2 Chronicles 29:7

Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy [place] unto the God of Israel.

Also they have shut up {H5462} the doors {H1817} of the porch {H197}, and put out {H3518} the lamps {H5216}, and have not burned {H6999} incense {H7004} nor offered {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} in the holy {H6944} place unto the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

They sealed the doors of the vestibule, put out the lamps and stopped burning incense and offering burnt offerings in the Holy Place to the God of Isra'el.

They also shut the doors of the portico and extinguished the lamps. They did not burn incense or present burnt offerings in the Holy Place of the God of Israel.

Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt-offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:7 describes the dire state of spiritual neglect and disrepair in the Temple of Jerusalem during the reign of King Ahaz, as lamented by his son, King Hezekiah. This verse is part of Hezekiah's impassioned address to the Levites and priests, urging them to cleanse and consecrate the temple for renewed worship.

Context

King Hezekiah ascended to the throne of Judah after the extremely wicked reign of his father, Ahaz. Ahaz had not only tolerated but actively promoted idolatry, even closing the doors of the Lord's house and dismantling its sacred vessels (2 Chronicles 28:24). Hezekiah, in stark contrast, immediately initiated a sweeping religious reformation in the first year of his reign, recognizing that the nation's suffering was a direct consequence of this spiritual apostasy. This verse highlights the specific acts of neglect that ceased proper worship in the Temple.

Key Themes

  • Cessation of True Worship: The actions described—shutting the doors, extinguishing the lamps, and failing to offer incense and burnt offerings—signified a complete abandonment of the prescribed worship practices given by God through Moses. The Temple, intended as the central place of communion with God, lay dormant and defiled.
  • Spiritual Darkness: "Putting out the lamps" is highly symbolic. The lamps of the menorah in the Holy Place were meant to burn continually before the Lord (Exodus 27:20-21). Their extinguishment represented a profound spiritual darkness that had enveloped the nation, reflecting their detachment from God's light and presence.
  • Breach of Covenant: The failure to offer burnt offerings (Leviticus 1:9) and burn incense (Exodus 30:7-8) was a direct violation of God's covenant commands. These rituals were essential for atonement, purification, and fellowship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "holy [place]" refers to the inner sanctuary of the Temple, distinct from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The KJV adds the word "place" for clarity, as the Hebrew word simply means "holy" or "sanctuary." This was the area where the golden lampstand and the altar of incense were located, emphasizing that the neglect was not merely superficial but impacted the core elements of daily Temple service.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. Just as the physical temple required constant attention and adherence to God's commands, our spiritual lives and places of worship must also be maintained. Neglecting spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and corporate worship can lead to a "shutting up of doors" and "putting out of lamps" in our own hearts and communities. King Hezekiah's immediate action to restore proper worship (2 Chronicles 29:3) highlights the urgency of spiritual revival when apathy or sin takes hold. It encourages us to actively pursue God's presence and commands, ensuring our "holy place" remains vibrant and illuminated.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 28:24

    And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.

  • Leviticus 24:2

    Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.

  • Leviticus 24:8

    Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, [being taken] from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.

  • Malachi 1:10

    Who [is there] even among you that would shut the doors [for nought]? neither do ye kindle [fire] on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

  • 2 Kings 16:17

    ¶ And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that [were] under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones.

  • 2 Kings 16:18

    And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:3

    He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them.
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