2 Chronicles 29:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they went in to King Hezekiah and reported, “We 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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 29:18 records the pivotal moment when the Levites and priests, commissioned by King Hezekiah, reported the successful completion of their extensive work in cleansing the defiled Temple of the LORD. This comprehensive purification encompassed the entire sacred edifice, including the central altar of burnt offering and the table for the shewbread, along with all their associated vessels. This report marked a crucial milestone in Hezekiah's audacious and divinely-inspired initiative to restore proper worship and spiritual vitality to Judah after generations of apostasy and neglect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening narrative of King Hezekiah's reign, specifically detailing his immediate and radical spiritual reforms. Having ascended the throne after his idolatrous father, Ahaz, Hezekiah wasted no time in initiating a national revival. [2 Chronicles 29:3](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3 - Hezekiah Opens the Temple") states that in the very first month of his reign, he opened and repaired the doors of the house of the LORD. He then commanded the Levites and priests to sanctify themselves and cleanse the Temple, a process that took sixteen days ([2 Chronicles 29:17](/2_chronicles/29-17 "2 Chronicles 29:17 - Duration of Temple Cleansing")). Verse 18 is the direct report of this completed task, leading immediately into the restoration of the sacrificial system and the celebration of Passover, signifying a full return to covenant worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah from approximately 715-686 BC, a period marked by significant geopolitical turmoil with the rising Assyrian Empire. His father, King Ahaz, had not only tolerated but actively promoted idolatry, even going so far as to [shut up the doors of the house of the LORD](/2_chronicles/28-24 "2 Chronicles 28:24 - Ahaz Shuts the Temple") and erect pagan altars throughout Jerusalem. This had left the Temple in a state of profound defilement and disuse, reflecting the spiritual decay of the nation. The cleansing described in this verse was not merely a physical tidying but a ritual purification essential for restoring the Temple's sanctity and making it fit for God's presence and proper worship, according to Mosaic Law. The "altar of burnt offering" was the primary site for atonement, and the "shewbread table" symbolized God's covenant presence and provision, making their purification paramount.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several foundational themes. Foremost is **Restoration and Revival**, as Hezekiah's actions reverse decades of spiritual decline, aiming to bring the nation back into right relationship with God. This restoration hinges on **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing the biblical principle that God's dwelling place and instruments of worship must be consecrated and set apart from all defilement, a concept underscored by the meticulous cleansing of "all the house of the LORD" and its sacred furnishings. The diligent work of the Levites and priests highlights **Obedience and Diligence** in service to God, as they meticulously carried out the king's command, demonstrating commitment to the comprehensive purification. Finally, Hezekiah's decisive and immediate action upon ascending the throne exemplifies **Godly Leadership**, showcasing how a righteous ruler can inspire and lead a nation toward spiritual transformation, in stark contrast to the apostasy of his predecessors like [King Ahaz](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - The Reign of Ahaz").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cleansed (Hebrew, _ṭāhēr_):** This verb (טהר) signifies to be pure, clean, or to purify. In a cultic context, it refers to ritual purification, making something ceremonially fit for sacred use or for approaching God. Its use here emphasizes that the Temple and its vessels were not merely tidied but ritually purified from the defilement accumulated under Ahaz, thereby restoring their sacred function and enabling proper worship to resume. This concept of purification is central to the Old Testament understanding of holiness.
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew, _bêṯ Yahweh_):** This phrase (בֵּית יְהוָה) refers specifically to the Temple in Jerusalem, the designated dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Its defilement under Ahaz represented a profound spiritual crisis, signifying a breach in the covenant relationship. Its cleansing was therefore an act of national repentance and a re-establishment of God's rightful place at the center of Israelite life and worship.
* **Shewbread Table (Hebrew, _šulḥān leḥem hapanim_):** The "table of the bread of the presence" (שֻׁלְחַן לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים) was one of the key furnishings in the Holy Place of the Temple. The twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, were perpetually set before the LORD, symbolizing God's constant provision for and covenant relationship with His people. Its purification was essential for the restoration of this symbolic communion and God's sustained presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said,"**: This opening clause establishes the formal nature of the report. The Levites and priests, having completed the arduous task assigned to them, present themselves before the king to deliver an official update, underscoring their accountability and the king's authority in this spiritual initiative.
* **"We have cleansed all the house of the LORD,"**: This declaration signifies the comprehensive nature of their work. "All the house" implies that no part of the Temple structure, from its outer courts to its inner sanctum, was overlooked in the purification process. This thoroughness reflects the diligence of the workers and the seriousness of the defilement.
* **"and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof,"**: The altar of burnt offering, located in the outer court, was central to Israelite worship as the place where sacrifices were made for atonement. Its cleansing, along with its associated tools and implements ("vessels thereof"), was critical for the resumption of the sacrificial system, which was the primary means of approaching God.
* **"and the shewbread table, with all the vessels thereof."**: The inclusion of the shewbread table, located in the Holy Place, further emphasizes the meticulous and complete nature of the cleansing. This table and its vessels (bowls, pitchers, etc.) were integral to the daily rituals of the Temple, symbolizing God's presence and provision. Their purification ensured that all aspects of sacred worship could be properly restored.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Repetition** is subtly used through the phrase "with all the vessels thereof," applied to both the altar and the shewbread table, emphasizing the exhaustive and meticulous nature of the cleansing. This highlights the Levites' diligence and the comprehensive scope of the restoration. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the physical cleansing of the Temple stands as a powerful symbol for the spiritual purification and renewal of the nation. The defiled Temple represented Judah's apostasy, and its cleansing symbolized their return to covenant faithfulness. Furthermore, there is a strong **Contrast** drawn between the reign of Hezekiah and that of his father, Ahaz. While Ahaz deliberately defiled and shut the Temple, Hezekiah immediately prioritizes its purification and restoration, setting the stage for national revival. The report itself functions as a form of **Confirmation**, validating the successful execution of the king's divine mandate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The cleansing of the Temple in 2 Chronicles 29:18 is a profound theological statement about God's holiness and His demand for purity in worship. It underscores the principle that God cannot dwell amidst defilement, and that true communion with Him requires a consecrated space and consecrated people. This event demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant, providing a way for His people to return to Him even after severe apostasy, through repentance and diligent efforts to restore proper worship. It prefigures the ultimate purification offered through Christ and sets a precedent for the ongoing need for spiritual cleansing in the lives of believers and the corporate body of Christ.

* [Leviticus 16:16](/leviticus/16-16 "Leviticus 16:16 - Atonement for the Sanctuary") - "And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness."
* [Hebrews 9:22-23](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22-23 - Cleansing by Blood") - "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these."
* [1 Corinthians 3:16-17](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - Believers as God's Temple") - "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous cleansing of the Temple by the Levites and priests, as reported in 2 Chronicles 29:18, serves as a powerful metaphor for the ongoing need for spiritual purification in our individual lives and within the corporate body of believers. Just as the physical structure and vessels had accumulated defilement, our hearts, minds, and actions can become cluttered and corrupted by sin, worldly influences, and spiritual neglect. This passage calls us to a diligent and comprehensive self-examination, prompting us to identify and remove anything that hinders our communion with God or defiles our spiritual "temple." It reminds us that genuine worship flows from a place of purity and intentional consecration, requiring us to actively "cleanse" our spiritual altars of prayer, our tables of fellowship and communion with God's Word, and all the "vessels" of our lives that are meant for His service. Furthermore, Hezekiah's leadership highlights the critical role of spiritual authority in initiating and sustaining revival, challenging leaders today to prioritize God's honor and the spiritual well-being of those they lead, inspiring a collective return to holiness and fervent worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "defilements" or neglected areas in my personal spiritual life need diligent cleansing and restoration today?**
* **How does the thoroughness of the Levites' work challenge my approach to spiritual disciplines and service?**
* **In what ways might my "altar of burnt offering" (my place of sacrifice and surrender) or "shewbread table" (my communion and fellowship with God) need purification or renewed attention?**
* **How can I, as an individual or as part of a community, contribute to the spiritual restoration and purity of the "house of the LORD" today?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Temple defiled, and what did its cleansing signify?**

Answer: The Temple became defiled primarily during the reign of King Ahaz, Hezekiah's father. Ahaz was a wicked king who embraced idolatry, even sacrificing his own son to pagan deities and [shutting the doors of the house of the LORD](/2_chronicles/28-24 "2 Chronicles 28:24 - Ahaz's Idolatry"). This act of closing the Temple and introducing pagan practices within Judah's borders led to its ritual impurity and disuse. The cleansing, therefore, was not just a physical tidying but a profound ritual and spiritual purification. It signified a national repentance, a rejection of idolatry, and a deliberate return to the covenant relationship with Yahweh. It was a necessary step to restore the Temple as a holy space fit for God's presence and for the resumption of proper, acceptable worship according to the Mosaic Law.

**What was the significance of the specific items mentioned as cleansed (altar of burnt offering, shewbread table)?**

Answer: The mention of these specific items underscores the comprehensive nature of the cleansing and their critical importance in Israelite worship. The **altar of burnt offering** was central to the sacrificial system, where animals were offered for atonement for sin. Its purification was essential for the restoration of the means by which the people could seek forgiveness and reconcile with God. The **shewbread table** (or "table of the bread of the presence") was located in the Holy Place and held twelve loaves of bread, symbolizing God's perpetual presence among and provision for the twelve tribes of Israel. Its cleansing was vital for restoring the symbolic communion between God and His people, ensuring that all aspects of their covenant relationship, from atonement to fellowship, could be properly observed. These items represented the core functions of the Temple as a place of atonement, communion, and worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The cleansing of the Temple under King Hezekiah, as described in 2 Chronicles 29:18, serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect cleansing accomplished by Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah's efforts restored a physical temple and a temporal sacrificial system, Jesus, as the true and greater Temple, performed a spiritual and eternal purification. He not only literally cleansed the Temple courts of commercial defilement ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")), but more profoundly, He became the ultimate sacrifice, purifying humanity from the defilement of sin once and for all. The author of Hebrews explains that Christ entered "not into the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf" ([Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Ministry")). His blood, unlike that of bulls and goats, "purifies our conscience from dead works to serve the living God" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Purifying Blood")). Furthermore, through Christ, believers are now understood to be the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), indwelt by God Himself. This means the call to purity and holiness, once focused on a physical structure, is now an internal reality and an ongoing spiritual discipline for those who are in Christ, continually being "cleansed by the washing of water with the word" ([Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Christ Sanctifies the Church")).

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

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

¶ 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.