2 Chronicles 30:25

KJV

And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the congregation {H6951} of Judah {H3063}, with the priests {H3548} and the Levites {H3881}, and all the congregation {H6951} that came out {H935} of Israel {H3478}, and the strangers {H1616} that came out {H935} of the land {H776} of Israel {H3478}, and that dwelt {H3427} in Judah {H3063}, rejoiced {H8055}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the people who had assembled from Y'hudah rejoiced, as did the cohanim and L'vi'im, those assembled from Isra'el, and the foreigners who had come from the territory of Isra'el or who lived in Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the whole assembly of Judah rejoiced along with the priests and Levites and the whole assembly that had come from Israel, including the foreigners who had come from Israel and those who lived in Judah.

American Standard Version

And all the assembly of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the assembly that came out of Israel, and the sojourners that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 30:25 powerfully depicts the profound joy and remarkable unity experienced by a diverse assembly during King Hezekiah's extraordinary Passover celebration. This verse meticulously enumerates the various participants—the people of Judah, priests, Levites, remnants from the northern kingdom of Israel, and even resident foreigners—all united in worship and spiritual revival. It underscores the deep gladness that accompanies a communal return to God's commands and the restoration of proper, inclusive worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the zenith of King Hezekiah's sweeping spiritual reforms, a narrative meticulously unfolded across [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Temple Cleansing") through [2 Chronicles 31](/2_chronicles/31 "2 Chronicles 31 - Hezekiah's Further Reforms"). Following the cleansing and rededication of the Temple in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Temple Cleansing"), Hezekiah courageously reinstituted the long-neglected Passover celebration. The immediate narrative in [2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - Hezekiah Restores the Passover") details the unprecedented invitation extended to all Israel, including the scattered northern tribes, to gather in Jerusalem for this sacred feast. Despite initial scorn from some (cf. [2 Chronicles 30:10](/2_chronicles/30-10 "2 Chronicles 30:10 - Mockery of Hezekiah's Invitation")), a significant remnant humbled themselves and came. Verses [2 Chronicles 30:21-24](/2_chronicles/30-21-24 "2 Chronicles 30:21-24 - The Extended Feast and Offerings") describe the initial seven-day feast, which was so joyous that the assembly unanimously decided to extend it for another seven days. Verse 25 specifically lists the various groups participating in this extended, exuberant celebration, setting the stage for the summary of unprecedented joy in [2 Chronicles 30:26](/2_chronicles/30-26 "2 Chronicles 30:26 - Unprecedented Joy in Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah during the late 8th century BC (c. 715-686 BC), a period marked by profound spiritual decline and widespread idolatry, particularly under his apostate father, Ahaz. The northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen to the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC, with many of its inhabitants deported, leaving only remnants. Hezekiah's reign represented a dramatic spiritual turning point, a resolute effort to reverse generations of apostasy and restore the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The Passover, a foundational feast commemorating Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage (cf. [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")), had likely not been observed nationally for a considerable time, if at all, in such a comprehensive manner. Hezekiah's audacious invitation to the remnants of the northern tribes was a remarkable act, signifying a profound desire for national reconciliation and a return to the unified worship of God, transcending the centuries-old political and religious schism. The explicit inclusion of "strangers" (resident aliens) further highlights the radical inclusivity of this revival, aligning with Mosaic Law provisions that allowed foreigners to participate in such feasts if they committed to the covenant (e.g., [Exodus 12:48](/exodus/12-48 "Exodus 12:48 - Passover for the Stranger")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically highlights **unity and inclusivity**, demonstrating God's desire for all His people, regardless of tribal, national, or even ethnic origin, to worship Him together. The diverse composition of the assembly—Judah, Israel, priests, Levites, and strangers—serves as a compelling testament to God's welcoming and unifying nature, a theme also evident in the call for all Israel to come to Jerusalem in [2 Chronicles 30:1](/2_chronicles/30-1 "2 Chronicles 30:1 - Hezekiah's Invitation to Passover"). Secondly, the repeated mention of "rejoiced" (cf. [2 Chronicles 30:21](/2_chronicles/30-21 "2 Chronicles 30:21 - The Seven-Day Feast") and [2 Chronicles 30:23](/2_chronicles/30-23 "2 Chronicles 30:23 - Extension of the Feast")) underscores the profound theme of **joy in God's presence and obedience**. This was not a superficial happiness but a deep, spiritual gladness arising from national repentance, reconciliation with God, and the restoration of proper worship. Thirdly, the entire narrative surrounding Hezekiah's Passover exemplifies the theme of **spiritual revival and reformation**. Hezekiah's initiative led to a genuine turning back to God, demonstrating the transformative power of seeking the Lord with a whole heart, which brought profound spiritual and communal blessings, echoing the promises of restoration found in [Deuteronomy 30:1-10](/deuteronomy/30 "Deuteronomy 30 - Restoration for Obedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoiced (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׂמַח (_sâmach_), rendered "rejoiced," denotes a deep, heartfelt gladness, often associated with festive celebrations, divine blessing, and a profound sense of well-being. It signifies more than mere superficial happiness; it implies a joy that stems from a right relationship with God, participation in His redemptive acts, and the experience of His favor. The collective nature of this rejoicing in [2 Chronicles 30:25](/2_chronicles/30-25 "2 Chronicles 30:25 - The Diverse Congregation Rejoices") highlights a shared spiritual experience and communal delight in God's restored presence among His people.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _qâhâl'_):** The term קָהָל (_qâhâl_) refers to an assembly, gathering, or community, often carrying a strong religious or covenantal connotation. It emphasizes the collective identity and unified purpose of the gathered people. Its repeated use in this verse for both "Judah" and "Israel" underscores the re-formation of a unified people of God, transcending historical divisions, for the express purpose of corporate worship and covenant renewal.
* **Strangers (Hebrew, _gêr'_):** The Hebrew word גֵּר (_gêr_), translated "strangers" (plural _gerim_), refers to resident aliens or foreigners who lived among the Israelites. Their explicit inclusion in the Passover celebration is highly significant, demonstrating the radical inclusivity of God's covenant and His desire for all who commit to Him to participate in His worship and blessings. This inclusion anticipates a broader, more universal scope of salvation, extending beyond ethnic Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the congregation of Judah":** This clause refers to the entirety of the people from the southern kingdom, who were under King Hezekiah's direct rule and formed the core participants and beneficiaries of his spiritual reforms. Their presence signifies the central, unified body of the revived community.
* **"with the priests and the Levites":** This phrase highlights the crucial role of the designated religious leaders and temple servants. Their active participation was indispensable for the proper execution of the elaborate Passover rituals, signifying their own renewed commitment to their sacred duties, having undergone a period of purification and rededication themselves (cf. [2 Chronicles 29:4-19](/2_chronicles/29-4-19 "2 Chronicles 29:4-19 - Cleansing of the Temple")).
* **"and all the congregation that came out of Israel":** This remarkable and poignant phrase refers to the remnants of the northern kingdom, those who had survived the Assyrian conquest and deportation, and who responded positively to Hezekiah's unprecedented invitation. Their presence was a powerful symbol of the potential for reconciliation and reunification of God's people, bridging centuries of political and religious division.
* **"and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah":** This group encompasses non-Israelites who had either migrated from the territory of the former northern kingdom or were resident aliens living within Judah's borders. Their inclusion underscores the radical inclusivity of God's covenant and the open invitation to all who would humble themselves and seek the Lord, regardless of ethnic or national origin.
* **"rejoiced":** This single, powerful word encapsulates the profound, unifying emotion that permeated the entire assembly. It signifies a deep spiritual gladness, a corporate celebration of God's grace, forgiveness, and the restoration of His presence among His people. This joy was the natural and overflowing fruit of repentance, obedience, and the communal experience of God's favor and blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Listing** to emphasize the comprehensive and diverse nature of the assembly. By meticulously listing "all the congregation of Judah," "the priests and the Levites," "all the congregation that came out of Israel," and "the strangers," the text highlights the unprecedented breadth of participation in this Passover celebration. This detailed listing serves to underscore the profound **Unity** achieved, starkly contrasting with the long-standing political and spiritual divisions that had plagued Judah and Israel for centuries. The implicit **Repetition** of the theme of "rejoicing" (seen in [2 Chronicles 30:21](/2_chronicles/30-21 "2 Chronicles 30:21 - The Seven-Day Feast"), [2 Chronicles 30:23](/2_chronicles/30-23 "2 Chronicles 30:23 - Extension of the Feast"), and [2 Chronicles 30:26](/2_chronicles/30-26 "2 Chronicles 30:26 - Unprecedented Joy")) functions as a **Leitmotif**, underscoring the dominant emotional and spiritual atmosphere of the entire event. The celebration itself, particularly its inclusivity, serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of national repentance, divine forgiveness, and the restoration of the covenant relationship, pointing towards a future time of complete reconciliation and universal worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The widespread rejoicing and remarkably diverse participation described in [2 Chronicles 30:25](/2_chronicles/30-25 "2 Chronicles 30:25 - The Diverse Congregation Rejoices") illustrate profound theological truths about God's character and His desires for His people. It reveals God's heart for unity, not just among His chosen nation, but extending to all who would turn to Him in humility and faith. The inclusion of both the long-divided kingdoms and "strangers" demonstrates unequivocally that God's covenant blessings are available to all who humbly seek Him and participate in His appointed worship according to His commands. This communal joy, born out of national repentance and obedience, serves as a powerful testament to the spiritual refreshment and profound gladness that accompany a genuine return to God's ways. It powerfully foreshadows the broader, universal scope of God's redemptive plan, where ethnic and social barriers are broken down, and all peoples are invited into His glorious presence.

* [Deuteronomy 16:11](/deuteronomy/16-11 "Rejoicing in God's Presence with All")
* [Psalm 122:1](/psalms/122-1 "Joy in Going to the House of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 56:6-7](/isaiah/56-6-7 "Foreigners Joining the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Chronicles 30:25](/2_chronicles/30-25 "2 Chronicles 30:25 - The Diverse Congregation Rejoices") offers enduring and vital lessons for believers today, emphasizing the profound joy and unity found in genuine worship and spiritual renewal. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's desire is for a diverse and inclusive community, where all, regardless of background, past divisions, or perceived outsider status, are welcomed into His presence through Christ. The overwhelming joy experienced by this ancient assembly serves as a poignant reminder that true and lasting gladness is found not in worldly pursuits or self-gratification, but in drawing near to God, obeying His commands, and participating in corporate worship with His people. This passage challenges us to actively pursue unity within the body of Christ, to intentionally break down barriers that might hinder fellowship, and to create welcoming spaces where all can experience the transformative power of God's presence. It also calls us to seek personal and corporate revival, recognizing that when God's people humble themselves, pray, and seek His face, He can bring about widespread spiritual awakening and profound, unifying joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the radical inclusivity shown in this verse challenge our own perceptions of who truly belongs in God's family or in our local church community?**
* **What does the "rejoicing" of this diverse congregation teach us about the ultimate source of true and lasting joy in our lives, both individually and corporately?**
* **In what tangible ways can we, as individuals and as a church, actively seek a deeper spiritual revival and foster greater unity and welcoming hospitality within the body of Christ today?**

### FAQ
**Why was the participation of "strangers" (non-Israelites) in the Passover so significant in Hezekiah's revival?**

Answer: The inclusion of "strangers" or resident aliens (_gerim_) in the Passover celebration, as explicitly mentioned in [2 Chronicles 30:25](/2_chronicles/30-25 "2 Chronicles 30:25 - The Diverse Congregation Rejoices"), was profoundly significant because it underscored the universal reach of God's covenant and His desire for all who commit to Him to participate in His worship and blessings. While the Passover was primarily a foundational Jewish feast commemorating Israel's unique deliverance, the Mosaic Law made explicit provisions for foreigners to participate if they were circumcised and committed themselves to the covenant stipulations (e.g., [Exodus 12:48](/exodus/12-48 "Exodus 12:48 - Passover for the Stranger") and [Numbers 9:14](/numbers/9-14 "Numbers 9:14 - Law for the Stranger's Passover")). Hezekiah's invitation and the strangers' enthusiastic response demonstrated a genuine spiritual awakening that transcended traditional ethnic boundaries. It was a powerful foreshadowing of the New Testament era, where God would open the doors of salvation to Gentiles, breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, as seen in the early church's mission to all nations (e.g., [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")). Their participation highlighted God's impartial love and His ultimate intention to gather a people for Himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The joyous and remarkably inclusive Passover celebration under King Hezekiah, as vividly described in [2 Chronicles 30:25](/2_chronicles/30-25 "2 Chronicles 30:25 - The Diverse Congregation Rejoices"), finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hezekiah's earnest efforts to restore proper worship and bring scattered peoples together in Jerusalem powerfully foreshadow the redemptive work of Christ, who is the true and ultimate Passover Lamb. Just as the ancient Passover marked a deliverance from physical bondage, Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross delivers humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The remarkable unity of Judah, Israel, priests, Levites, and strangers in Jerusalem points directly to the new covenant reality embodied in the Church, where in Christ, all former distinctions and dividing walls are abolished: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). The profound, unifying joy experienced by the assembly in Hezekiah's day is but a glimpse of the far greater, eternal joy found in salvation through Christ, who reconciles all things to Himself and unites a diverse multitude from "every nation, tribe, people and language" to worship Him around His glorious throne ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude in White Robes")). Thus, Hezekiah's Passover stands as a beautiful Old Testament type, pointing forward to the comprehensive, universally inclusive, and eternally joyful redemption accomplished by Jesus, the one who truly gathers all God's people into a single, Spirit-filled congregation.

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 30:11

Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.

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

Psalms 104:34

My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.

1 Chronicles 16:10

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

1 Chronicles 16:11

Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

Psalms 92:4

For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

Exodus 12:43

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This [is] the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: