2 Chronicles 30:27

KJV

Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came [up] to his holy dwelling place, [even] unto heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the priests {H3548} the Levites {H3881} arose {H6965} and blessed {H1288} the people {H5971}: and their voice {H6963} was heard {H8085}, and their prayer {H8605} came {H935} up to his holy {H6944} dwelling place {H4583}, even unto heaven {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the cohanim, who were L'vi'im, stood up and blessed the people; [ADONAI] heard their voice, and their prayer came up to the holy place where he lives, heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard their voice, and their prayer came into His holy dwelling place in heaven.

American Standard Version

Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy habitation, even unto heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 30:27 powerfully culminates King Hezekiah's unprecedented Passover celebration, depicting the Levite priests' solemn act of blessing the gathered assembly. This verse highlights the divine affirmation of their worship, explicitly stating that their voices were heard and their prayers ascended directly to God's holy dwelling place in heaven, signifying divine acceptance of the people's repentance and renewed covenant commitment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the grand finale to the narrative of Hezekiah's extraordinary Passover celebration, detailed in [2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - Hezekiah's Passover"). Following a period of national apostasy and neglect of temple worship under previous kings, Hezekiah initiated a sweeping spiritual reform. He invited all Israel, including the remnant of the Northern Kingdom, to Jerusalem for Passover, an event not celebrated on such a scale since the days of Solomon ([2 Chronicles 30:26](/2_chronicles/30-26 "2 Chronicles 30:26 - Unprecedented Joy")). Despite initial challenges, including a lack of proper purification for some, God graciously heard Hezekiah's prayer for them ([2 Chronicles 30:18-20](/2_chronicles/30-18 "2 Chronicles 30:18-20 - Hezekiah's Prayer for the Unclean")). The initial seven days of feasting and worship were so joyful that the entire congregation decided to extend the celebration for another seven days ([2 Chronicles 30:23](/2_chronicles/30-23 "2 Chronicles 30:23 - Extension of the Feast")). Verse 27 marks the climactic conclusion of this extended period of national spiritual renewal, immediately preceding the people's zealous destruction of idolatrous altars and images throughout Judah and Israel ([2 Chronicles 31:1](/2_chronicles/31-1 "2 Chronicles 31:1 - Destruction of Idols")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah's reign (c. 715-686 BC) followed a period of significant spiritual decline in Judah, particularly under his father, Ahaz, who had closed the temple and promoted idolatry. Hezekiah's reforms were a radical departure, aiming to restore pure worship according to the Law of Moses. The Passover, a foundational feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt, held immense theological and national significance. Its celebration involved specific rituals, sacrifices, and the priestly role of blessing and intercession. The gathering of people from both Judah and the remnants of Israel (the Northern Kingdom, which had largely fallen to Assyria by this time) was culturally and politically remarkable, symbolizing a desire for national unity under Yahweh. The concept of God's "dwelling place" was complex, encompassing both the earthly temple (His chosen place of presence, [1 Kings 8:13](/1_kings/8-13 "1 Kings 8:13 - Solomon's Temple Dedication")) and His transcendent abode in "heaven" (His ultimate throne, [1 Kings 8:30](/1_kings/8-30 "1 Kings 8:30 - God Hears from Heaven")). The priests and Levites, as designated intermediaries, played a crucial role in validating the people's worship and conveying divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes central to 2 Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **effectiveness of sincere prayer and worship**, demonstrating that when God's people turn to Him in repentance and obedience, He hears and responds. Secondly, it emphasizes the **divine acceptance of corporate worship and spiritual renewal**, validating Hezekiah's reforms and the people's participation as pleasing to God. Thirdly, the **mediatorial role of the priesthood** is prominent, as the Levite priests are the ones pronouncing the blessing and whose prayers ascend to heaven, echoing the Aaronic blessing in [Numbers 6:24-26](/numbers/6-24 "Numbers 6:24-26 - The Aaronic Blessing"). Finally, the mention of God's "holy dwelling place, even unto heaven" reinforces the **transcendence and sovereignty of God**, who, though He condescends to dwell among His people, ultimately reigns from His celestial throne, hearing the cries of His creation. This moment of national revival contrasts sharply with the apostasy of previous reigns, showcasing God's faithfulness to His covenant people when they return to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessed (Hebrew, _barakh'_):** The verb בָרַךְ (_barakh_) here signifies the act of pronouncing a blessing, invoking divine favor, and bestowing spiritual benefits. In the context of the priests, it refers to their official capacity as God's representatives to impart His blessing upon the people, as prescribed in the Law (e.g., [Numbers 6:23](/numbers/6-23 "Numbers 6:23 - Instructions for the Priestly Blessing")). This was not merely a wish but an authoritative declaration of God's intended goodness and prosperity upon the assembly.
* **heard (Hebrew, _shama'_):** The verb שָׁמַע (_shama_) means "to hear," but in this theological context, it implies more than just auditory perception. It denotes active attention, understanding, and ultimately, a positive response or acceptance from God. When God "hears" a prayer, it signifies that He has listened with favor and is prepared to act upon it, confirming its efficacy and the divine approval of the worship offered.
* **holy dwelling place (Hebrew, _me'on qodsho'_):** The phrase מְעוֹן קָדְשׁוֹ (_me'on qodsho_) literally means "His holy abode" or "His holy habitation." While the temple in Jerusalem was considered God's earthly dwelling place, the addition of "even unto heaven" clarifies that this refers to God's ultimate, transcendent dwelling. It emphasizes that the prayers penetrated beyond the earthly sanctuary, reaching the very throne room of God in the celestial realm, signifying direct and unhindered access to His presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people:"** This clause highlights the specific role and action of the priestly class. The Levites, specifically those designated as priests (descendants of Aaron), stood up, indicating a formal and solemn act. Their blessing was not a casual utterance but a divinely ordained pronouncement of God's favor and grace upon the gathered congregation, a crucial component of the temple service and the culmination of the extended Passover celebration.
* **"and their voice was heard,"** This signifies the divine reception of their spoken words. It's not just that the people heard them, but that God Himself acknowledged and registered their vocalizations. This "hearing" by God implies His attentive presence and acceptance of the priestly blessing and, by extension, the entire worship and repentance of the people. It serves as a divine validation of the spiritual revival.
* **"and their prayer came [up] to his holy dwelling place, [even] unto heaven."** This climactic phrase underscores the direct and effective nature of their intercession. The use of "came up" (implied in the Hebrew, though not explicit in the KJV translation) emphasizes the upward trajectory from earth to the celestial realm. The destination, "his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven," unequivocally points to God's transcendent throne. This means the prayers bypassed any earthly impediment, reaching the very presence of God, confirming His acceptance of the people's worship, their repentance, and the entire spiritual endeavor initiated by Hezekiah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Emphasis** is achieved through the dual mention of "his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven," underscoring the ultimate destination and divine reception of the prayers. This repetition serves to reinforce the transcendence of God and the direct access granted to the priests' intercession. **Metonymy** is present in "their voice was heard, and their prayer came up," where "voice" and "prayer" stand for the entire act of worship, blessing, and intercession offered by the priests on behalf of the people. The imagery of prayer "coming up" to heaven is a form of **personification** or **anthropomorphism**, giving prayer a tangible, ascending quality, making its journey to God's presence vivid and real. Finally, the entire scene, following the unprecedented joy and extended celebration, functions as a **climax**, providing a divinely affirmed conclusion to the narrative of Hezekiah's Passover, validating the spiritual renewal and God's gracious response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound testament to God's responsiveness to the sincere prayers and worship of His people, particularly in the context of repentance and spiritual renewal. It underscores the vital role of the priesthood in mediating God's blessing and interceding on behalf of the congregation. The fact that the prayers reached God's "holy dwelling place, even unto heaven" signifies not only His transcendence but also His immanent willingness to hear and act. This divine acceptance validates the entire reform movement initiated by Hezekiah and confirms that the people's return to Yahweh was indeed pleasing to Him. It teaches us that when collective hearts are turned towards God in genuine worship and humility, His ears are open, and His favor is extended. This passage provides immense encouragement regarding the efficacy of prayer and the accessibility of God's presence for those who seek Him in truth.

* [Numbers 6:24-26](/numbers/6-24 "Numbers 6:24-26 - The Priestly Blessing")
* [1 Kings 8:30](/1_kings/8-30 "1 Kings 8:30 - Solomon's Prayer for Hearing from Heaven")
* [Psalm 65:2](/psalms/65-2 "Psalm 65:2 - God Hears Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The powerful image of the priests' blessing and prayers ascending directly to God's heavenly dwelling place offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent, but actively attentive to the cries and worship of His people. Just as He heard the corporate prayers of a nation returning to Him in repentance and joy, so too does He hear our individual and collective prayers when offered in faith and sincerity. This passage calls us to cultivate a confident prayer life, trusting that our petitions are not uttered into a void but reach the very throne of grace. It also highlights the importance of corporate worship and the role of spiritual leaders in interceding for and blessing the congregation. Our worship, when offered with pure hearts, truly ascends to God, inviting His presence and favor into our lives and communities. This should inspire us to participate wholeheartedly in corporate gatherings, knowing that our collective voices can move the heart of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance that "their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place" impact your confidence in prayer?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of corporate worship and the role of spiritual leaders in the church today?**
* **In what ways can your personal and communal worship reflect the sincerity and joy seen in Hezekiah's Passover?**

### FAQ
**Who were "the priests the Levites" and why were they significant in this context?**

Answer: "The priests the Levites" refers to the specific group of Levites who were descendants of Aaron and thus qualified to serve as priests. All priests were Levites, but not all Levites were priests. In this context, they were significant because they were divinely appointed to mediate between God and the people. Their role included offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and pronouncing blessings. Their act of blessing the people and offering prayer was a crucial, authoritative function that confirmed the divine acceptance of the entire Passover celebration and the people's repentance. Their presence and actions ensured that the worship was conducted according to God's design, lending spiritual weight and legitimacy to the event.

**What does it mean that their "prayer came [up] to his holy dwelling place, [even] unto heaven"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful theological statement signifying God's direct and favorable reception of the prayers and blessings. It means that their intercession was not merely heard on earth but penetrated the spiritual realm, reaching God's ultimate throne in heaven. It implies divine approval, acceptance, and a promise of response. For the people of Israel, it was a profound validation of their repentance and renewed covenant commitment, confirming that God had indeed heard their cries and accepted their worship, despite any initial imperfections in their purification ([2 Chronicles 30:18-20](/2_chronicles/30-18 "2 Chronicles 30:18-20 - Hezekiah's Prayer for the Unclean")). It underscores God's transcendence (He is in heaven) and His immanence (He hears and responds to His people on earth).

**How does this Old Testament account of accepted prayer relate to New Testament believers?**

Answer: This account beautifully foreshadows the direct access to God that New Testament believers enjoy through Jesus Christ. While Old Testament worship often relied on the mediation of priests and sacrifices, the New Testament reveals Jesus as our great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")) and the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Through His finished work, we no longer need earthly priests to mediate our access to God. We can boldly approach the throne of grace ourselves ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). The principle remains the same: God hears and accepts the sincere prayers of His people. This verse in 2 Chronicles provides a historical example of God's faithfulness to hear, a truth fully realized and made universally accessible in the New Covenant through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The powerful scene in 2 Chronicles 30:27, where the priests' blessing and prayers ascend directly to God's holy dwelling place, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the Old Covenant, the Levite priests served as mediators, their blessings and intercessions a necessary bridge between a holy God and a sinful people. However, their ministry was imperfect and temporary, requiring repeated sacrifices and limited access to God's presence. Jesus, as our great High Priest, transcends and completes this Old Testament pattern. He did not merely pronounce a blessing; He *is* the blessing, the very embodiment of God's favor and grace poured out on humanity ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). His single, perfect sacrifice on the cross opened a new and living way directly into God's presence, tearing the veil that separated humanity from the Holy of Holies ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - New and Living Way")). Now, through faith in Him, believers are no longer dependent on earthly priests for their prayers to "come up to his holy dwelling place." Instead, we have direct access to the Father through Christ, who ever lives to intercede for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Intercedes for Us")). The acceptance of the priests' prayers in Hezekiah's time was a testament to God's grace; the acceptance of our prayers today, offered in the name of Jesus, is a testament to the boundless efficacy of His finished work and His ongoing intercession from His heavenly throne ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ at the Right Hand of God")).

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

Deuteronomy 26:15

Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey.

Psalms 68:5

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, [is] God in his holy habitation.

2 Chronicles 23:18

Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the LORD by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of the LORD, to offer the burnt offerings of the LORD, as [it is] written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, [as it was ordained] by David.

Numbers 6:23

Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

Numbers 6:26

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

1 Kings 8:39

Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, [even] thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)

Isaiah 63:15

¶ Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where [is] thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?