2 Chronicles 30:18

For a multitude of the people, [even] many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one

For a multitude {H4768} of the people {H5971}, even many {H7227} of Ephraim {H669}, and Manasseh {H4519}, Issachar {H3485}, and Zebulun {H2074}, had not {H3808} cleansed {H2891} themselves, yet did they eat {H398} the passover {H6453} otherwise than it was written {H3789}. But Hezekiah {H3169} prayed {H6419} for them, saying {H559}, The good {H2896} LORD {H3068} pardon {H3722} every one

For a large number of the people, especially from Efrayim, M'nasheh, Yissakhar and Z'vulun, had not cleansed themselves but ate the Pesach lamb anyway, despite what is written. For Hizkiyahu had prayed for them, "May ADONAI, who is good, pardon

A large number of the people—many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun—had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah interceded for them, saying, “May the LORD, who is good, provide atonement for everyone

For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it is written. For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, The good Jehovah pardon every one

Commentary

2 Chronicles 30:18 captures a poignant moment during King Hezekiah's great Passover celebration. After years of spiritual decline and idolatry in Judah, Hezekiah initiated a widespread spiritual revival, inviting not only the people of Judah but also the remnant of the northern tribes of Israel to observe the Passover in Jerusalem.

Context

King Hezekiah, a righteous ruler of Judah, dedicated his reign to reversing the spiritual decay that had plagued his kingdom, particularly under his father Ahaz. He sent messengers throughout all Israel and Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba, inviting everyone to come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem to keep the Passover (as seen in 2 Chronicles 30:1). This was a remarkable call for unity and repentance, especially considering the long-standing division between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, and the fact that many in the north had already been carried into Assyrian captivity. Despite some mockery, a significant multitude from the northern tribes, including Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, humbled themselves and came.

The challenge arose when many of these pilgrims, eager to participate in the long-neglected festival, had not undergone the necessary ritual purification according to the Mosaic law. The law stipulated specific cleansing rituals for participating in sacred feasts, as detailed in passages like Numbers 9:10-11 regarding Passover purity. They "had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written." This presented a dilemma: uphold strict adherence to the law or embrace the sincere, albeit imperfect, worship of the people?

Key Themes

  • God's Grace and Mercy: This verse beautifully highlights God's willingness to extend grace beyond the letter of the law when hearts are genuinely turned towards Him. The people's desire to worship, despite their ritual impurity, was met with divine compassion.
  • Heart over Ritual: While ritual purity was important under the Old Covenant, this episode demonstrates that God values the sincerity of the heart and the desire to obey more than perfect adherence to external rites. This echoes the principle that God looks at the heart, not just outward appearance.
  • Intercessory Prayer: King Hezekiah's immediate response was not condemnation but fervent prayer on their behalf. His intercession for the people underscores the power and importance of leaders praying for their flock, and for believers to pray for one another's shortcomings.
  • Unity and Reconciliation: The very presence of people from the divided northern tribes celebrating Passover with Judah was a powerful symbol of potential unity and a yearning for reconciliation under God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "had not cleansed themselves" refers to the specific ritual purification required by Mosaic law for participating in sacred meals and approaching God's presence. This could involve washing, specific offerings, or waiting periods after various forms of impurity (e.g., contact with a dead body, certain bodily discharges).
  • "otherwise than it was written" directly points to their deviation from the prescribed legal requirements for Passover observance.
  • "The good LORD pardon every one": Hezekiah's address to "the good LORD" emphasizes God's inherent goodness and benevolent character, making the plea for pardon appropriate and hopeful. The Hebrew word for "pardon" (כָּפַר - kaphar) often implies atonement or covering, suggesting a plea for God to overlook their ceremonial deficiency and accept their worship.

Practical Application

The account in 2 Chronicles 30:18 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  1. Sincerity in Worship: God values a humble and sincere heart above perfect outward performance. While we strive for obedience, our imperfections do not automatically disqualify us from God's grace if our desire is to draw near to Him.
  2. The Power of Intercession: Hezekiah's example encourages us to pray for those who may falter or fall short in their walk with God. Our prayers can make a difference in seeking divine mercy and forgiveness for others.
  3. God's Forgiveness for Imperfect Faith: This verse is a comfort, reminding us that God is merciful and understanding of our human weaknesses. When we approach Him with a repentant heart, even when we have not perfectly fulfilled every requirement, His grace is sufficient.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • James 5:15

    And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

  • James 5:16

    Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:28

    But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.

  • Daniel 9:19

    O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

  • 2 Chronicles 6:21

    Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, [even] from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.

  • Numbers 9:10

    Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or [be] in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto the LORD.

  • Numbers 9:14

    And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.
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