2 Chronicles 29:36

And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was [done] suddenly.

And Hezekiah {H3169} rejoiced {H8055}, and all the people {H5971}, that God {H430} had prepared {H3559} the people {H5971}: for the thing {H1697} was done suddenly {H6597}.

Hizkiyahu and all the people rejoiced over what God had prepared for the people, since it had all happened so suddenly.

Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had prepared for the people, because everything had been accomplished so quickly.

And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, because of that which God had prepared for the people: for the thing was done suddenly.

2 Chronicles 29:36 KJV describes the profound joy of King Hezekiah and all the people of Judah after the rapid restoration of Temple worship and the re-establishment of proper sacrifices. Their rejoicing was rooted in the clear evidence that God Himself had supernaturally prepared their hearts for this spiritual renewal, which unfolded with remarkable swiftness.

Context

This verse concludes a pivotal section in King Hezekiah's reign, marking a stark contrast to the idolatry and neglect of his father, King Ahaz. Immediately upon ascending the throne, Hezekiah initiated a comprehensive spiritual reformation. Chapter 29 details the cleansing and consecration of the Temple, the restoration of the Levitical priesthood, and the re-institution of the Passover and other sacrifices. While the priests and Levites were initially too few and not fully consecrated for the vast number of sacrifices required (2 Chronicles 29:34), God intervened to prepare the people for this massive undertaking. The "thing" refers to this entire, swift, and successful spiritual restoration.

Key Themes

  • Divine Preparation: The verse explicitly states that "God had prepared the people." This highlights God's sovereign hand in spiritual revival. It wasn't merely Hezekiah's decree, but God working in the hearts of individuals to make them willing and ready to participate in worship and repentance. This divine enablement ensures the success and genuineness of the revival.
  • Swiftness of God's Work: The phrase "for the thing was [done] suddenly" emphasizes the miraculous speed with which this spiritual transformation occurred. What might have taken years of gradual change was accomplished in a short period, underscoring God's power to bring about immediate and impactful change when hearts are open.
  • Joy in Obedience and God's Favor: The universal rejoicing of Hezekiah and the people is a natural outcome of seeing God's mighty hand at work and experiencing His favor. Their joy was not just for the ceremonies, but for the tangible evidence of God's presence and blessing among them after a long period of spiritual decline.
  • Spiritual Revival: This verse encapsulates the essence of true spiritual revival – a divine work that prepares hearts, leads to widespread repentance and worship, and results in profound joy and restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "prepared" is kun (כּוּן), meaning to establish, make firm, set up, or make ready. Here, it implies God's active role in making the people's hearts and minds suitable for the renewed worship. The word for "suddenly" is peta` (פֶּתַע), conveying an immediate, unexpected, or abrupt action. This emphasizes that the readiness of the people was not a gradual human effort but a swift, divine intervention.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 29:36 offers powerful encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God is the Source of Revival: True spiritual awakening and a return to God begin with His work in people's hearts. We can pray for God to prepare hearts for His purposes.
  • God Can Work Swiftly: Though change often seems slow, God is capable of bringing about dramatic and rapid spiritual transformation, both in individuals and communities. We should be ready for His unexpected, powerful movements.
  • Obedience Brings Joy: When we align ourselves with God's will and participate in His work, genuine joy follows. Seeing God's hand at work in our lives and communities is a profound source of rejoicing, much like the joy described in Nehemiah 8:10.
This verse stands as a testament to God's faithfulness and His power to restore His people to Himself, even after periods of significant backsliding.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezra 6:22

    And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

  • Acts 2:41

    Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:9

    Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.

  • Proverbs 16:1

    ¶ The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, [is] from the LORD.

  • Psalms 10:17

    LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:8

    For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:9

    For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

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