2 Chronicles 30:17

For [there were] many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one [that was] not clean, to sanctify [them] unto the LORD.

For there were many {H7227} in the congregation {H6951} that were not sanctified {H6942}: therefore the Levites {H3881} had the charge of the killing {H7821} of the passovers {H6453} for every one that was not clean {H2889}, to sanctify {H6942} them unto the LORD {H3068}.

For there were many in the assembly who had not consecrated themselves; therefore the L'vi'im were responsible for slaughtering the Pesach lambs and consecrating them to ADONAI on behalf of everyone who was not clean.

Since there were many in the assembly who had not consecrated themselves, the Levites were in charge of slaughtering the Passover lambs for every unclean person to consecrate the lambs to the LORD.

For there were many in the assembly that had not sanctified themselves: therefore the Levites had the charge of killing the passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto Jehovah.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 30:17

This verse is set during King Hezekiah's great Passover revival, a significant event in the history of Judah following years of apostasy under his father, King Ahaz. Hezekiah had invited all Israel, including the northern tribes, to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, which had not been properly observed for a long time. While many came with sincere hearts, a large number had not undergone the necessary ritual purification according to Mosaic law. The normal procedure for Passover was for each head of household to slaughter their own lamb. However, due to the widespread uncleanness of the congregation, a special provision had to be made to allow for their participation and for the sacrifices to be acceptable to the LORD.

Meaning and Significance

2 Chronicles 30:17 highlights a practical challenge during Hezekiah's revival and the gracious solution provided. Because "many in the congregation that were not sanctified" or "not clean" (referring to ceremonial impurity, not necessarily moral sin), they were unable to perform the ritual slaughter of the Passover lambs themselves. According to the Law, anyone who was ritually unclean could not participate in sacred acts. To bridge this gap and enable the people to participate in this vital act of worship, the Levites stepped in. They took on "the charge of the killing of the passovers" for those who were unclean, acting as proxies. This allowed the sacrifice to be performed acceptably and, in a sense, "to sanctify them unto the LORD," meaning to ritually cleanse them for the purpose of participating in the sacred feast, even if their initial state was impure. This demonstrates God's mercy and willingness to accommodate heartfelt worship, even when performed imperfectly, through the mediation of His appointed servants.

Key Themes

  • Ritual Purity and Sanctification: The verse underscores the importance of ceremonial cleanness in Old Testament worship. To be "sanctified" (Hebrew: qadash) means to be set apart or consecrated for sacred use, while "clean" (Hebrew: tahor) refers to ritual purity, often requiring specific purification rites as outlined in the Law (e.g., Leviticus 15).
  • Divine Grace and Mercy: Despite the congregation's widespread impurity, God allowed an exception through the Levites' intercession. This highlights His compassion and desire for His people to draw near, even when they fall short of perfect adherence to the law.
  • Role of the Levites: This passage emphasizes the Levites' crucial role as mediators and facilitators of worship. They performed sacred duties on behalf of the people, ensuring that the sacrifices were carried out according to divine protocol, even in unusual circumstances.
  • Corporate Worship and Unity: The unified desire of the people to celebrate Passover, despite their imperfections, was honored, fostering a sense of national spiritual renewal.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sanctified" (ืงึธื“ึทืฉื - qadash) implies being made holy or set apart for God's purposes. Here, it refers to ritual purification necessary for participating in the sacred Passover. The term "clean" (ื˜ึธื”ื•ึนืจ - tahor) specifically denotes ceremonial purity. The act of "killing" (ืฉึธืื—ึทื˜ - shachat) refers to the ritual slaughter of sacrificial animals. The phrase "to sanctify them unto the LORD" implies that through the Levites' actions, the people were ritually made acceptable for the sacred feast, enabling their participation in the covenant meal with God.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 30:17 offers timeless lessons for believers today.

  • Our Need for Cleansing: Just as the Israelites needed ritual cleansing, humanity needs spiritual cleansing. We are inherently unclean by sin and cannot approach a holy God on our own terms (Romans 3:23).
  • Christ as Our Mediator: The Levites acted as proxies for the unclean, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is our High Priest who perfectly mediates between God and humanity, offering a once-for-all sacrifice that truly cleanses and "sanctifies" us (Hebrews 10:10). Through Him, we are made righteous and given access to God.
  • God's Grace for Imperfect Worship: The passage reminds us of God's immense grace. While He desires our best and expects obedience, He also shows compassion for our weaknesses and genuine efforts to draw near to Him. Our worship may be imperfect, but when offered with a sincere heart and reliance on Christ's perfect work, it is accepted by God.
  • Importance of Spiritual Preparation: While God is gracious, the ideal is always to prepare ourselves spiritually for worship and communion with Him. This involves confession, repentance, and seeking holiness.
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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.

  • 2 Chronicles 35:3

    And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; [it shall] not [be] a burden upon [your] shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,

  • 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.

  • Exodus 12:6

    And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
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