2 Chronicles 30:22

KJV

And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the LORD: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hezekiah {H3169} spake {H1696} comfortably {H3820} unto all the Levites {H3881} that taught {H7919} the good {H2896} knowledge {H7922} of the LORD {H3068}: and they did eat {H398} throughout the feast {H4150} seven {H7651} days {H3117}, offering {H2076} peace {H8002} offerings {H2077}, and making confession {H3034} to the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of their fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hizkiyahu spoke encouragingly to all the L'vi'im who were well skilled in the service of ADONAI. Thus they ate throughout the festival for the seven days, offering sacrifices of peace offerings and giving thanks to ADONAI, the God of their ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

And Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites who performed skillfully before the LORD. For seven days they ate their assigned portion, sacrificing fellowship offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers.

American Standard Version

And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that had good understanding in the service of Jehovah. So they did eat throughout the feast for the seven days, offering sacrifices of peace-offerings, and making confession to Jehovah, the God of their fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse from 2 Chronicles 30:22 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Judah's spiritual revival under King Hezekiah, emphasizing the crucial role of the Levites in teaching God's truth. It highlights Hezekiah's heartfelt commendation of these spiritual instructors and describes the people's joyous, extended celebration of the Passover feast, marked by communal eating, the offering of peace offerings, and sincere confession to the God of their ancestors. The passage underscores the interconnectedness of faithful instruction, heartfelt worship, and genuine repentance in fostering national spiritual renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Hezekiah's sweeping religious reforms and the unprecedented Passover celebration in Jerusalem. Chapters 29 and 30 detail the cleansing and consecration of the Temple, the call to all Israel (including the northern kingdom) to observe Passover, and the initial, joyous seven-day feast. [2 Chronicles 30:21](/2_chronicles/30-21 "2 Chronicles 30:21 - The Feast of Unleavened Bread") describes the initial seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Verse 22 then introduces the *extension* of this feast for an additional seven days, a decision made by the entire assembly due to their overwhelming joy and renewed commitment. It specifically highlights the Levites' vital role during this extended period, setting the stage for the destruction of idolatrous altars and the reorganization of Temple service that follows in [2 Chronicles 31](/2_chronicles/31 "2 Chronicles 31 - Hezekiah's Reforms Continue").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah ascended the throne after his father Ahaz, who had led Judah into deep idolatry and spiritual apostasy. Hezekiah immediately initiated a radical spiritual reformation, seeking to restore the worship of Yahweh. The Passover celebration described in this chapter was extraordinary, not only because it included participants from the northern kingdom of Israel (a rare occurrence since the division of the kingdom) but also because it was observed in the second month, due to the uncleanness of the priests and people in the first month, as permitted by [Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10 "Numbers 9:10-11 - Second Passover"). The Levites, traditionally responsible for Temple service and teaching the Law (as seen in [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Levites as Teachers")), played an indispensable role in facilitating the massive number of sacrifices and instructing the people in proper worship. The "peace offerings" were voluntary sacrifices of thanksgiving and communion, signifying restored fellowship with God, as detailed in [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Law of Peace Offerings").
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **National Revival and Restoration**, demonstrating God's willingness to restore a repentant people even after generations of spiritual decline. Secondly, it highlights the **Indispensable Role of Spiritual Leadership and Teaching**, particularly through the Levites, whose diligent instruction in "the good knowledge of the LORD" was foundational to the people's spiritual awakening. Thirdly, the extended feast and the offerings emphasize **Joyful, Communal Worship and Fellowship**, portraying worship not as a burdensome duty but as a joyful expression of gratitude and communion with God. Finally, the act of "making confession" underscores the vital theme of **Repentance and Reconciliation**, recognizing that genuine spiritual renewal is always preceded by humility and acknowledgment of sin before God, a principle echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 32:5](/psalms/32-5 "Psalm 32:5 - Confession and Forgiveness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake comfortably (Hebrew, _dibber al-lev'_):** This phrase literally translates to "spoke to the heart" or "spoke upon the heart." It conveys a profound sense of speaking kindly, encouragingly, reassuringly, and with deep empathy. Hezekiah's words were not merely a formal address but a heartfelt commendation, acknowledging the Levites' exhaustion and dedicated service during the arduous, extended festival, thereby affirming their vital role and boosting their morale.
* **good knowledge of the LORD (Hebrew, _tov da'at YHWH'_):** This refers to a beneficial, wholesome, and life-giving understanding of God's character, His laws, and His will. It implies more than mere intellectual assent; it signifies a practical, experiential wisdom that leads to righteous living, true worship, and a deeper, transformative relationship with God. This "good knowledge" was the foundation upon which the entire spiritual revival was built.
* **peace offerings (Hebrew, _shelamim'_):** These were voluntary sacrifices, distinct from sin or guilt offerings, made to express thanksgiving, fulfill vows, or as freewill offerings. They symbolized fellowship and communion with God and fellow worshippers, often involving a communal meal where portions of the sacrifice were eaten by the offerer and priests. Their abundance during this feast signifies the people's overflowing gratitude and their desire for restored harmony and "shalom" (wholeness, peace) with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the LORD":** This clause highlights King Hezekiah's direct and personal affirmation of the Levites. His "speaking comfortably" signifies a deep appreciation for their tireless efforts in educating the people about God's ways. The Levites' role as teachers of "the good knowledge of the LORD" is emphasized as foundational to the spiritual awakening, underscoring the importance of sound theological instruction in fostering genuine faith and worship.
* **"and they did eat throughout the feast seven days":** This phrase describes the continuation and extension of the Passover celebration. The initial Feast of Unleavened Bread lasted seven days (as per [Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Feast of Unleavened Bread")). This additional seven days, making a total of fourteen, signifies the extraordinary zeal and joy of the people, who were so overwhelmed by God's goodness that they desired to prolong their communal worship and fellowship. The act of "eating" symbolizes communal celebration, sustenance, and shared life in God's presence.
* **"offering peace offerings":** This clause specifies a key aspect of their worship during the extended feast. The proliferation of peace offerings indicates a spirit of thanksgiving, joy, and a desire for communion with God. These voluntary sacrifices were a tangible expression of the people's renewed relationship with Yahweh, celebrating the peace and reconciliation they had found.
* **"and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers."** This final clause reveals the profound humility and repentance that characterized the revival. The act of "confession" signifies a public or private acknowledgment of sin and a turning back to God. It was a crucial element of their spiritual cleansing and reconciliation, demonstrating that their joy and offerings were rooted in a genuine, contrite heart before the God who had faithfully covenanted with their ancestors.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Emphasis** is placed on the Levites' teaching role and the extraordinary nature of the extended feast, underscoring their significance in the revival. The phrase "spake comfortably" uses **Metaphor** or **Idiom**, literally "spoke to the heart," to convey the depth of Hezekiah's encouragement. The sequence of "eating," "offering peace offerings," and "making confession" demonstrates a **Progression** from communal celebration to sacrificial worship and, finally, to contrite repentance, illustrating the multifaceted nature of true spiritual renewal. The entire scene functions as **Symbolism**, with the extended feast and the acts of worship symbolizing the restored relationship between God and His people, marked by joy, peace, and humility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's desire for His people to know Him intimately and to worship Him wholeheartedly. It reveals a reciprocal relationship between diligent spiritual instruction and genuine spiritual transformation: the Levites' faithful teaching of "the good knowledge of the LORD" directly facilitated the people's ability to engage in meaningful worship, characterized by joyful communion (eating and peace offerings) and sincere repentance (confession). This dynamic demonstrates that true revival is not merely emotional fervor but is rooted in a deep understanding of God's character and a humble response to His truth. The emphasis on "the God of their fathers" also connects this current revival to the enduring covenant faithfulness of Yahweh across generations, reinforcing the continuity of God's redemptive plan.

* [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Levites as Teachers of God's Law")
* [Nehemiah 8:8](/nehemiah/8-8 "Explaining the Law Clearly")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "A Broken and Contrite Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Hezekiah and the Levites offers profound lessons for believers today, highlighting the essential components of a vibrant spiritual life and a healthy faith community. Just as Hezekiah affirmed the Levites, we are called to recognize, value, and support those who faithfully teach and shepherd God's people, understanding that their diligent efforts in imparting "the good knowledge of the LORD" are foundational for spiritual growth and maturity within the church. This verse reminds us that true worship is not merely ritualistic but is characterized by joy, communal fellowship, and a humble spirit of confession. It prompts us to examine our own pursuit of God's knowledge, asking whether our understanding of Him is truly "good"—transformative and life-giving. Furthermore, the emphasis on peace offerings and confession encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving and regular repentance, ensuring that our communion with God remains unhindered and our hearts are continually aligned with His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I affirm and support those who faithfully teach God's Word in my life or community?**
* **In what ways am I actively pursuing "the good knowledge of the LORD" in my daily life, and how is it transforming me?**
* **How does my personal and corporate worship reflect joy, thanksgiving, and true communion with God and fellow believers?**
* **What role does regular confession of sins play in my spiritual walk, and how can I deepen this practice for greater spiritual renewal?**

### FAQ
**Why did Hezekiah "speak comfortably" to the Levites?**

Answer: Hezekiah "spoke comfortably" (literally, "spoke to the heart") to the Levites to offer them profound encouragement and affirmation. Their role during the extended Passover feast was incredibly demanding, involving the facilitation of countless sacrifices and the continuous instruction of a large, spiritually hungry populace. Hezekiah's words were a heartfelt commendation, recognizing their tireless dedication and vital contribution to the national spiritual revival. This royal endorsement not only boosted their morale but also reinforced their authority and importance in the eyes of the people, underscoring the value of faithful spiritual leadership, as seen in [2 Chronicles 29:11](/2_chronicles/29-11 "2 Chronicles 29:11 - Hezekiah's Charge to the Levites").

**What is "the good knowledge of the LORD" that the Levites taught?**

Answer: "The good knowledge of the LORD" refers to a beneficial, life-transforming understanding of God's character, His covenant, His laws, and His will. It's not merely intellectual information but a practical, spiritual wisdom that leads to righteous living, true worship, and a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. This knowledge was essential for the people to understand the significance of the Passover, the purpose of the offerings, and the necessity of confession, thereby enabling genuine spiritual growth and national renewal. This concept aligns with the wisdom literature, which champions the pursuit of divine understanding as the foundation of life, as highlighted in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom").

**What was the significance of "peace offerings" and "confession" during this extended feast?**

Answer: The abundance of "peace offerings" (also known as fellowship offerings) during the extended feast signified the people's overflowing gratitude, joy, and desire for communion with God. These voluntary sacrifices were often accompanied by communal meals, symbolizing restored fellowship and harmony between God and His people, and among the people themselves. "Confession" was a crucial act of humility and repentance, where individuals and the nation acknowledged their sins before God. This public and private acknowledgment was essential for cleansing, forgiveness, and restoring a right relationship with the Holy God, demonstrating that true spiritual renewal is always rooted in a contrite heart and a turning away from sin, as seen in [Psalm 32:5](/psalms/32-5 "Psalm 32:5 - Confession and Forgiveness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The events of 2 Chronicles 30:22 find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Hezekiah, as a righteous king who led his people in spiritual revival, foreshadows Christ, the perfect King who inaugurates the ultimate spiritual restoration. The Levites, who taught "the good knowledge of the LORD," point to Jesus as the supreme Teacher and the very embodiment of God's wisdom and truth. In Christ, we receive the fullness of "the good knowledge of the LORD," for He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:2-3](/colossians/2-2 "Colossians 2:2-3 - Knowledge of God's Mystery, Christ")). The peace offerings, which symbolized communion and reconciliation, are fulfilled in Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross, through which He became our peace, breaking down the wall of hostility and reconciling us to God ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Finally, the act of confession before "the LORD God of their fathers" finds its ultimate efficacy through Christ's atoning blood. It is through confessing our sins to God, confident in Christ's finished work, that we receive forgiveness and cleansing, as promised in [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). The extended feast, a time of joyful communion, foreshadows the eternal feast of fellowship with God that believers will experience in Christ's presence, culminating in the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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 32:6

And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,

Nehemiah 9:3

And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God [one] fourth part of the day; and [another] fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.

Ezra 10:11

Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.

Isaiah 40:1

¶ Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

Isaiah 40:2

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

Deuteronomy 33:10

They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,