2 Chronicles 29:18

Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have cleansed all the house of the LORD, and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread table, with all the vessels thereof.

Then they went {H935} in {H6441} to Hezekiah {H2396} the king {H4428}, and said {H559}, We have cleansed {H2891} all the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and the altar {H4196} of burnt offering {H5930}, with all the vessels {H3627} thereof, and the shewbread {H4635} table {H7979}, with all the vessels {H3627} thereof.

Then they went to Hizkiyahu the king in [the palace] and said, "We have cleansed all the house of ADONAI, including the altar for burnt offerings, with all its equipment, and the table for the showbread, with all its equipment.

Then they went in to King Hezekiah and reported, β€œWe 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.

Then they went in to Hezekiah the king within the palace, and said, We have cleansed all the house of Jehovah, and the altar of burnt-offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the table of showbread, with all the vessels thereof.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:18 marks a significant moment in the spiritual restoration of Judah under the righteous reign of King Hezekiah. This verse details the successful completion of the initial phase of the temple cleansing, a vital step in reversing generations of spiritual decay.

Context

This verse is found early in the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. Unlike his father, King Ahaz, who had shut up the doors of the house of the LORD and made altars to other gods, Hezekiah began his rule with an immediate and decisive commitment to spiritual reform. In the very first month of his reign, Hezekiah commanded the Levites and priests to sanctify themselves and cleanse the Temple of the LORD. Verse 18 is part of the report given by these diligent servants to the king, confirming that the extensive work of purifying the defiled sanctuary and its sacred furnishings had been completed.

Key Themes

  • Restoration and Revival: The primary theme is the dramatic spiritual revival initiated by Hezekiah. The cleansing of the Temple was not just a physical act but a symbolic and necessary step to restore proper worship and the nation's relationship with God.
  • Holiness and Purity: The verse emphasizes the meticulous cleansing of "all the house of the LORD," including the "altar of burnt offering" and the "shewbread table," along with their vessels. This highlights the biblical principle that God's dwelling place and instruments of worship must be holy and set apart from defilement.
  • Obedience and Diligence: The Levites and priests demonstrate exemplary obedience and diligence in carrying out the king's command. Their comprehensive report signifies their commitment to the task, working tirelessly to purify every aspect of the Temple.
  • Godly Leadership: Hezekiah's leadership is a powerful example of a ruler prioritizing God's honor and the spiritual well-being of his people, leading to significant national transformation. This contrasts sharply with the idolatry of his predecessors.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cleansed" here is taher (Χ˜Χ”Χ¨), which means to be pure, clean, or to purify. It carries a strong connotation of ritual and ceremonial purification, making something fit for sacred use. This is crucial in the context of the Temple, as its defilement under Ahaz had rendered it unusable for proper worship. The "altar of burnt offering" (mizbeach ha'olah) was central to Israelite atonement, and the "shewbread table" (shulchan lechem hapanim) symbolized God's constant provision and presence among His people. Their purification was essential for the restoration of genuine communion with God.

Practical Application

The account in 2 Chronicles 29:18 offers several timeless applications for believers today:

  • Personal Spiritual Cleansing: Just as the Temple needed cleansing, our hearts and lives can accumulate "defilement" through sin. This verse encourages a conscious effort to seek spiritual purity and confess our sins to be cleansed by God.
  • Restoring Worship: If our "altars of worship" – our prayer lives, study of God's Word, and corporate fellowship – have become neglected or defiled, this passage calls us to diligently restore them to their rightful place of honor and purity.
  • Impact of Godly Leadership: The story underscores the profound impact of righteous leadership, whether in a family, church, or nation. Leaders who prioritize God's will can inspire widespread spiritual renewal.
  • Diligence in Service: The Levites' thoroughness reminds us to approach our spiritual tasks and service to God with diligence, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 4:7

    And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set [them] in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left.

  • 2 Chronicles 4:8

    He made also ten tables, and placed [them] in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold.

  • 2 Chronicles 4:1

    ΒΆ Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.

  • 2 Chronicles 13:11

    And they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also [set they in order] upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him.
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