is rooted in the original Passover celebration described in Exodus 12:1-14, highlighting the importance of commemorating God's acts of deliverance in our lives. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 29:36 → Psalm 100:1-5 | The joyful celebration of the Passover in 2 Chronicles 29:36 is reminiscent of the call to worship in Psalm 100:1-5, emphasizing the importance of approaching worship with enthusiasm and gratitude. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 29:10 → Matthew 26:26-30 | The covenant renewal ceremony in 2 Chronicles 29:10 foreshadows the new covenant established by Jesus Christ, as described in Matthew 26:26-30, highlighting the importance of commitment and obedience to God's will. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 29:5 → 2 Corinthians 7:1 | The call to consecrate oneself to God in 2 Chronicles 29:5 is reminiscent of the call to cleanse ourselves from defilement in 2 Corinthians 7:1, emphasizing the need for spiritual cleansing and renewal. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Worship Beyond Prayer and Praise by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of preparing a sermon on the theme of worship. He shares that he began preparing this sermon in 1951 while lying in a h |
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All on the Altar by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of feeling distant from God and filled with despair. However, he emphasizes that through prayer and trust in the Lord, he |
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Revival - God's Finger Pointing by Lou Sutera | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the message from Haggai chapter 1, verse 5, where God tells his people to consider their ways. The preacher emphasizes the tendency of peopl |
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An Old Testament Revival - Part 1 by David Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of revival in returning to God, highlighting the need for transparency, honesty, and a right relationship with God. It showcases the story of |
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Revival - God's Part, My Part by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of unemployment and aimlessness among young people in third world countries. He highlights the desperation of these individuals who |
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Week of Meetings 06 Three Symphonies by Benard Fell | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their experience in an assembly and the lessons they learned. They emphasize the importance of keeping their focus on the central figure, ju |
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A Royal Priesthood by David Davis | This sermon emphasizes the call to be a royal priesthood, drawing from the story of Hezekiah's revival in 2 Chronicles and the concept of worship as central to experiencing revival |
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The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Makes Us Bold by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of consecrating ourselves daily to God, seeking to be disciples who listen to His voice, respond to His leading, and contribute to the growth |
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Cleansing the Temple by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the need for spiritual cleansing in the church, drawing parallels from King Hezekiah's restoration of the temple. Hezekiah prioritized opening the doors |
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The Beginning of Revival by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of prioritizing a relationship with God, drawing from the story of King Hezekiah, who initiated a revival by restoring the house of God af |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 29
In 2 Chronicles 29, we see the remarkable example of King Hezekiah, who, despite the idolatrous practices of his father, seeks to restore the true worship of God in Judah. Hezekiah's initiatives, including the purification of the Temple and the reinstatement of the priesthood, demonstrate his commitment to obeying God's commands and promoting spiritual renewal. As Matthew Henry notes, Hezekiah's actions serve as a model for believers, encouraging us to examine our own hearts and lives, seeking areas where we need spiritual renewal and purification. The chapter's emphasis on covenant renewal and the importance of leadership in promoting spiritual renewal are also highlighted, reminding us of the need for commitment and obedience to God's will. Ultimately, the chapter points us to the ultimate restoration and redemption brought by Jesus Christ, who purifies our hearts and establishes a new priesthood of believers. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Leadership
King Hezekiah's leadership and initiative are crucial in the restoration of the Temple and the revival of true worship. His example demonstrates the impact that godly leaders can have on their communities and the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making.
The Need for Spiritual Renewal
The chapter highlights the need for spiritual renewal and the removal of sin from our lives. The purification of the Temple and the consecration of the priests serve as a reminder of our need for personal spiritual renewal and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness.
The Joy of Worship
The celebration of the Passover and the establishment of a new era of worship in the chapter demonstrate the joy and enthusiasm that can result from a renewed commitment to God and His commands. The chapter encourages believers to approach worship with enthusiasm and gratitude, recognizing the redemption and forgiveness that God has provided.








