2 Chronicles 30:1

ยถ And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel.

And Hezekiah {H3169} sent {H7971} to all Israel {H3478} and Judah {H3063}, and wrote {H3789} letters {H107} also to Ephraim {H669} and Manasseh {H4519}, that they should come {H935} to the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} at Jerusalem {H3389}, to keep {H6213} the passover {H6453} unto the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

Then Hizkiyahu sent to all Isra'el and Y'hudah, and wrote letters also to Efrayim and M'nasheh, summoning them to the house of ADONAI in Yerushalayim, to keep the Pesach to ADONAI the God of Isra'el.

Then Hezekiah sent word throughout all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh inviting them to come to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel.

And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of Jehovah at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto Jehovah, the God of Israel.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 30:1 describes King Hezekiah's proactive and earnest efforts to restore proper worship in Judah and to extend an invitation to the scattered tribes of Israel to participate in a national Passover celebration in Jerusalem.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, who ascended the throne after his wicked father, Ahaz. Hezekiah immediately initiated a profound spiritual reformation, beginning with the cleansing and reconsecration of the Temple in Jerusalem. At this time, the united kingdom of Israel had been divided for centuries into the Northern Kingdom (Israel, often identified by its prominent tribes like Ephraim and Manasseh) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). The Northern Kingdom had largely abandoned the true worship of the LORD, embracing idolatry and facing imminent judgment from the Assyrian Empire. The Passover, a foundational feast commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 12:14), had been neglected for a considerable period, possibly since the time of Solomon. Hezekiah's bold initiative to revive this neglected command was a significant step towards national repentance and spiritual renewal, uniquely extending an invitation across the historical and political divide.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Reformation and Revival: Hezekiahโ€™s actions highlight a leader's fervent desire to guide his people back to God's commands and restore authentic worship. This was not merely a political maneuver but a deep spiritual commitment to obedience.
  • National Unity and Reconciliation: By sending letters to both Israel and Judah, specifically mentioning Ephraim and Manasseh, Hezekiah sought to bridge the long-standing division between the two kingdoms. It was an unprecedented appeal for a unified spiritual gathering, transcending political and historical animosities for the sake of worship.
  • Obedience to God's Law: The emphasis on "keeping the passover unto the LORD God of Israel" underscores the enduring importance of adhering to God's statutes, even when they have been long forgotten or ignored by generations.
  • Inclusivity of God's Call: Despite the Northern Kingdom's deep apostasy and impending judgment, Hezekiah extended an invitation, reflecting God's persistent desire for all His people to return to Him and experience His mercy.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Passover" is derived from the Hebrew word Pesach (ืคึถึผืกึทื—), which means "passing over" or "protection." This name directly references the miraculous event in Egypt where the angel of death "passed over" the homes of the Israelites marked with the blood of the lamb, sparing their firstborn. The annual observance of the Passover served as a perpetual reminder of God's powerful redemption and His unwavering covenant faithfulness.

Practical Application

King Hezekiah's example in 2 Chronicles 30:1 provides valuable lessons for believers today. It emphasizes the importance of:

  • Prioritizing Authentic Worship: Like Hezekiah, we are called to prioritize the restoration and proper observance of God-centered worship in our personal lives, families, and communities.
  • Seeking Unity Among Believers: The invitation extended to Ephraim and Manasseh reminds us of the importance of seeking unity among God's people, even when separated by historical, denominational, or theological differences, for the common purpose of worship and obedience to God.
  • Responding to God's Call: Hezekiah's invitation was a call to repentance and return. Similarly, God continually calls His people to turn back to Him and to fully embrace His commands, offering grace and restoration to those who respond with a humble heart (2 Chronicles 30:9).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 12:3 (2 votes)

    Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth [day] of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of [their] fathers, a lamb for an house:

  • Exodus 12:20 (2 votes)

    Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

  • Hosea 7:8 (2 votes)

    ยถ Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned.

  • Hosea 7:9 (2 votes)

    Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth [it] not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not.

  • Deuteronomy 16:2 (2 votes)

    Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there.

  • Deuteronomy 16:6 (2 votes)

    But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:7 (2 votes)

    But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD [is] not with Israel, [to wit, with] all the children of Ephraim.