2 Chronicles 30:13

KJV

¶ And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there assembled {H622} at Jerusalem {H3389} much {H7227} people {H5971} to keep {H6213} the feast {H2282} of unleavened bread {H4682} in the second {H8145} month {H2320}, a very {H3966} great {H7230} congregation {H6951}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus, many people assembled in Yerushalayim to keep the festival of Matzot in the second month, a huge crowd.

Berean Standard Bible

In the second month, a very great assembly gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

American Standard Version

And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great assembly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 30:13 marks a monumental moment in King Hezekiah's reign, detailing an unprecedented gathering of "much people" and "a very great congregation" in Jerusalem. This assembly was convened to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a crucial component of the Passover celebration, notably held in the second month rather than the traditional first. This verse underscores the extraordinary scale of the spiritual revival sweeping through Judah and even parts of the northern kingdom, signaling a profound national commitment to restoring proper worship and obedience to the Lord after generations of apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Hezekiah's extensive religious reforms, which began immediately upon his ascension to the throne. The preceding chapter, [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms Begin"), details the cleansing and reconsecration of the Temple, the restoration of Levitical worship, and the re-establishment of daily sacrifices. Following this, [2 Chronicles 30:1-12](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - Hezekiah's Passover Invitation") describes Hezekiah's bold initiative to invite all of Israel and Judah to Jerusalem for a national Passover celebration, an event that had not been observed properly for a very long time. Verse 13 specifically highlights the successful outcome of this invitation, portraying the immense turnout that gathered despite the initial challenges and the delayed timing. The subsequent verses in [2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - The Great Passover Celebration") elaborate on the fervent worship, the people's sincere repentance, and the joy that permeated this historic assembly.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah from approximately 715-686 BC, a period marked by significant political and spiritual upheaval. His father, King Ahaz, had plunged Judah into deep idolatry, even closing the doors of the Temple and erecting pagan altars throughout Jerusalem ([2 Kings 16:1-4](/2_kings/16-1 "2 Kings 16:1-4 - Ahaz's Idolatry") and [2 Chronicles 28:1-4](/2_chronicles/28-1 "2 Chronicles 28:1-4 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign")). Hezekiah's reforms were a radical departure from this apostasy, reflecting a genuine desire to return Judah to its covenant relationship with Yahweh. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, intrinsically linked to the Passover, was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals commanded by Mosaic Law ([Exodus 23:14-17](/exodus/23-14 "Exodus 23:14-17 - The Three Annual Feasts")). Its proper observance was central to Israel's identity and covenant faithfulness, commemorating their liberation from Egyptian bondage ([Exodus 12:1-20](/exodus/12-1 "Exodus 12:1-20 - The First Passover")). The decision to hold it in the second month was unusual but permissible under specific circumstances, such as ritual impurity or being on a distant journey ([Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10 "Numbers 9:10-11 - Provision for a Delayed Passover")). In Hezekiah's case, the Temple had just been cleansed, and many priests and people were not yet ritually prepared, making the delay a practical necessity for a truly national, purified observance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies the theme of **Spiritual Revival and Restoration**. Hezekiah's zealous leadership ignited a widespread desire among the people to return to God, demonstrating that national repentance and renewal are possible even after prolonged periods of spiritual decline. Secondly, the immense turnout, including people from the northern tribes of Israel, highlights the theme of **Unity in Worship**. Despite the political division between Judah and Israel, and the northern kingdom's impending destruction by Assyria, this gathering fostered a temporary, spiritual reunification around the worship of the one true God, echoing the ideal of a united people of God ([Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")). Thirdly, the decision to observe the feast in the second month underscores the theme of **Prioritizing Obedience and Sincerity over Rigid Legalism**. Hezekiah and the people prioritized the proper, purified observance of God's command over strict adherence to the traditional timing, demonstrating a commitment to genuine worship that God honored. Finally, the success of this gathering points to God's **Grace and Acceptance** of His people's sincere desire to return to Him, even when circumstances necessitated adjustments to traditional norms.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Assembled (Hebrew, _qahal'_):** This verb, derived from the root קהל (qahal), signifies a deliberate gathering, often for a sacred purpose or a formal convocation. It implies more than a casual crowd; rather, it suggests a summoned assembly, highlighting the divine initiative and the king's authoritative call behind this spiritual renewal. The use of this term emphasizes the solemn and purposeful nature of the gathering, distinguishing it from an accidental or informal meeting.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _qahal'_):** While sharing the same root as "assembled," here it functions as a noun, referring to the community or assembly itself. In biblical contexts, _qahal_ often denotes the organized body of Israel, gathered for worship, for hearing divine instruction, or for covenant renewal. Its use in tandem with "much people" and "very great" underscores the national, covenantal significance of this gathering for the Feast, indicating a representative body of God's people united in a common spiritual purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there assembled at Jerusalem":** This phrase immediately establishes the central location of the gathering, Jerusalem, the divinely chosen city for worship and the seat of the Davidic monarchy. The act of "assembling" (קהל) implies a deliberate, organized convocation, not a spontaneous crowd. This highlights the success of Hezekiah's invitation and the people's willingness to travel, often great distances, to participate in this significant spiritual event.
* **"much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread":** This clause specifies the purpose of the assembly: to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately followed the Passover sacrifice. This feast was a seven-day celebration commemorating Israel's hasty departure from Egypt and God's provision. The phrase "much people" hints at the extraordinary number of attendees, signifying a widespread response to Hezekiah's call for national repentance and restoration of proper worship.
* **"in the second month":** This detail is crucial, highlighting a deviation from the traditional timing of the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, which was typically observed in the first month (Nisan) ([Exodus 12:6](/exodus/12-6 "Exodus 12:6 - Passover in the First Month")). This delay was permitted by Mosaic Law for those who were ritually unclean or on a distant journey ([Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10 "Numbers 9:10-11 - Delayed Passover Provision")). Its inclusion here underscores the extraordinary circumstances—the need for temple cleansing, priestly sanctification, and the people's preparation—and Hezekiah's commitment to ensuring a proper, albeit delayed, observance rather than no observance at all.
* **"a very great congregation":** This emphatic phrase reinforces the magnitude of the gathering, echoing and amplifying "much people." The repetition and intensification ("very great") serve to impress upon the reader the unprecedented scale of this national assembly. It suggests not only a large number but also a significant representation from various parts of the land, including those from the northern kingdom, indicating a profound and widespread spiritual awakening.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices to emphasize the significance of this event. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrases "much people" and "a very great congregation." While certainly a large gathering, the use of such emphatic language serves to underscore the extraordinary and unprecedented nature of this assembly in a post-division Israel. This exaggeration highlights the profound impact of Hezekiah's reforms and the widespread spiritual hunger among the people. Furthermore, the entire event functions as **Symbolism**. The gathering itself, the cleansing of the Temple, and the belated but fervent observance of the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread all symbolize national repentance, spiritual renewal, and a return to covenant faithfulness. The feast, originally commemorating liberation from Egypt, now also symbolizes liberation from the bondage of idolatry and a renewed commitment to God's ways.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they have strayed, and His readiness to respond to sincere repentance. The immense gathering in Jerusalem, despite the challenges and the delayed timing, serves as a testament to the power of righteous leadership to inspire national spiritual awakening. It demonstrates that God values the heart's sincere desire for obedience and worship over rigid adherence to external regulations when circumstances genuinely necessitate adaptation. This event foreshadows God's ongoing work of gathering His scattered people and restoring them to Himself, culminating in the ultimate spiritual assembly of believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language.

* [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")
* [Nehemiah 8:17](/nehemiah/8-17 "Nehemiah 8:17 - The Celebration of the Feast of Booths")
* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene described in 2 Chronicles 30:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us of the transformative power of corporate worship and the importance of gathering together as a community to honor God. Just as Hezekiah's generation overcame significant obstacles—including ritual impurity, logistical challenges, and historical division—to participate in this sacred assembly, we are called to prioritize our collective spiritual life, even when it requires effort and sacrifice. This passage underscores that genuine spiritual revival often begins with the courageous leadership of individuals who are committed to God's truth, but it flourishes when the people respond with sincere hearts, seeking to restore proper worship and obedience. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of unity in our congregations, recognizing that our shared identity in Christ transcends any superficial divisions, and to remember that God's grace extends to those who genuinely seek Him, even if their journey back to Him is imperfect or delayed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What obstacles might prevent us from fully participating in corporate worship today, and how can we overcome them with a heart like Hezekiah's people?**
* **How does the willingness of the people to gather from "much people" and "a very great congregation" challenge our own commitment to unity within the body of Christ?**
* **In what ways might our churches or individual lives need a "cleansing" or "restoration" similar to the Temple in Hezekiah's time, and what steps can we take towards that renewal?**
* **How does God's acceptance of the delayed Feast of Unleavened Bread inform our understanding of His grace and His valuing of sincere intent over rigid adherence to external forms?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Feast of Unleavened Bread celebrated in the second month instead of the first?**
Answer: The celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (which immediately followed Passover) in the second month was an unusual but permissible deviation from the traditional timing outlined in Mosaic Law ([Exodus 12:6](/exodus/12-6 "Exodus 12:6 - Passover in the First Month")). The primary reasons for this delay, as indicated in [2 Chronicles 30:2-3](/2_chronicles/30-2 "2 Chronicles 30:2-3 - Reasons for the Delayed Passover"), were twofold: first, the priests had not yet sanctified themselves in sufficient numbers, and second, the people had not yet gathered in Jerusalem. This situation arose because King Hezekiah's extensive reforms, including the cleansing and reconsecration of the Temple ([2 Chronicles 29:3-19](/2_chronicles/29-3 "2 Chronicles 29:3-19 - Temple Cleansing")), had only recently been completed. Mosaic Law provided a specific allowance for those who were ritually unclean or on a distant journey during the first month to observe Passover in the second month ([Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10 "Numbers 9:10-11 - Provision for a Delayed Passover")). Hezekiah and his officials, recognizing the spiritual unpreparedness of the nation but desiring a truly national and purified observance, wisely chose to utilize this provision, prioritizing a proper and widespread celebration over strict adherence to the calendar.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The great assembly for the Feast of Unleavened Bread in 2 Chronicles 30:13, marked by cleansing, repentance, and renewed worship, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual reality found in Jesus Christ. The Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread pointed to the perfect Lamb of God, whose sacrifice delivers humanity from the bondage of sin ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Just as the people in Hezekiah's time needed a cleansing of the Temple and their hearts before they could properly worship, Christ's atoning work cleanses us from all unrighteousness, making us fit for fellowship with God ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The immense "congregation" gathered in Jerusalem, transcending geographical and historical divisions, anticipates the new covenant community—the Church—composed of believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, united in worship of the resurrected Christ ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation")). The very "unleavened bread" itself, symbolizing purity and the removal of sin (leaven), finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is our unleavened bread, calling us to live lives free from malice and wickedness ([1 Corinthians 5:7-8](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7-8 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")). Thus, Hezekiah's revival serves as a historical type, pointing to the far greater spiritual revival and restoration that Christ inaugurates for all who believe, gathering them into His eternal kingdom.

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 30:2

For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.

Psalms 84:7

They go from strength to strength, [every one of them] in Zion appeareth before God.