2 Chronicles 30:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For the king {H4428} had taken counsel {H3289}, and his princes {H8269}, and all the congregation {H6951} in Jerusalem {H3389}, to keep {H6213} the passover {H6453} in the second {H8145} month {H2320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the king, his officials and the entire Yerushalayim community had agreed to keep the Pesach in the second month.

Berean Standard Bible

For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to keep the Passover in the second month,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 30:2 presents a pivotal moment in King Hezekiah's reign, detailing the unified and deliberate decision by the king, his princes, and the entire congregation assembled in Jerusalem to observe the Passover in the second month. This verse serves as the foundational declaration for a sweeping spiritual revival in Judah, underscoring the earnest desire of the nation's leadership and people to faithfully restore proper worship and renew their covenant relationship with the Lord after an extended period of profound apostasy and neglect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial juncture, immediately following King Hezekiah's zealous initiation of spiritual reforms. [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple") meticulously details Hezekiah's immediate actions upon ascending the throne, beginning with the urgent cleansing and consecration of the Temple in Jerusalem. This sacred space had been severely defiled and its doors shut during the idolatrous reign of his father, Ahaz. Hezekiah's initial command to the Levites to sanctify themselves and the Temple, re-establishing the daily sacrifices and worship according to the Mosaic Law, sets the necessary groundwork. The decision articulated in [2 Chronicles 30:2](/2_chronicles/30-2 "2 Chronicles 30:2 - The Decision to Keep Passover") to observe the Passover is the logical and spiritual culmination of these initial reforms, transitioning from the restoration of the physical sanctuary and its regular rituals to the re-engagement with a foundational national festival that profoundly commemorated Israel's redemption and covenant relationship with God. The subsequent explanation in [2 Chronicles 30:3](/2_chronicles/30-3 "2 Chronicles 30:3 - Reasons for the Delay") regarding the delay underscores the meticulous care taken to ensure the celebration was conducted with the utmost ritual purity and communal participation, highlighting the depth of their commitment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judah had plunged into severe spiritual decline under King Ahaz, who not only permitted but actively promoted widespread idolatry, even engaging in the horrific practice of sacrificing his own children to pagan gods and deliberately closing the doors of the Lord's Temple. This profound apostasy had led to national distress, military defeat, and divine judgment. Hezekiah's reign marked a radical and divinely inspired departure, aiming to reverse this spiritual decay and bring the nation back into covenant obedience with Yahweh. The Passover, originally instituted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - Institution of the Passover"), was far more than a mere historical commemoration; it was a powerful annual reminder of God's miraculous deliverance from bondage in Egypt and a vital renewal of the covenant. Observing it required strict ritual purity and the gathering of all Israelite males in Jerusalem. The decision to hold it in the second month, as explicitly permitted by the Law in [Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-11 "Numbers 9:10-11 - Provision for a Second Passover"), was a lawful accommodation for those who were ritually unclean or unable to attend at the prescribed time in the first month. This demonstrates Hezekiah's profound commitment not only to the letter of the Law but, more importantly, to its spirit, prioritizing the participation and sanctification of the entire nation.
* **Key Themes:** The collective decision to celebrate the Passover in the second month, as detailed throughout [2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - Hezekiah's Great Passover"), is rich with profound theological and narrative themes. First, it powerfully illustrates the **Restoration of True Worship**, serving as a cornerstone of Hezekiah's comprehensive reforms aimed at re-establishing the proper reverence and obedience to Yahweh after generations of spiritual neglect and idolatry. Second, the phrase "the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation" highlights **Corporate Leadership and Unity**, emphasizing that this was not a unilateral royal decree but a consensus decision involving various levels of leadership and the people themselves. This collaborative approach fostered a shared sense of ownership and responsibility for the spiritual renewal, ensuring widespread buy-in. Third, the choice to observe the Passover in the second month reveals a profound understanding of **Divine Grace and Lawful Flexibility** within God's commands, demonstrating wisdom in applying the law to accommodate practical realities (such as impurity or distance) without compromising the sanctity of the ritual, as permitted in [Numbers 9](/numbers/9 "Numbers 9 - The Second Passover"). Finally, this collective action powerfully underscores the theme of **National Repentance and Revival**, as the entire community actively participated in turning back to God, culminating in a celebration of unprecedented joy and spiritual fervor, as described later in [2 Chronicles 30:26](/2_chronicles/30-26 "2 Chronicles 30:26 - Unprecedented Joy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"counsel" (Hebrew, _yâʻats'_):** The verb יָעַץ (_yâʻats_) signifies to advise, consult, or deliberate. Its use here implies a thoughtful, intentional process of seeking wisdom, discussing various options, and reaching a considered agreement, rather than a hasty or autocratic decision. In this context, it underscores Hezekiah's wise and collaborative leadership, demonstrating a commitment to shared governance in matters of national spiritual importance. This deliberative approach ensured that the decision to hold the Passover in the second month was well-considered and supported by the entire community, reflecting a deep desire for order, reverence, and broad participation in worship.
* **"princes" (Hebrew, _sar'_):** The term שָׂר (_sar_) refers to high officials, leaders, or commanders, often denoting those in positions of significant authority. Their inclusion in the counsel signifies that the decision was not merely a royal decree but involved the highest levels of civil authority, indicating a broad base of support and legitimizing the extraordinary measure of delaying the Passover. This highlights the integrated nature of religious and civil leadership in ancient Israel, where spiritual matters were intrinsically linked to national governance and well-being.
* **"congregation" (Hebrew, _qâhâl'_):** The word קָהָל (_qâhâl_) denotes an assembly, congregation, or community, often with a specific religious or national purpose. Its inclusion here is highly significant, indicating that the decision was not confined to the king and his immediate advisors but extended to the broader populace gathered in Jerusalem. This emphasizes the corporate nature of the spiritual renewal and the shared responsibility of all the people in restoring true worship, fostering unity and widespread participation in the upcoming Passover celebration. It speaks to a communal buy-in crucial for such a large-scale spiritual undertaking.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the king had taken counsel":** This opening phrase establishes King Hezekiah's initiative and proactive leadership in the restoration of worship. Crucially, it immediately clarifies that his approach was not dictatorial but consultative, setting a precedent for collaborative decision-making in matters of profound national religious significance. This highlights his wisdom and humility.
* **"and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem":** This clause expands on the consultative process, revealing the broad scope of participation in this crucial decision. It highlights a remarkable unity among the highest civil authorities ("his princes") and the general populace ("all the congregation") who had gathered in Jerusalem. This collective agreement underscores the widespread desire for spiritual renewal and the corporate commitment to re-establish proper worship, ensuring the decision had broad support and legitimacy.
* **"to keep the passover in the second month":** This final clause states the specific outcome of their deliberation: the decision to observe the Passover, not at its traditional time in the first month, but in the second month. This was a significant deviation from the norm, justified by the legal provision in [Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10-11 "Numbers 9:10-11 - The Law of the Second Passover"), which allowed for a delayed celebration under specific circumstances (e.g., ritual impurity or being on a journey). This decision demonstrates a careful balance between adherence to divine law and a pragmatic, compassionate application of its principles to ensure the festival could be properly observed by all who desired to participate.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in [2 Chronicles 30:2](/2_chronicles/30-2 "2 Chronicles 30:2 - Hezekiah's Deliberate Decision"). **Emphasis through Inclusion** is profoundly evident in the specific listing of "the king," "his princes," and "all the congregation in Jerusalem." This detailed enumeration underscores the broad consensus and unity behind this significant religious undertaking, highlighting the corporate nature of the decision and contrasting it with the often unilateral and self-serving actions of previous, less righteous kings. There is also an element of **Narrative Foreshadowing**, as this verse, by detailing the meticulous and collaborative planning, sets the stage for the unprecedented and joyous Passover celebration that follows in the rest of the chapter, building anticipation for the profound spiritual revival to come. Furthermore, the decision to hold the Passover in the "second month" introduces a subtle **Thematic Contrast** with the preceding spiritual neglect, where such a vital festival was not observed at all. The very act of delaying it, while seemingly a deviation from the norm, paradoxically emphasizes their deep commitment to observing it *correctly* and *fully*, showcasing a profound respect for the sanctity and intent of God's commands rather than mere ritualistic adherence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The decision recorded in [2 Chronicles 30:2](/2_chronicles/30-2 "2 Chronicles 30:2 - A Collective Decision for Worship") speaks volumes about the nature of true spiritual leadership and corporate worship. It demonstrates that genuine revival often begins with a deep, collective desire to return to God's prescribed ways, even when circumstances necessitate flexibility within the framework of divine law. Hezekiah's consultative approach, involving both civil and religious leaders, along with the people, models a leadership style that fosters unity, shared responsibility, and widespread participation in the life of faith. The willingness to adapt the timing of the Passover, while adhering to the spirit of the law, underscores God's gracious provision for His people to obey Him fully, even when faced with practical obstacles. This act of collective obedience and the subsequent joyous celebration reflect a profound re-engagement with God's covenant and a national commitment to holiness, showcasing that true worship is a communal endeavor requiring both adherence to divine command and compassionate wisdom in its application.

* [Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10-11 "Numbers 9:10-11 - The Second Passover Provision")
* [Ezra 6:19-22](/ezra/6-19-22 "Ezra 6:19-22 - Post-Exilic Passover Celebration")
* [Acts 15:28-29](/acts/15-28-29 "Acts 15:28-29 - The Jerusalem Council's Deliberation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in [2 Chronicles 30:2](/2_chronicles/30-2 "2 Chronicles 30:2 - Lessons in Leadership and Unity") offers timeless principles for believers and communities of faith today. Hezekiah's commitment to "take counsel" before making a significant spiritual decision highlights the immense value of collaborative leadership and communal discernment. In our own lives and churches, important choices, particularly those concerning spiritual direction or collective endeavors, should be approached with thoughtful deliberation, seeking wisdom from godly counsel and involving the broader community where appropriate. This fosters unity, minimizes division, and ensures that decisions are well-informed, spiritually grounded, and supported by those who will be affected. Furthermore, Hezekiah's prioritization of restoring true worship, even when it required overcoming significant logistical and ritual challenges, reminds us to consistently place spiritual health and obedience to God at the forefront of our priorities. The flexibility shown in applying the Law, while maintaining its sanctity, teaches us to seek the spirit and intent of God's commands, applying them with wisdom and grace in our contemporary contexts, ensuring that the core purpose of worship and obedience is honored above rigid adherence to non-essential forms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I, or my community, better "take counsel" before making significant decisions, especially those with spiritual implications, ensuring broad participation and discernment?**
* **What obstacles might be preventing a deeper commitment to spiritual renewal in my life or my church, and how can they be overcome with wisdom, flexibility, and a focus on God's true intent?**
* **In what ways can I foster greater unity and shared responsibility in my spiritual community, mirroring the collective effort seen in Hezekiah's time to restore faithful worship?**
* **How does my approach to God's commands balance faithful adherence to His revealed will with a compassionate and wise application of principles to real-life circumstances, prioritizing the spirit over rigid legalism?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Passover delayed until the second month?**

Answer: The primary reasons for delaying the Passover, as explicitly explained in [2 Chronicles 30:3](/2_chronicles/30-3 "2 Chronicles 30:3 - Reasons for the Delayed Passover"), were twofold. First, a sufficient number of priests had not yet sanctified themselves. The Temple had only recently been cleansed and re-consecrated under Hezekiah's sweeping reforms, and the extensive process of ritual purification for the priests and Levites required more time. Second, the people had not yet gathered in Jerusalem in sufficient numbers. After years of widespread apostasy and neglect under King Ahaz, the nation was spiritually dispersed and unprepared for such a significant national festival. The Law of Moses, specifically in [Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10-11 "Numbers 9:10-11 - The Law of the Second Passover"), provided a specific allowance for those who were ritually unclean or on a journey during the first month to observe the Passover in the second month. Hezekiah and his counsel wisely utilized this provision to ensure that the entire congregation could participate in the festival with proper ritual purity and preparation, prioritizing widespread, sanctified worship over strict adherence to the traditional timing.

**What does "taken counsel" imply about Hezekiah's leadership style?**

Answer: The phrase "the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem" reveals Hezekiah's remarkably collaborative, humble, and wise leadership style. It implies that his decision was not an autocratic decree but the result of thoughtful deliberation and consensus-building among various levels of leadership and the people. This approach demonstrates several key aspects of his leadership: **Humility**, in that he sought input beyond his own wisdom, recognizing the importance of collective discernment; **Inclusivity**, by involving both civil and religious leaders, as well as the general populace, ensuring broad representation; **Prudence**, by carefully weighing the complex circumstances and the requirements of the Law; and **Unity-building**, by ensuring broad support and shared ownership for the significant spiritual undertaking. This consultative model stands in stark contrast to the often tyrannical or self-serving leadership seen in many kings of Judah and Israel, highlighting Hezekiah's commitment to leading the nation back to God in a unified and Spirit-led manner.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The decision to observe the Passover, even delayed, in [2 Chronicles 30:2](/2_chronicles/30-2 "2 Chronicles 30:2 - A Foreshadowing of Christ") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Passover itself, commemorating deliverance from bondage through the sacrificial blood of a lamb, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate redemption achieved by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as Hezekiah meticulously prepared for the Passover to restore true worship, Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, has made the way for a new covenant and a worship that is "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The corporate unity and collective decision-making seen in Jerusalem point to the very nature of the New Testament church, the body of Christ, where believers are called to live in unity and mutual submission, empowered and led by the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity in the Body of Christ")). The cleansing of the Temple under Hezekiah prefigures Christ's own cleansing of the Temple and, more profoundly, His redemptive work in cleansing believers to become living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies as Temples")). Ultimately, the joy and spiritual renewal experienced during Hezekiah's Passover celebration are but a glimpse of the eternal joy and complete restoration found in Christ, who is our true [Passover Lamb, sacrificed for us](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"), making us a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a people for God's own possession ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")).

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

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 9:11

The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, [and] eat it with unleavened bread and bitter [herbs].

2 Chronicles 30:13

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

1 Chronicles 13:1

¶ And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, [and] with every leader.

1 Chronicles 13:3

And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.

Proverbs 11:14

¶ Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety.

2 Chronicles 30:15

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.