2 Chronicles 29:34

But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the [other] priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites [were] more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.

But the priests {H3548} were too few {H4592}, so that they could {H3201} not flay {H6584} all the burnt offerings {H5930}: wherefore their brethren {H251} the Levites {H3881} did help {H2388} them, till the work {H4399} was ended {H3615}, and until the other priests {H3548} had sanctified {H6942} themselves: for the Levites {H3881} were more upright {H3477} in heart {H3824} to sanctify {H6942} themselves than the priests {H3548}.

Only there weren't enough cohanim to skin and butcher all the burnt offerings, so their colleagues the L'vi'im assisted them until the work was finished and the cohanim had consecrated themselves (for the L'vi'im had been more diligent to consecrate themselves than the cohanim).

However, since there were not enough priests to skin all the burnt offerings, their Levite brothers helped them until the work was finished and until the priests had been consecrated. For the Levites had been more diligent in consecrating themselves than the priests had been.

But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt-offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the priests had sanctified themselves; for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Chronicles 29:34 (KJV)

This verse offers a fascinating glimpse into the practicalities and spiritual realities of King Hezekiah's extensive reforms and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It highlights a critical moment during the massive undertaking of restoring proper worship after years of neglect and idolatry under his father, King Ahaz.

Historical and Cultural Context

King Hezekiah ascended the throne of Judah and immediately embarked on a mission to purify the nation and restore its covenant relationship with God. The book of 2 Chronicles 29 details his initial actions, beginning with the cleansing and consecration of the Temple, which had been defiled. This process involved a vast number of sacrifices—specifically burnt offerings—to atone for the sins of the people and the kingdom. The sheer volume of these offerings required meticulous preparation, including the flaying (skinning) of the animals, a task traditionally performed by the priests. However, as 2 Chronicles 29:34 reveals, the existing number of priests who were ritually clean and ready for service was insufficient for the task at hand. The account of Hezekiah's diligent reforms sets the stage for this logistical and spiritual challenge.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Readiness and Purity: The verse starkly contrasts the spiritual state of the Levites with that of the priests. Many priests were not yet ritually purified ("sanctified themselves") or perhaps lacked the spiritual zeal to undergo the necessary purification quickly. In contrast, the Levites were "more upright in heart to sanctify themselves," demonstrating a greater willingness and readiness to serve God in purity. This underscores that true service begins with a consecrated heart.
  • Cooperation and Mutual Aid in Service: Despite the hierarchical roles, the Levites stepped in to assist the priests. This shows a spirit of unity and dedication to the work of God, prioritizing the completion of the sacred task over rigid adherence to traditional roles, especially when the situation demanded it. It highlights the principle of mutual help within God's people.
  • The Importance of the Heart: The phrase "more upright in heart" is central. It emphasizes that outward ritual and hereditary position (being a priest) were secondary to the inner disposition and willingness to be consecrated to God. God values a sincere and obedient heart above mere titles or positions. Guarding one's heart and maintaining spiritual integrity are paramount for effective service.
  • Diligence in Worship: The overwhelming number of burnt offerings signifies the nation's earnest desire for reconciliation with God and the king's commitment to thorough worship. This required immense effort and dedication from all involved.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "sanctify themselves" is qadash, meaning "to be set apart," "to be consecrated," or "to be made holy." It implies a process of ritual purification and dedication necessary for those serving in the Temple. The contrast between the priests and Levites in their readiness to qadash themselves reveals a deeper spiritual issue. The phrase "upright in heart" uses the Hebrew word yashar, meaning "straight," "right," or "honest," combined with lev, "heart." This emphasizes an inner rectitude and sincerity, indicating that the Levites' willingness stemmed from a genuine desire for holiness and service.

Practical Application

This verse holds several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Readiness for Service: God seeks those who are spiritually prepared and willing to serve Him with a pure heart, regardless of their formal title or position. Are we quick to "sanctify ourselves"—to confess sin, purify our lives, and align our hearts with God's will—so we can be available for His work?
  • Heart Over Ritual: While external acts of worship are important, God looks primarily at the condition of our hearts. A sincere desire to please Him and live righteously is more valuable than outward religious performance alone.
  • Flexibility and Cooperation: When the work of God requires it, believers should be willing to step outside their comfort zones or usual roles to assist others, fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose within the body of Christ.
  • The Cost of Neglect: The state of the priesthood reflected the spiritual decline of the nation prior to Hezekiah's reforms. This serves as a reminder that spiritual apathy can lead to unreadiness for God's service and a diminished capacity for worship. We are called to pursue holiness diligently.
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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 35:11

    And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled [the blood] from their hands, and the Levites flayed [them].

  • 2 Chronicles 30:3

    For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:16

    And they stood in their place after their manner, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood, [which they received] of the hand of the Levites.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:17

    For [there were] many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one [that was] not clean, to sanctify [them] unto the LORD.

  • Numbers 18:6

    And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you [they are] given [as] a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Numbers 18:7

    Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office [unto you] as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:5

    And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy [place].
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