2 Chronicles 29:5

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559} unto them, Hear {H8085} me, ye Levites {H3881}, sanctify {H6942} now yourselves, and sanctify {H6942} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of your fathers {H1}, and carry forth {H3318} the filthiness {H5079} out of the holy {H6944} place.

Complete Jewish Bible

and said to them, "Listen to me, L'vi'im: consecrate yourselves now, consecrate the house of ADONAI the God of your ancestors, and remove the filth from the Holy Place.

Berean Standard Bible

“Listen to me, O Levites,” he said. “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove from the Holy Place every impurity.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Hezekiah, in the nascent stages of his reign, issues a foundational decree to the Levites, initiating a sweeping spiritual revival across Judah. This pivotal command underscores his immediate and paramount objective: to meticulously purify and restore the Temple of the LORD, which had been egregiously defiled and neglected under his predecessor, thereby re-establishing proper worship and covenant fidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a critical turning point in the narrative of Judah's spiritual decline and subsequent restoration. It immediately follows the declaration that Hezekiah began his reign by opening and repairing the doors of the house of the LORD in the very first month of his first year, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 29:3](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3 - Hezekiah's Immediate Temple Restoration"). The preceding chapters, particularly [2 Chronicles 28](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - The Reign of King Ahaz"), vividly depict the apostasy of Hezekiah's father, King Ahaz, who not only shut the Temple doors but also erected altars to foreign gods throughout Jerusalem and Judah, leading to widespread idolatry and national humiliation, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 28:24-25](/2_chronicles/28-24 "2 Chronicles 28:24-25 - Ahaz's Idolatry and Temple Desecration"). Hezekiah's command to the Levites in verse 5 is therefore not merely a directive but a clarion call to reverse generations of spiritual decay, setting the stage for the comprehensive cleansing and rededication of the Temple described in the subsequent verses of [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Temple Cleansing and Revival").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is one of profound national crisis and spiritual compromise. Judah, under Ahaz, had become a vassal state to Assyria, adopting foreign religious practices in a desperate attempt to secure political alliances. This syncretism led to the desecration of the Temple, the heart of Israelite worship and the symbol of God's dwelling among His people. Culturally, the Levites held a hereditary and divinely appointed role as ministers of the Temple, responsible for its upkeep, sacrificial rites, and the teaching of the Law. Their defilement or neglect of duty was tantamount to national spiritual sickness. Hezekiah's immediate summoning of them underscores his understanding of their crucial role in mediating between God and the people, and his recognition that the spiritual health of the nation was inextricably linked to the purity of its worship space and its ministers. The concept of "sanctify" (Hebrew: _qadash_) was deeply embedded in Israelite thought, signifying a separation from the profane and a dedication to the sacred, essential for maintaining covenant fidelity and God's presence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes central to the book of Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Restoration and Revival**, demonstrating Hezekiah's commitment to reversing the spiritual decline of his father's reign and re-establishing proper worship according to the Mosaic Law. His actions initiate one of the most significant revivals in Judah's history, emphasizing that genuine national renewal begins with a return to God. Secondly, the verse underscores the critical importance of **Sanctification and Purity**, both personal and corporate. The command for the Levites to "sanctify yourselves" before sanctifying the Temple emphasizes that inward purity is a prerequisite for outward service and worship. This principle is foundational to biblical ethics, asserting that God demands holiness from those who approach Him. Thirdly, it illustrates the **Responsibility of Leadership and Priesthood**. Hezekiah, as king, takes decisive action, while the Levites, as spiritual leaders, are held accountable for their sacred duty to maintain the sanctity of God's house and guide the people in worship. Their obedience or disobedience directly impacts the spiritual well-being of the nation, as seen throughout the history of Israel in [1 and 2 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reigns of Israelite and Judahite Kings") and [1 and 2 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and History of Israel"). Finally, the "filthiness" in the Temple serves as a stark reminder of the **Consequences of Apostasy and Neglect**, demonstrating how spiritual compromise inevitably leads to defilement and separation from God's blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** This verb (H6942), used twice in the verse ("sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house"), means "to make holy," "to consecrate," "to set apart for sacred use," or "to purify." Its repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the required cleansing. For the Levites, it meant ritual purification (e.g., washing, abstaining from defilement) and spiritual dedication, ensuring they were ceremonially and morally fit to approach God and handle sacred objects. For the Temple, it meant removing all defiling elements and rededicating it exclusively for the worship of Yahweh, restoring its sacred status.
* **Filthiness (Hebrew, _niddâh'_):** This noun (H5079) specifically refers to ritual impurity, often associated with menstrual uncleanness, but broadly encompassing anything considered abhorrent, abominable, or defiling in a religious sense. Its use here vividly portrays the severe spiritual and physical defilement of the Temple under Ahaz. It suggests not merely dirt and disrepair, but the presence of idols, pagan altars, and the lingering spiritual pollution from idolatrous practices, rendering the sacred space unfit for God's holy presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites":** Hezekiah directly addresses the Levites, emphasizing their specific role and responsibility. The imperative "Hear me" (literally, "Listen to me") is a call for immediate and serious attention, highlighting the urgency and authority of the king's command. It sets a tone of direct communication and accountability, recognizing their unique position as hereditary ministers of the Temple.
* **"sanctify now yourselves":** This is the crucial first step in the process of restoration. Before they could purify the Temple, the Levites themselves, as the appointed ministers, had to undergo a process of personal consecration. This involved not only ritual purification (e.g., washing, changing clothes, abstaining from defilement) but also a spiritual readiness, demonstrating that outward service must flow from inward purity and dedication to God. It underscores the principle that holiness begins with the individual.
* **"and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers":** Following their personal sanctification, the Levites were commanded to consecrate the Temple itself. This involved a thorough cleansing, removal of all defiling objects (such as idols, pagan altars, and accumulated debris from years of neglect), and the restoration of the sacred space to its intended purpose as the exclusive dwelling place for the God of Israel, the covenant God of their ancestors. This act was essential for re-establishing proper worship.
* **"and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy [place]":** This final clause specifies the practical action required to achieve the Temple's sanctification. The "filthiness" (_niddâh_) refers to all the abominable and defiling elements that had accumulated in the Temple due to Ahaz's apostasy and the neglect of the Levites. The Levites were tasked with physically removing these impurities from the "holy place," the inner sanctuary of the Temple, thereby restoring its sanctity and making it fit for God's holy presence once more.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The prominent use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Hear me," "sanctify yourselves," "sanctify the house," "carry forth") creates a sense of direct command and immediate necessity, reflecting Hezekiah's decisive leadership and the critical nature of the task. The **Repetition** of the verb "sanctify" (_qâdash_) underscores the pervasive need for purity, first personally, then corporately, highlighting the thoroughness required for true spiritual restoration. There is a clear **Contrast** between the "filthiness" (_niddâh_) that had defiled the Temple and the desired state of "holy [place]," emphasizing the dramatic shift from desecration to consecration. Finally, the "filthiness" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just physical debris but the spiritual pollution and moral decay that had permeated the nation under Ahaz's idolatrous reign, a defilement that required active removal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hezekiah's command in 2 Chronicles 29:5 resonates deeply with the enduring biblical principle that genuine worship and service to God necessitate purity and separation from defilement. This call to sanctification, beginning with the individual before extending to the corporate body or sacred space, is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. It underscores God's unchanging nature as holy and His demand for holiness from those who would approach Him. The removal of "filthiness" is a physical manifestation of a spiritual imperative: to purge all that is anathema to God's character and presence. This act of cleansing is not merely ritualistic but foundational to restoring a right relationship with the divine, paving the way for God's blessings and renewed covenant fellowship.

* [1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy as God is Holy")
* [Psalm 51:10](/psalms/51-10 "Psalm 51:10 - A Prayer for a Clean Heart")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Chronicles 29:5 serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual renewal, whether personal or corporate, must always begin with a commitment to purity. Just as the Levites were called to "sanctify yourselves" before they could cleanse the Temple, we are called to personal holiness as a prerequisite for effective service and authentic worship. This involves a continuous process of self-examination, confession, and repentance, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal and remove any "filthiness"—whether it be unconfessed sin, ungodly attitudes, worldly attachments, or spiritual apathy—that hinders our relationship with God. Furthermore, recognizing that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, as stated in [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit"), Hezekiah's zeal for the physical Temple translates into a spiritual urgency for us to maintain the sanctity of our own lives and our churches. We are challenged to actively remove anything that defiles our "holy place," fostering environments where God's presence can dwell unhindered and true worship can flourish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "filthiness" might be present in my own life or in my community that needs to be carried forth for true spiritual renewal?**
* **How does the command to "sanctify yourselves" before serving God apply to my daily walk and ministry?**
* **What practical steps can I take to prioritize personal and corporate holiness in my life and church?**
* **In what ways might I be neglecting my spiritual responsibilities, similar to the Levites under Ahaz, and how can I respond with Hezekiah's zeal?**

### FAQ
**Why did Hezekiah address the Levites specifically?**

Answer: Hezekiah addressed the Levites specifically because they were divinely appointed for the service of the Temple. According to the Mosaic Law, the Levites were responsible for the care, maintenance, and ritual purity of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. They were the hereditary ministers of God's house, charged with carrying out the sacrifices, maintaining the sacred vessels, and ensuring the proper order of worship. Under King Ahaz, these duties had been neglected, and the Temple had fallen into disrepair and defilement, as seen in [2 Chronicles 28:24-25](/2_chronicles/28-24 "2 Chronicles 28:24-25 - Ahaz's Idolatry and Temple Desecration"). Hezekiah, in his wisdom, recognized that the restoration of true worship had to begin with those who were divinely ordained to facilitate it, emphasizing their unique responsibility and the urgency of their task.

**What was the "filthiness" in the temple?**

Answer: The "filthiness" (Hebrew: _niddâh_) in the Temple referred to both physical and spiritual defilement. Physically, it would have included the accumulated debris from years of neglect, disuse, and the shutting of the Temple doors, as mentioned in [2 Chronicles 29:3](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3 - Hezekiah's Immediate Temple Restoration"). Spiritually, and more significantly, it encompassed the pagan altars, idols, and implements of foreign worship that King Ahaz had introduced into the Temple courts and even within Jerusalem itself, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 28:24-25](/2_chronicles/28-24 "2 Chronicles 28:24-25 - Ahaz's Idolatry and Temple Desecration"). This "filthiness" represented the abominable practices that violated God's covenant and rendered the Temple unfit for the presence of the holy God of Israel. Its removal was essential for the restoration of pure worship and God's favor.

**How does this account relate to spiritual revival today?**

Answer: This account in 2 Chronicles 29:5 offers profound parallels for spiritual revival today. It teaches that genuine revival often begins with a courageous leader who recognizes the spiritual decay and takes decisive action. It highlights that personal sanctification ("sanctify now yourselves") is a prerequisite for corporate renewal and effective service. Just as the Temple had to be cleansed of "filthiness," so too must individuals and churches identify and remove anything that hinders their relationship with God—whether it be sin, worldliness, or spiritual apathy. True revival involves a return to God's standards, a purging of impurities, and a renewed dedication to authentic worship and obedience, leading to God's presence and blessing being restored among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The imperative for the Levites to "sanctify yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD" in 2 Chronicles 29:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, with its need for constant cleansing and the Levitical priesthood, served as a shadow of a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body, as recorded in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Resurrection of the Temple"). He is the ultimate and perfect Temple, in whom the fullness of God dwells, requiring no physical cleansing because He is inherently pure and without sin, as affirmed in [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Christ"). Furthermore, Christ is the great High Priest who, unlike the Levites, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, once for all, to "sanctify us through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all," as explained in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice"). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), effectively carrying forth all "filthiness" and impurity through His atoning work on the cross. Through His sacrifice, believers are not merely ritually purified but spiritually cleansed and made holy, becoming living temples of the Holy Spirit, as taught in [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit"), called to live lives of ongoing sanctification in response to His perfect work.

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 35:6

So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that [they] may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

1 Corinthians 3:16

¶ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1 Corinthians 3:17

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.

2 Chronicles 34:3

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.

2 Chronicles 34:8

¶ Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.

Ezekiel 8:9

And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here.

Ezekiel 8:18

Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, [yet] will I not hear them.