2 Chronicles 29:13

KJV

And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the sons {H1121} of Elizaphan {H469}; Shimri {H8113}, and Jeiel {H3273}: and of the sons {H1121} of Asaph {H623}; Zechariah {H2148}, and Mattaniah {H4983}:

Complete Jewish Bible

of the descendants of Elitzafan, Shimri and Ye'i'el; of the descendants of Asaf, Z'kharyahu and Matanyahu;

Berean Standard Bible

Shimri and Jeuel from the Elizaphanites; Zechariah and Mattaniah from the Asaphites;

American Standard Version

and of the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeuel; and of the sons of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 29:13 meticulously lists four Levites—Shimri, Jeiel, Zechariah, and Mattaniah—from the families of Elizaphan and Asaph, highlighting their specific involvement in King Hezekiah's comprehensive spiritual reforms. This seemingly simple enumeration underscores the organized and dedicated effort required to cleanse and restore the defiled Temple of the Lord, emphasizing the crucial role of individual obedience and corporate commitment in facilitating national spiritual revival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the detailed account of King Hezekiah's immediate and radical religious reforms, beginning in [2 Chronicles 29:3](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3 - Hezekiah's Temple Restoration"). Following his father Ahaz's idolatrous reign, Hezekiah prioritizes the restoration of proper worship. He commands the Levites and priests to consecrate themselves and cleanse the Temple, which had been shut and defiled. Verses [2 Chronicles 29:12-14](/2_chronicles/29-12 "2 Chronicles 29:12-14 - The Levites Who Responded") provide a specific roster of the Levites who responded faithfully to this call, demonstrating the organized and willing participation essential for the revival's success. This list, therefore, serves as a historical record of those who actively participated in the spiritual renewal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah ascended the throne of Judah during a period of severe spiritual decline and political instability, largely due to the apostasy of his father, King Ahaz, who had closed the Temple and promoted idolatry (cf. [2 Chronicles 28:24-25](/2_chronicles/28-24 "2 Chronicles 28:24-25 - Ahaz's Idolatry and Temple Closure")). Hezekiah's reign, starting in his first month, marked a dramatic pivot back to the Mosaic covenant. The cleansing of the Temple was not merely a physical act but a profound theological statement, signifying the purification of the nation's spiritual heart. The Levites, divinely appointed for Temple service (cf. [Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - The Appointment of the Levites")), were crucial to this process, acting as guardians of ritual purity and facilitators of worship. Their willingness to undergo personal consecration and engage in the laborious task of cleansing reflected a deep commitment to God's covenant.

* **Key Themes:** The listing of these Levites in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms and Temple Cleansing") contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Restoration and Revival**, portraying Hezekiah's reign as a pivotal moment of spiritual renewal after generations of apostasy. Secondly, it highlights **Obedience and Consecration**, as the named individuals exemplify the Levites' faithful and immediate response to the call for personal and corporate purification, a prerequisite for acceptable worship (cf. [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness and Purity")). Finally, the meticulous naming reinforces the theme of **Divine Order and Service**, emphasizing the importance of specific roles and lineages within God's meticulously ordered plan for Temple worship and the ongoing covenant relationship with His people, as seen throughout the Chronicler's emphasis on the Levites' duties (e.g., [1 Chronicles 23:27-32](/1_chronicles/23-27 "1 Chronicles 23:27-32 - Duties of the Levites")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elizaphan (Hebrew, _'Elitsaphan'_):** Meaning "My God has protected" or "My God is hidden." This name designates a specific Levitical family line, a branch of the Kohathites (Numbers 3:30). The inclusion of this family head signifies the participation of established Levitical clans, emphasizing that the Temple cleansing was not a random effort but an organized undertaking involving those traditionally responsible for the sanctuary. It highlights the continuity of divine appointment even after periods of neglect.
* **Asaph (Hebrew, _'Asaph'_):** Meaning "Collector" or "Gatherer." Asaph was a prominent Levite, a descendant of Gershom, and one of the three chief musicians appointed by David (1 Chronicles 6:39). His descendants formed a significant guild of Temple singers and seers (2 Chronicles 5:12; Nehemiah 7:44). The presence of "sons of Asaph" in this list indicates that even the musical and prophetic branches of the Levites were involved in the practical, physical work of purification, demonstrating a holistic commitment to the Temple's restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel:"** This clause identifies two individuals, Shimri and Jeiel, as belonging to the Levitical family descended from Elizaphan. Their inclusion signifies that this particular line, historically associated with the Kohathites who were responsible for carrying the sacred articles of the tabernacle (Numbers 4:15), was actively engaged in the restoration efforts. This highlights the broad participation of various Levitical branches in Hezekiah's reforms, emphasizing their corporate responsibility for the sanctity of God's house.
* **"and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:"** This second clause names Zechariah and Mattaniah as members of the Asaphite lineage. Asaphites were renowned for their musical and prophetic roles in Temple worship. Their presence in a list of those cleansing the Temple underscores that the call to consecration and service extended to all Levites, regardless of their specific functional specialization. It implies that spiritual restoration requires both the practical work of purification and the renewed dedication to worship and praise.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Chronicles 29:13, and indeed throughout the lists in [2 Chronicles 29:12-14](/2_chronicles/29-12 "2 Chronicles 29:12-14 - The Responding Levites"), is **Enumeration** or **Listing**. This technique serves to provide a detailed, historical record, lending authenticity and weight to the narrative. By specifically naming individuals and their family heads, the Chronicler emphasizes the organized and deliberate nature of the Temple cleansing. It also functions as a form of **Commemoration**, honoring those who faithfully responded to Hezekiah's call for spiritual renewal. The repetition of the phrase "sons of" (e.g., "sons of Elizaphan," "sons of Asaph") creates a rhythmic pattern, reinforcing the idea of lineage and the continuity of Levitical service. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the Chronicler's theological agenda: to show that the restoration of Judah's spiritual life was a divinely ordered process, carried out by specific, obedient individuals, thereby encouraging future generations to emulate their faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The listing of these Levites, though seemingly mundane, carries profound theological weight. It underscores God's meticulous attention to order and the importance of human obedience in facilitating divine purposes. The cleansing of the Temple was not a casual undertaking but a sacred duty, requiring consecrated individuals who understood their role in maintaining the holiness of God's dwelling place. This act of purification foreshadows the broader theme of spiritual cleansing and renewal necessary for fellowship with a holy God. The readiness of Shimri, Jeiel, Zechariah, and Mattaniah, along with their kinsmen, to engage in this laborious and often unpleasant task, serves as a powerful testament to their commitment to God's covenant and the restoration of true worship.

* [Numbers 8:14](/numbers/8-14 "Numbers 8:14 - Levites Set Apart for Service") - The Levites were set apart for the service of the Lord, highlighting their unique role in Israel's worship.
* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalm/24-3 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?") - Emphasizes the requirement of clean hands and a pure heart to approach God's holy presence.
* [Haggai 1:4-9](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4-9 - Rebuilding the Temple") - Calls the people to prioritize the rebuilding and restoration of the Lord's house, connecting physical restoration to spiritual blessing.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed listing of Levites in 2 Chronicles 29:13, far from being a mere historical footnote, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that significant spiritual renewal, whether personal or communal, often begins with the humble, diligent work of individuals committed to purity and order. Just as these Levites physically cleansed the defiled Temple, believers are called to participate in the ongoing work of spiritual purification in their own lives and in the church. This involves not only removing obvious defilement but also dedicating ourselves to the structures and practices that foster true worship and godliness. The willingness of these men to serve, even in seemingly unglamorous tasks, exemplifies a spirit of obedience and a recognition that every part of God's house, and indeed every aspect of our lives, must be consecrated to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or your community do you sense a need for "cleansing" or "restoration" to honor God more fully?**
* **What specific, perhaps unglamorous, tasks might God be calling you to undertake to contribute to spiritual renewal?**
* **How does the meticulous nature of the Levites' work challenge your approach to serving God with diligence and thoroughness?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Bible list so many names, especially in sections like Chronicles?**

Answer: The meticulous listing of names, as seen in [2 Chronicles 29:13](/2_chronicles/29-13 "2 Chronicles 29:13 - Levites in Hezekiah's Reform"), serves several crucial purposes within biblical narratives, particularly in books like Chronicles. Firstly, it provides a **historical record** and **authenticity**, validating the events described by identifying the specific individuals involved. This grounds the narrative in real-world actions. Secondly, it emphasizes **accountability and responsibility**, showing who responded to God's call and fulfilled their divinely appointed roles. For the Chronicler, these lists often highlight the faithful remnant and those who upheld the covenant. Thirdly, it underscores **divine order and continuity**, demonstrating the structured nature of God's people and the ongoing lineage of service, especially for the Levites and priests. Finally, these lists can serve as a form of **commemoration**, honoring those whose obedience contributed to significant moments in salvation history, thereby providing models of faithfulness for future generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous cleansing of the Temple by the Levites in [2 Chronicles 29:13](/2_chronicles/29-13 "2 Chronicles 29:13 - Levites in Hezekiah's Reform") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, though sacred, was a shadow of the true dwelling place of God and a type of Christ himself (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")). Just as the Levites purified the physical structure, Jesus, as the true and perfect High Priest, performed the ultimate cleansing, not of a building, but of humanity's sin and defilement through His sacrificial death on the cross (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He is the one who cleanses our consciences from dead works to serve the living God. Furthermore, Christ's work establishes the new covenant community, the Church, which is now described as the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")) and a "spiritual house" (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Believers, like the obedient Levites, are called to participate in the ongoing purification of this spiritual temple, living lives consecrated to God, empowered by the Spirit, and serving as "a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). Thus, the dedicated service of these Levites points forward to the comprehensive and perfect cleansing wrought by Christ, enabling a new, living worship in spirit and truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 6:39

And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, [even] Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea,

1 Chronicles 15:8

Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred:

Leviticus 10:4

And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.

1 Chronicles 25:2

Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.

1 Chronicles 15:17

So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;