Summary:
Hezekiah Celebrates the Passover
Verses 1-27
King Hezekiah sent word to all Israel and Judah, sending letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, inviting them to come to the Lord's temple in Jerusalem, to celebrate the Passover. They celebrated it in the 2nd month, because there weren't enough consecrated priests or people assembled in Jerusalem to conduct Passover at the appointed time. The king and assembly decided to send out a proclamation from Beersheba to Dan, inviting all of Israel. The king's couriers carried this message:
- He appealed to them to return to God, so that He'd return to those left, who'd escaped the kings of Assyria.
- They should leave the unfaithful ways of their fathers & brothers, who were now objects of horror.
- Don't be stiff-necked like their family members; submit to the Lord
- He invited them to the sanctuary, which God had consecrated forever, to serve God, so His fierce anger would be turned away.
- If they returned to Him, their brothers and children would be shown compassion by their captors and allowed to return home, by God's grace and compassion.
- God won't turn His face from them, if they returned to Him.
The couriers went to each town, in Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but the people scorned them. Some men of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem. The hand of God gave unity to the minds of the Judeans to follow the king's order and obey God's word. A huge crowd of people went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, in the second month. They removed the altars in Jerusalem and cleared the incense altars, throwing them into the Kidron Valley. They slaughtered the Passover lamb on the 14th day. The priests and Levites were ashamed, consecrated themselves, and brought burnt offerings to the Lord's temple. They, then, took up their regular positions, as prescribed in the Law of Moses. The priests sprinkled the blood given to them by the Levites. Many in the crowd hadn't consecrated themselves, therefore, the Levites killed their Passover lambs.
People from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun were impure, but ate the Passover, against the Law. Hezekiah prayed for them, asking God to pardon those whose hearts were set on seeking Him, even if they were unclean. God heard him and healed the people.
The people celebrated for 7 days, with great rejoicing. The Levites and priests sang and played instruments in praise to the Lord. Hezekiah encouraged the Levites, who showed good understanding for serving God. They ate their assigned portions and offered fellowship offerings for 7 days, praising God. The assembly agreed to celebrate for 7 more days, with joy.
Hezekiah provided 1,000 bulls and 7,000 sheep and goats. The officials provided 1,000 bulls and 10,000 sheep and goats. A large number of priests consecrated themselves. The whole assembly, priests, Levites, and foreigners from Israel and Judah, rejoiced. There was great joy in Jerusalem, because there'd been nothing like this in Jerusalem since the days of David and Solomon. The priests and Levites stood to bless the people and God heard them. Their prayer reached heaven, His holy dwelling place.
Lori's Thoughts:
King Hezekiah was one of the greatest kings of Judah. Can you imagine walking into a Las Vegas strip club, telling everyone to repent and go back to God? I'd be terrified. Hezekiah's task was much more daunting. He was reaching out to an entire nation, which had been broken for a long time. However, Hezekiah stepped out in faith and many people responded to it. They desired to feel that connection to God, again. It's a powerful feeling.
This chapter gives further proof that God is out to save us and not condemn us. Although many people weren't consecrated before returning to God, the king petitioned for them, and God had mercy on them. Even more, He healed them. Thanks to Jesus, we can now approach God directly, without being perfect first, and He heals us. However, we still need to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit to connect with God forever.
Spiritual highs are the best! We will celebrate with Christ. Meanwhile, I will dance in this small space.
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