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.

For Hezekiah {H2396} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} did give {H7311} to the congregation {H6951} a thousand {H505} bullocks {H6499} and seven {H7651} thousand {H505} sheep {H6629}; and the princes {H8269} gave {H7311} to the congregation {H6951} a thousand {H505} bullocks {H6499} and ten {H6235} thousand {H505} sheep {H6629}: and a great number {H7230} of priests {H3548} sanctified {H6942} themselves.

For Hizkiyahu king of Y'hudah gave the assembly a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep for offerings, while the leaders gave the assembly a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep; and great numbers of cohanim consecrated themselves.

For Hezekiah king of Judah contributed a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep for the assembly, and the officials contributed a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep for the assembly, and a great number of priests consecrated themselves.

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

Commentary

Context

This verse is situated within the narrative of King Hezekiah's remarkable Passover celebration, a pivotal moment of spiritual revival for the kingdom of Judah. After a long period of decline and idolatry under previous kings, particularly his father Ahaz, Hezekiah initiated sweeping religious reforms. He cleansed the Temple, reinstated proper worship, and made an unprecedented call for all Israel—including remnants of the northern kingdom—to observe the Passover in Jerusalem. The celebration was so impactful and filled with joy that the entire congregation decided to extend the feast for an additional seven days, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 30:23. Verse 24 details the extraordinary generosity of King Hezekiah and his princes, which enabled this prolonged and joyous worship.

Key Themes

  • Generosity in Worship: King Hezekiah and the princes demonstrated immense liberality, providing thousands of animals for offerings. This lavish giving underscored their commitment to God and facilitated the extended period of worship and communal feasting, highlighting the importance of supporting spiritual endeavors.
  • Revival and Restoration: The abundance of offerings and the large number of priests sanctifying themselves are clear indicators of a profound spiritual awakening. It signifies a genuine desire to restore proper worship according to God's law after generations of neglect, emphasizing national repentance and a return to faithfulness.
  • Priestly Consecration: The phrase "a great number of priests sanctified themselves" is crucial. Many priests had not maintained ritual purity, making them ineligible for Temple service. Their act of consecration was essential for the legitimate performance of sacrifices and rites, symbolizing a renewed commitment to holiness in service to God. This echoes the importance of purity for those who serve in spiritual capacities, as seen in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 19:10).
  • Leadership by Example: Hezekiah, as king, led the way in sacrificial giving, and the princes followed suit. This demonstrates the powerful influence of godly leadership in inspiring the people to devotion and generosity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sanctified themselves" translates the Hebrew verb root qadash (קָדַשׁ), specifically in the Hithpael stem (wayyitqaddeshu). This form implies a reflexive action, meaning they "made themselves holy" or "consecrated themselves." It refers to a process of ritual purification and setting oneself apart for sacred service, often involving specific actions like washing, changing clothes, and abstaining from certain things to meet the requirements for ministering before God. This was a necessary step for the priests to properly fulfill their duties in the Temple, particularly in handling the numerous offerings.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Generosity in Giving: It reminds us that heartfelt worship often involves sacrificial giving, not just of finances, but of our time, talents, and resources, to support the work of God's kingdom.
  • Importance of Purity: For those in spiritual leadership or service, the need for priests to "sanctify themselves" underscores the ongoing call to personal holiness and spiritual readiness. Our inner state impacts our ability to serve God effectively.
  • Joy in Revival: The outpouring of generosity facilitated a prolonged period of joy and celebration. When hearts are truly turned to God, there is often an abundance of spiritual blessing and communal delight, reflecting the promise of the joy of the Lord being our strength.
  • Influence of Leadership: Hezekiah's example challenges leaders to model devotion and generosity, inspiring those they lead to greater commitment to God.
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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 35:7

    And Josiah gave to the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all for the passover offerings, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks: these [were] of the king's substance.

  • 2 Chronicles 35:8

    And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred [small cattle], and three hundred oxen.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:3

    Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, [which] I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

  • 1 Chronicles 29:9

    Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:3

    For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.

  • Ephesians 4:8

    Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
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