2 Chronicles 29:20

KJV

¶ Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Hezekiah {H3169} the king {H4428} rose early {H7925}, and gathered {H622} the rulers {H8269} of the city {H5892}, and went up {H5927} to the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next morning, Hizkiyahu the king got up early, gathered the leading men of the city and went up to the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials and went up to the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Then Hezekiah the king arose early, and gathered the princes of the city, and went up to the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 29:20 marks a pivotal moment in the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, signaling his immediate and resolute commitment to spiritual reform and the restoration of proper worship. Following his father Ahaz's apostasy and desecration of the Temple, Hezekiah, in the very first month of his reign, demonstrates proactive and diligent leadership by gathering the city's rulers and personally leading them to the House of the LORD, initiating a profound national revival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Hezekiah's initial decree to the Levites to sanctify themselves and cleanse the Temple, which had been defiled and shut by his father, King Ahaz. In [2 Chronicles 29:3](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3 - Hezekiah's Command to Open the Temple Doors"), Hezekiah commands the opening and repair of the Temple doors. This verse, [2 Chronicles 29:20](/2_chronicles/29-20 "2 Chronicles 29:20 - Hezekiah's Proactive Leadership"), transitions the narrative from the physical cleansing of the sanctuary to the re-establishment of corporate worship and sacrificial atonement. It sets the stage for the extensive purification rituals, the offering of sacrifices, and the joyful celebration of the Passover that unfold in the remainder of [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah Restores Temple Worship"). The king's personal initiative and the involvement of the city's leadership underscore the gravity and national scope of the impending spiritual renewal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah ascended the throne of Judah after the reign of his father, King Ahaz, who had led the nation into deep idolatry, even closing the doors of the Temple and setting up pagan altars throughout Jerusalem ([2 Chronicles 28:24-25](/2_chronicles/28-24 "2 Chronicles 28:24-25 - Ahaz Closes the Temple and Builds Idolatrous Altars")). This period was marked by significant Assyrian influence and the syncretism of Yahwistic worship with foreign cults. Hezekiah's actions in this verse represent a radical departure from his father's policies and a deliberate return to the Mosaic covenant. The phrase "rose early" is a common biblical idiom signifying diligence, urgency, and earnestness, often associated with important undertakings (e.g., Abraham in [Genesis 22:3](/genesis/22-3 "Genesis 22:3 - Abraham Rises Early for Sacrifice")). Gathering "the rulers of the city" was crucial for securing the cooperation and participation of the civic leadership, signaling that this was a national, not merely a personal, religious endeavor. The Temple, the "house of the LORD," was the spiritual and often political center of Judah, representing God's dwelling among His people and the place of atonement and communion.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Righteous Leadership and Divine Favor**, where a king's obedience to God directly correlates with national blessing and spiritual restoration, contrasting sharply with the apostasy of previous kings. It highlights **Diligent and Proactive Action** in spiritual matters; Hezekiah does not delay but immediately addresses the spiritual decay. The gathering of "the rulers of the city" emphasizes **Corporate Responsibility and National Revival**, underscoring that spiritual renewal is not solely an individual pursuit but requires collective effort and leadership from the top down. Finally, the act of "went up to the house of the LORD" underscores the **Prioritization of God's Presence and Worship**, signifying a national re-orientation towards the covenant and the centrality of the Temple in the life of God's people, echoing the principle of [seeking first the kingdom of God](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rose early (Hebrew, _hishkim'_):** This verb signifies more than just waking up at dawn; it conveys a sense of urgency, diligence, and eager anticipation. In biblical contexts, it often denotes a deliberate and immediate action taken without delay, indicating Hezekiah's fervent commitment and proactive initiative in addressing the spiritual crisis of Judah from the very beginning of his reign. It stands in stark contrast to the spiritual lethargy that characterized his father's rule.
* **gathered (Hebrew, _wayyiqhol'_):** This verb implies a formal convocation or assembly. Hezekiah's action was not a solitary one, but a deliberate act to involve the civic leadership of Jerusalem. This highlights the corporate nature of the impending spiritual reform, indicating that the king understood the need for broad support and participation from those in authority to effect national change and restore proper worship.
* **house of the LORD (Hebrew, _bêt YHWH'_):** This refers specifically to the Temple in Jerusalem, the central sanctuary where God's presence was uniquely manifested among His people. Its desecration and closure under Ahaz symbolized the nation's spiritual alienation from God. Hezekiah's immediate act of going to the Temple signifies the paramount importance of restoring true worship and re-establishing the covenant relationship with Yahweh as the first order of business for the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Hezekiah the king rose early":** This clause emphasizes Hezekiah's personal diligence, initiative, and urgency. It highlights his immediate and unhesitating commitment to spiritual reform at the very outset of his reign, setting a tone of earnestness and determination that contrasts sharply with the spiritual negligence of his predecessor, King Ahaz. His proactive leadership is a key element of the narrative.
* **"and gathered the rulers of the city":** This phrase reveals the corporate dimension of Hezekiah's reform. He understood that national spiritual renewal required the involvement and buy-in of the civic leadership. By assembling these influential figures, Hezekiah ensured that the restoration of Temple worship would be a collective, national endeavor, not merely a private religious act, thereby multiplying its impact and legitimacy.
* **"and went up to the house of the LORD":** This climactic action symbolizes the spiritual re-orientation of the entire nation. The physical act of ascending to the Temple, which had been shut and defiled, signifies the prioritization of God and His worship above all other concerns. It marks the beginning of the re-establishment of proper sacrificial worship and communion with God, serving as a powerful visual and theological statement of Judah's return to its covenant responsibilities.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices**. **Contrast** is evident in the immediate juxtaposition of Hezekiah's zealous actions with the apostasy and neglect of his father, Ahaz, setting Hezekiah apart as a righteous king. The phrase "rose early" functions as **symbolism**, representing not just the time of day but Hezekiah's unwavering diligence, urgency, and proactive commitment to spiritual matters. The act of "went up to the house of the LORD" is also highly **symbolic**, representing the nation's spiritual re-orientation and the prioritization of God's presence and worship. The inclusion of "the rulers of the city" highlights **synecdoche**, where a part (the leaders) represents the whole (the nation), emphasizing the corporate and national scope of the revival. Furthermore, the swift, decisive action described contributes to the **narrative pacing**, establishing a sense of momentum and determination that characterizes the entire account of Hezekiah's reforms in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah Restores Temple Worship").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a powerful theological statement on the necessity of righteous leadership and the corporate nature of spiritual renewal. Hezekiah's immediate and diligent action demonstrates that true reform begins with a decisive turning towards God, prioritizing His dwelling place and His commands. It underscores the biblical principle that when leaders commit themselves wholeheartedly to God, it can catalyze a widespread spiritual awakening among the people. The gathering of the "rulers of the city" highlights that spiritual health is not merely an individual concern but a communal responsibility, requiring the active participation of those in authority to guide a nation back to covenant faithfulness. This act of "going up to the house of the LORD" is a profound theological affirmation of the centrality of corporate worship and the importance of God's presence as the foundation for national well-being and blessing.

* [Nehemiah 8:1-8](/nehemiah/8-1 "Nehemiah 8:1-8 - Ezra Reads the Law to the People")
* [Psalm 122:1](/psalm/122-1 "Psalm 122:1 - Joy in Going to the House of the Lord")
* [Haggai 1:2-8](/haggai/1-2 "Haggai 1:2-8 - Rebuilding the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Hezekiah's actions in 2 Chronicles 29:20 offer profound and enduring lessons for individuals and communities today. His "rising early" challenges us to cultivate a spirit of urgency and diligence in our spiritual lives, refusing to delay in addressing areas of neglect or sin, whether personal or corporate. It calls us to be proactive in pursuing righteousness and initiating positive change. His decision to "gather the rulers of the city" reminds us that spiritual growth and societal transformation are often best achieved through collective effort and shared responsibility. We are called not only to personal piety but also to engage and influence those in positions of leadership, fostering a corporate commitment to God's purposes. Finally, Hezekiah's immediate ascent to "the house of the LORD" underscores the paramount importance of prioritizing God's presence, worship, and engagement with His community in our lives. It compels us to ask where our "firstfruits" of time, energy, and resources are directed, ensuring that our lives and communities are centered on God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my personal life or my community's spiritual health am I called to "rise early" with proactive diligence and urgency?**
* **How can I, like Hezekiah, foster corporate responsibility and gather others to prioritize seeking God's presence and restoring faithful worship?**
* **What does "going up to the house of the LORD" mean for me today, and how can I express greater intentionality in prioritizing God's presence and communal worship?**

### FAQ
**Why is "rising early" significant in this context?**

Answer: "Rising early" (Hebrew: *hishkim*) is highly significant because it conveys Hezekiah's immediate, unhesitating, and earnest commitment to spiritual reform. It's not merely about the time of day but about his proactive diligence and zeal to address the spiritual decay in Judah without delay, setting a powerful example for his people and contrasting sharply with the spiritual negligence of his father, Ahaz. It signals that the restoration of God's worship was his absolute top priority from the very beginning of his reign.

**Who were the "rulers of the city" and why were they gathered?**

Answer: The "rulers of the city" were likely the prominent civic and perhaps some religious leaders of Jerusalem. Hezekiah gathered them to ensure that the spiritual reform was not just a personal initiative but a corporate, national endeavor. By involving these influential figures, Hezekiah secured their buy-in, participation, and leadership in the extensive process of cleansing the Temple and re-establishing proper worship, thereby fostering a unified national effort towards revival.

**What was the state of the "house of the LORD" at this time, and what did Hezekiah do about it?**

Answer: Under Hezekiah's father, King Ahaz, the "house of the LORD" (the Temple) had been severely desecrated. Ahaz had removed the sacred articles, cut up the vessels, and even closed the Temple doors ([2 Chronicles 28:24](/2_chronicles/28-24 "2 Chronicles 28:24 - Ahaz Closes the Temple")). Hezekiah's first act of reform, even before this verse, was to command the Levites to sanctify themselves and to open and repair the Temple doors ([2 Chronicles 29:3](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3 - Hezekiah's Command to Open the Temple Doors")), initiating its cleansing and preparing it for the restoration of proper worship and sacrifices.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's diligent and proactive leadership in restoring the Temple and leading his people back to God serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and High Priest. Just as Hezekiah "rose early" to initiate a physical and spiritual cleansing, so too did Jesus, in His earthly ministry, demonstrate unparalleled diligence and urgency in fulfilling His Father's will, often rising early to pray and teach ([Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays Early in the Morning")). Hezekiah "gathered the rulers of the city" to participate in the restoration; similarly, Jesus gathered His disciples, the foundational "rulers" and apostles of the new covenant community, commissioning them to extend His kingdom and purify hearts ([Mark 3:13-15](/mark/3-13 "Mark 3:13-15 - Jesus Appoints the Twelve")). Most profoundly, Hezekiah "went up to the house of the LORD" to re-establish worship. Jesus, however, is the true and ultimate "House of the LORD," the very dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus performed the ultimate cleansing, not of a physical temple, but of the human heart, opening the way to the true Holy of Holies ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ's Blood")), and establishing a new covenant where believers themselves become the Temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies Are Temples of the Holy Spirit")). Hezekiah's revival was temporary; Christ's work brings eternal restoration and perfect communion with God.

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

Genesis 22:3

¶ And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

Exodus 24:4

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Joshua 6:12

And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.

Jeremiah 25:4

And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them]; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.