2 Chronicles 30:15

KJV

Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth [day] of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then they killed {H7819} the passover {H6453} on the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} day of the second {H8145} month {H2320}: and the priests {H3548} and the Levites {H3881} were ashamed {H3637}, and sanctified {H6942} themselves, and brought in {H935} the burnt offerings {H5930} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they slaughtered the Pesach lamb on the fourteenth day of the second month. Ashamed of themselves, the cohanim and L'vi'im had consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings into the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And on the fourteenth day of the second month they slaughtered the Passover lamb. The priests and Levites were ashamed, and they consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings to the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought burnt-offerings into the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 30:15 describes a pivotal moment in King Hezekiah's spiritual revival, detailing the proper execution of the long-neglected Passover celebration. After generations of spiritual decline and the recent apostasy under King Ahaz, Hezekiah initiated widespread reform culminating in a grand Passover. This verse highlights the crucial actions of the priests and Levites who, moved by a profound sense of shame over their past negligence and impurity, underwent necessary self-sanctification, enabling them to properly facilitate the sacrificial worship, including the Passover and burnt offerings, in the restored Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Hezekiah's reign (2 Chronicles 29-32), which marks a significant turning point from the apostasy of his father, Ahaz. Chapter 29 details Hezekiah's immediate actions to cleanse and reopen the Temple, re-establishing the Levitical service and sacrificial worship. Chapter 30 then describes his extraordinary initiative to invite all Israel and Judah to Jerusalem for a unified Passover celebration, an event that had not been observed nationally for a very long time. Verse 15 specifically describes the culminating act of this preparation, where the Levites and priests, having been spiritually convicted and ritually purified, take their proper place in offering the sacrifices. This act is essential for the legitimacy and efficacy of the entire celebration, leading into the joyous and extended feast described in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah's reign (c. 715-686 BC) occurred during a tumultuous period in the ancient Near East, with the Assyrian Empire posing a constant threat. Judah had recently experienced severe spiritual decline under King Ahaz, who had introduced pagan worship and closed the Temple. Hezekiah's reforms were a radical departure, aiming to restore the Mosaic covenant and the worship of Yahweh. The Passover, a foundational festival commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage (as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")), was central to Israelite identity and covenant renewal. Its neglect signified the depth of Judah's spiritual decay. The delay of the Passover from the first month to the second, as mentioned in the preceding verses, was a culturally significant decision, permitted by Mosaic Law for those who were unclean or on a distant journey (see [Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10-11 "Numbers 9:10-11 - Provision for a Delayed Passover")). This demonstrates Hezekiah's commitment to proper, albeit delayed, observance rather than a hasty, impure one, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity for sacred acts.
* **Key Themes:** The passage in [2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - Hezekiah's Passover Revival") powerfully illustrates several key themes. **Repentance and Humility** are evident in the priests and Levites being "ashamed," signifying a deep conviction over their past negligence and spiritual impurity, which served as a catalyst for their purification. This leads directly to the theme of **Sanctification and Purity**, as their act of "sanctified themselves" (Hebrew: *qadash*) was essential for serving God. This underscores the biblical principle that those who serve God must be ceremonially and spiritually clean, a prerequisite for proper worship. The **Restoration of Worship** is another dominant theme, as the killing of the Passover lambs and the bringing of "burnt offerings into the house of the LORD" signify the full resumption of the divinely ordained sacrificial system. This was a crucial step in the nation's spiritual healing and re-establishment of their covenant relationship with God, echoing the initial cleansing of the Temple in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple"). Finally, **Obedience Despite Obstacles** is highlighted by Hezekiah's decision to hold the Passover in the second month, demonstrating a commitment to obedience according to the provisions in Mosaic law for those who were unclean or unable to observe it at the prescribed time, prioritizing proper observance over rigid adherence to the calendar if purity was compromised.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _kâlam'_):** From H3637, this word properly means "to wound," but figuratively, "to taunt or insult." In this context, it signifies a profound internal conviction and remorse among the priests and Levites. Their shame was not merely external embarrassment but an inward recognition of their defilement and negligence in their sacred duties, which had contributed to the nation's spiritual decline. This feeling of shame was a necessary precursor to their subsequent act of sanctification, indicating a genuine turning from past impurity towards a desire for proper service.
* **Sanctified (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** From H6942, meaning "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)." When applied to the priests and Levites, it refers to a process of ritual purification and dedication that rendered them fit for sacred service. This involved specific washings, offerings, and a renewed commitment to their holy responsibilities, as prescribed in Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests"), [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")). Their self-sanctification was not merely external but implied an internal transformation—a renewed spiritual commitment prompted by their shame and desire to serve God rightly and acceptably.
* **Burnt Offerings (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** From H5930, this refers to a holocaust, meaning the entire animal (except for the hide) was consumed by fire on the altar as an act of complete dedication and atonement. Unlike the Passover sacrifice, which was primarily a communion meal, the burnt offering was a general offering for sin and a demonstration of complete devotion to God. Its inclusion here signifies the full restoration of the regular sacrificial system in the Temple, beyond just the specific Passover requirements, indicating a comprehensive return to Yahweh's prescribed worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth [day] of the second month":** This clause describes the central sacrificial act of the Passover. "They" refers to the assembled people and, more specifically, the Levites who were tasked with slaughtering the lambs for the multitude, as indicated in [2 Chronicles 30:17](/2_chronicles/30-17 "2 Chronicles 30:17 - Levites Slaughter Passover Lambs"). The "fourteenth day of the second month" highlights the unusual timing, permitted by the Mosaic Law for those who were unclean or unable to observe it in the first month (cf. [Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10-11 "Numbers 9:10-11 - Second Passover Provision")). This detail underscores Hezekiah's commitment to proper observance, even if delayed, ensuring the purity of the participants.
* **"and the priests and the Levites were ashamed":** This phrase reveals the internal state of the religious leaders. Their "shame" signifies a profound conviction and remorse over their previous spiritual negligence and defilement. This was not just embarrassment but a deep, humbling realization of their failure to maintain the holiness required for their sacred office, which had contributed to the nation's spiritual decline. This shame served as a catalyst for their subsequent actions.
* **"and sanctified themselves":** Following their shame, the priests and Levites undertook the necessary ritual and spiritual purification. To "sanctify themselves" (Hebrew: *qadash*) involved specific cleansing rites and a renewed dedication to their holy duties, making them ceremonially and spiritually fit to approach God and handle sacred things. This act was crucial for the legitimacy and efficacy of the sacrifices they were about to perform, demonstrating their commitment to purity in worship.
* **"and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD":** This final clause indicates the culmination of their purification and renewed service. After killing the Passover lambs, the priests and Levites, now sanctified, were able to properly present the "burnt offerings" (Hebrew: *ʿôlâ*) on the altar within the Temple ("the house of the LORD"). The burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, signifies the full restoration of the divinely ordained sacrificial system beyond just the Passover, marking a comprehensive return to proper worship and covenant relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Narrative Progression** is evident as the verse moves from the initial action of "killing the Passover" to the internal state of the priests and Levites ("ashamed"), then to their corrective action ("sanctified themselves"), and finally to the result of their purification ("brought in the burnt offerings"). This progression highlights a cause-and-effect relationship: conviction leading to purification, enabling proper worship. The phrase "priests and the Levites were ashamed" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the emotional state of "shame" represents the deeper spiritual conviction and recognition of their past failures and defilement. This shame is a **Catalyst** for their subsequent sanctification, underscoring the spiritual principle that humility and self-awareness are prerequisites for drawing near to God in holiness. The detailed description of the sacrificial acts, particularly the "burnt offerings," serves as **Symbolism**, representing the complete restoration of covenant worship and the nation's renewed dedication to Yahweh after a period of apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 30:15 powerfully illustrates the indispensable link between personal holiness and corporate worship. The shame felt by the priests and Levites, leading to their self-sanctification, underscores the biblical truth that those who draw near to God in service must be pure and consecrated. This passage emphasizes that true worship is not merely ritualistic but demands an internal transformation—a heart humbled by sin and dedicated to God's standards. It highlights the principle that spiritual revival often begins with the leaders acknowledging their failures and seeking purification, thereby enabling the entire community to participate in acceptable worship. The restoration of the Passover and burnt offerings signifies a return to covenant faithfulness and a re-establishment of the broken relationship between God and His people, demonstrating God's grace in accepting a repentant people.

* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness Demands Respect")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as God is Holy")
* [James 4:8-10](/james/4-8-10 "James 4:8-10 - Draw Near to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the priests and Levites in 2 Chronicles 30:15 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Their shame and subsequent sanctification serve as a powerful reminder that genuine spiritual renewal often begins with a deep, personal conviction of sin and a humble recognition of our shortcomings before God. Just as they needed to be ritually and spiritually pure to serve in the Temple, so too are believers called to pursue holiness in their lives, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This involves a continuous process of confession, repentance, and dedication, allowing God to cleanse us and set us apart for His purposes. Whether in personal devotion, family life, or corporate worship, our service to God must flow from a heart that is both humble and purified, eager to align with His divine will. The passage encourages us to examine our own spiritual posture, asking if we are truly prepared to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life might need spiritual "sanctification" or purification before God?**
* **How does a sense of "shame" or conviction over past failures lead to genuine spiritual growth and renewed commitment in my own life?**
* **In what ways can I, as a believer, actively participate in the "restoration of worship" within my community or church, seeking to ensure purity and sincerity?**
* **What does it mean for me to "bring in burnt offerings" today, considering that Christ is our ultimate sacrifice?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Passover delayed to the second month, and what does this signify?**

Answer: The Passover was typically observed on the fourteenth day of the first month (Nisan) according to [Exodus 12:6](/exodus/12-6 "Exodus 12:6 - Passover Lamb Instructions"). However, in 2 Chronicles 30, King Hezekiah and the assembly decided to delay it to the fourteenth day of the second month (Iyyar). This delay was permissible under Mosaic Law for specific circumstances, such as being ceremonially unclean or on a distant journey (as outlined in [Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10-11 "Numbers 9:10-11 - Provision for a Second Passover")). The text indicates that the delay was necessary because "the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem" ([2 Chronicles 30:3](/2_chronicles/30-3 "2 Chronicles 30:3 - Reason for Passover Delay")). This signifies Hezekiah's profound commitment to proper, pure worship over rigid adherence to the calendar. It demonstrates that the spiritual readiness and purity of the participants were paramount, even if it meant adjusting the traditional timing, highlighting the importance of holiness in approaching God.

**What does it mean that the priests and Levites were "ashamed" and "sanctified themselves"?**

Answer: The phrase "were ashamed" (Hebrew: *kâlam*) indicates a deep sense of conviction, remorse, and humiliation. It suggests that the priests and Levites recognized their past negligence, spiritual impurity, and failure to uphold their sacred duties, which had contributed to the nation's apostasy. This shame was not merely external embarrassment but an internal, humbling realization of their defilement. Following this conviction, they "sanctified themselves" (Hebrew: *qâdash*), meaning they underwent a process of ritual purification and renewed dedication. This involved specific cleansing rites, as prescribed in the Law (e.g., washings, specific offerings), and a renewed commitment to their holy responsibilities. This act was crucial because only those who were ceremonially and spiritually pure could properly perform their duties in the Temple and mediate for the people, underscoring the absolute necessity of holiness in God's service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The events of 2 Chronicles 30:15, particularly the sanctification of the priests and the offering of the Passover and burnt offerings, find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Passover lamb, whose blood secured deliverance for Israel, powerfully foreshadows Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His sacrificial death on the cross is the once-for-all Passover sacrifice, providing eternal redemption for all who believe, as [Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover"). Furthermore, the shame felt by the priests and their subsequent self-sanctification point to the profound need for cleansing before approaching a holy God. While the Old Testament priests had to repeatedly purify themselves, Christ, our great High Priest, [did not need to offer sacrifices for himself](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Priesthood") because He was without sin. Instead, He offered Himself as the perfect, unblemished burnt offering, a complete and final sacrifice that fully atones for sin and perfectly dedicates humanity to God. Through His blood, believers are not merely ritually cleansed but are truly [sanctified once for all](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Offering") and given direct access to God's presence, becoming a [holy priesthood](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood") in Him. Thus, the pursuit of holiness and the offering of sacrifices in 2 Chronicles 30:15 culminate in Christ, who is both the perfect sacrifice and the means of our eternal sanctification, enabling us to truly worship God in spirit and truth.

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 29:34

But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the [other] priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites [were] more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.

Ezekiel 16:61

Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

Ezekiel 16:63

That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 43:10

Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern.

Ezekiel 43:11

And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write [it] in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them.

2 Chronicles 30:24

For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.

2 Chronicles 5:11

¶ And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy [place]: (for all the priests [that were] present were sanctified, [and] did not [then] wait by course: