2 Chronicles 29

2 Chronicles 29:1

M. King Hezekiah (Chaps. 2932)29:1-11 The Bible accords several chapters to Hezekiah’s reign. Three chapters are devoted to him in 2 Kings (1820), four in the Book of Isaiah (3639), and four here. Second Chronicles mentions primarily his religious dealings while 2 Kings relates more of his political and foreign accomplishments. Both books bring out his outstanding character and devotion to the Lord. Hezekiah started his reformation with the religious leaders. He called together the priests and Levites and ordered them to consecrate themselves and the temple. Because of unfaithfulness on the part of their fathers, the wrath of the LORD was on the land and many people had already been slain or taken captive. The king wanted to get right with God, and he urged the priests and Levites to do the same. 29:12-24 The Levites listed by name in verses 12-14 led their brothers in obeying the king’s command. They cleansed (v. 18) the courts for eight days, then the temple itself for eight days (v. 17). They set the utensils in order for temple-service, then informed King Hezekiah that all had been carried out according to his word. Hezekiah offered a sin-offering on behalf of the kingdom. The blood from the sin and burnt offerings was used to purge the altar. 29:25-36 The priests and Levites were stationed in their places as appointed in the time of David, and they sang and played the holy instruments while the burnt offering was being offered. All those present bowed in worship along with the Levites, and those who were so inclined brought burnt and thank offerings. So much was brought for this freewill gift that the Levites had to help the priests slaughter the animals because not enough priests had sanctified themselves. The people rejoiced because of the suddenness of the revival and because it produced a glimmer of hope for a better future for Judah. But this was only the beginning of Hezekiah’s reforms.