2 Chronicles 29:17

Now they began on the first [day] of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of the LORD: so they sanctified the house of the LORD in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.

Now they began {H2490} on the first {H259} day of the first {H7223} month {H2320} to sanctify {H6942}, and on the eighth {H8083} day {H3117} of the month {H2320} came {H935} they to the porch {H197} of the LORD {H3068}: so they sanctified {H6942} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} in eight {H8083} days {H3117}; and in the sixteenth {H8337}{H6240} day of the first {H7223} month {H2320} they made an end {H3615}.

They began consecrating on the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month they reached the vestibule of ADONAI. Then they consecrated the house of ADONAI in eight more days; so that on the sixteenth day of the first month, they had finished.

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.

Now they began on the first day of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of Jehovah; and they sanctified the house of Jehovah in eight days: and on the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:17 describes a pivotal moment in King Hezekiah’s reign, detailing the precise timeline for the purification and consecration of the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse marks the diligent progress of the Levites and priests as they meticulously cleansed the sacred space, preparing it once again for the proper worship of the LORD.

Context of 2 Chronicles 29:17

This verse is situated within the narrative of King Hezekiah's righteous reforms after the idolatrous reign of his father, Ahaz. Upon ascending the throne, Hezekiah immediately prioritized the spiritual restoration of Judah. He recognized that the nation's spiritual decline was directly linked to the neglect and defilement of the Temple. Just as Hezekiah opened the doors of the house of the LORD in the first year of his reign, he then commanded the Levites to cleanse themselves and the Temple (see 2 Chronicles 29:5). The "first month" mentioned here is Nisan, which held significant religious importance, often associated with new beginnings and the Passover celebration.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Diligent Restoration: The verse highlights the methodical and thorough nature of the cleansing process. The Levites began on the very first day of the month and completed the extensive task in a precise, sixteen-day period. This reflects a commitment to restoring divine order and purity.
  • Sanctification and Holiness: The core action is "to sanctify" the Temple. This act was not merely cleaning but making the space holy, setting it apart for God's exclusive use. It underscores the importance of holiness in approaching God.
  • Divine Timing and Order: The specific dates—the first day, the eighth day (reaching the porch), and the sixteenth day (completion)—emphasize a divinely appointed and meticulously followed schedule for spiritual renewal.
  • Leadership and Obedience: Hezekiah's initiative, coupled with the Levites' ready obedience, serves as a powerful example of how faithful leadership can inspire and facilitate a nation's return to God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "sanctify" is qadash (קדש), meaning "to set apart," "to make holy," or "to consecrate." It implies a ceremonial purification that renders something fit for divine service or presence. The "porch of the LORD" refers to the ulam (אולם), the vestibule or entrance hall leading into the main part of the Temple, a significant area in the structure of the sanctuary.

Practical Application

The account in 2 Chronicles 29:17 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as the physical Temple needed cleansing, our lives and our churches periodically require spiritual purification and dedication. This verse encourages us to:

  • Embrace Spiritual Renewal: Be proactive in seeking personal and communal spiritual cleansing, removing anything that defiles or distracts from true worship.
  • Exercise Diligence in Service: Approach tasks for God's kingdom with thoroughness, commitment, and a clear timeline, just as the Levites did.
  • Value Holiness: Recognize the importance of holiness in our lives and in our places of worship, ensuring they are set apart for God's glory.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 29:3

    He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:7

    Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy [place] unto the God of Israel.

  • 2 Chronicles 3:4

    And the porch that [was] in the front [of the house], the length [of it was] according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height [was] an hundred and twenty: and he overlaid it within with pure gold.

  • 1 Kings 6:3

    And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits [was] the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; [and] ten cubits [was] the breadth thereof before the house.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:11

    ¶ Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,

  • Exodus 12:2

    This month [shall be] unto you the beginning of months: it [shall be] the first month of the year to you.

  • Exodus 12:8

    And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; [and] with bitter [herbs] they shall eat it.
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