2 Chronicles 30:4

KJV

And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the thing {H1697} pleased {H3474}{H5869} the king {H4428} and all the congregation {H6951}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The idea had seemed right to the king and to the whole community;

Berean Standard Bible

This proposal pleased the king and the whole assembly.

American Standard Version

And the thing was right in the eyes of the king and of all the assembly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 30:4 concisely records the unanimous and enthusiastic approval of King Hezekiah's proposal to celebrate the Passover in the second month. This pivotal moment signifies not only the king's effective leadership in spiritual reform but also the remarkable unity and collective readiness of the entire nation of Judah to return to covenant obedience and restore proper worship, setting the stage for a profound national revival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of King Hezekiah's extensive religious reforms, which began with the cleansing and rededication of the Temple in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple"). Following the re-establishment of daily sacrifices, Hezekiah, in consultation with his officials and the assembly in Jerusalem, made the bold decision to revive the celebration of the Passover, which had been neglected for generations. [2 Chronicles 30:1-3](/2_chronicles/30-1 "2 Chronicles 30:1-3 - Hezekiah's Passover Proclamation") details the king's initial proclamation and the pragmatic reasons for postponing the festival from the first month to the second: not enough priests had consecrated themselves, and the people had not yet gathered in Jerusalem. Verse 4, therefore, serves as the crucial confirmation of widespread support for this significant, albeit logistically challenging, undertaking, paving the way for the subsequent invitation to all Israel and the grand celebration described in the rest of the chapter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah in the late 8th century BC, a period marked by significant spiritual decline under his father, King Ahaz, who had promoted idolatry and even closed the Temple doors. Hezekiah's reforms were a radical departure from this apostasy, aiming to restore the nation's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The Passover, a foundational festival commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt, was central to their identity and covenant renewal. Its neglect underscored the depth of spiritual decay. The Mosaic Law, specifically [Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10 "Numbers 9:10-11 - Provision for a Second Passover"), provided a specific allowance for those who were ritually unclean or on a journey to observe the Passover in the second month. This legal provision provided the necessary framework for Hezekiah's pragmatic decision, demonstrating a commitment to God's law even when circumstances required flexibility in its application. The widespread approval indicated in 2 Chronicles 30:4 suggests a national hunger for spiritual restoration amidst the looming Assyrian threat, which would soon engulf the northern kingdom of Israel and threaten Judah.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully underscores several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and Hezekiah's reign. Firstly, it highlights **National Revival and Restoration**, demonstrating a collective turning back to God after a period of widespread apostasy. The people's enthusiastic agreement signals their readiness for spiritual renewal, mirroring the joy seen after the Temple cleansing in [2 Chronicles 29:36](/2_chronicles/29-36 "2 Chronicles 29:36 - Joy in Hezekiah's Reforms"). Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of **United Obedience and Consensus** in spiritual undertakings. The "pleasure" of both king and congregation signifies a rare and vital unanimity, essential for the success of such a massive national endeavor. This unity is often presented in Scripture as a prerequisite for divine blessing, as seen in the early church's corporate life in [Acts 2:46-47](/acts/2-46 "Acts 2:46-47 - Unity and Favor in the Early Church"). Thirdly, the verse showcases **Effective and God-Centered Leadership**. Hezekiah's initiative, wisdom in navigating logistical challenges (by utilizing the provision for a second Passover), and his ability to garner widespread support exemplify righteous leadership that prioritizes God's commands and the spiritual well-being of the people. His leadership, driven by a desire to honor God, sets a precedent for future generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pleased (Hebrew: יָשַׁר, _yashar'_):** This verb literally means "to be straight, upright, right, proper." In this context, it conveys more than mere subjective liking or preference; it implies an objective judgment that the proposed plan was correct, appropriate, and aligned with divine principles. It suggests that the decision to hold the Passover in the second month was not just palatable but was deemed the "right" thing to do, given the circumstances. This signifies a collective recognition of the plan's validity and wisdom, reflecting a divine alignment rather than just human consensus.
* **Congregation (Hebrew: קָהָל, _qahal'_):** This term refers to the assembled community or assembly, particularly in a religious or national context. It emphasizes the collective body of the people of Israel, gathered for a specific purpose. In 2 Chronicles 30:4, "all the congregation" highlights the broad, inclusive nature of the approval, indicating that the decision resonated with the entire spectrum of the people, not just a select few. This collective buy-in was crucial for the success of the national Passover celebration, underscoring the importance of communal participation in covenant renewal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the thing":** This refers specifically to the proposal outlined in the preceding verses (2 Chronicles 30:2-3), namely, King Hezekiah's decision, along with his officials and the assembly, to celebrate the Passover in the second month instead of the first. This "thing" was a significant departure from the usual timing but was rooted in a desire to fully observe God's command given the prevailing circumstances of ritual uncleanness and an ungathered populace.
* **"pleased the king":** This indicates King Hezekiah's personal conviction and satisfaction with the decision. As the initiator of the spiritual reforms, his agreement was foundational. It suggests that he found the proposed plan to be not only pragmatic but also righteous and divinely sanctioned, aligning with his zealous commitment to restoring true worship. His "pleasure" was likely rooted in seeing a path forward for national obedience.
* **"and all the congregation":** This phrase underscores the remarkable and widespread unanimity among the people. It signifies that the decision was met with collective approval from the entire assembled community, not just a small faction. This widespread acceptance was crucial for the success of the Passover celebration, as it required the participation and commitment of the whole nation. It suggests a divine hand at work, fostering unity and readiness for revival among the people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Emphasis** through its concise declaration of universal approval, highlighting the extraordinary unity achieved between the king and the entire assembly. This unanimity is not merely stated but implicitly celebrated as a key factor in the success of the impending spiritual renewal. Furthermore, the phrase "the king and all the congregation" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the king and the assembled representatives) stands in for the whole (the entire nation of Judah). This device effectively conveys that the decision had national endorsement, implying a collective readiness for obedience. The term "pleased" might also be seen as an **Understatement** for the profound sense of relief, alignment, and spiritual readiness that swept through the community, setting the stage for one of the most significant Passover celebrations in Israel's history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The unanimous approval recorded in 2 Chronicles 30:4 is deeply significant, illustrating the divine blessing that attends unified obedience and Spirit-led leadership. It underscores the theological principle that when God's people, from their leaders to the humblest congregant, are aligned in purpose and committed to restoring true worship and covenant faithfulness, God grants favor and empowers transformative revival. This corporate "pleasure" in doing what is right in God's eyes is a powerful witness to the Holy Spirit's work, preparing hearts for a profound encounter with God. It teaches that genuine spiritual movements are often characterized by a collective desire to honor God, transcending individual preferences for the sake of corporate spiritual health and the glory of God.

* [Psalm 133:1](/psalms/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")
* [Acts 2:46-47](/acts/2-46 "Acts 2:46-47 - Unity and Favor in the Early Church")
* [Nehemiah 8:17-18](/nehemiah/8-17 "Nehemiah 8:17-18 - The Joyful Feast of Booths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 30:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary faith communities. It highlights the immense power and blessing that flow from unity within the body of Christ. When leaders, like Hezekiah, initiate righteous endeavors and the entire "congregation" embraces them with collective "pleasure" and commitment, the potential for spiritual transformation is boundless. This verse challenges us to consider how we can foster such unanimity in our churches and ministries, moving beyond mere tolerance to genuine, enthusiastic agreement on God's purposes. It also reminds us that wise leadership involves not only vision but also the ability to shepherd a community towards shared conviction and participation, even when circumstances demand flexibility or adaptation. The "pragmatic obedience" of celebrating Passover in the second month, rather than neglecting it, teaches us to seek creative, God-honoring solutions when ideal circumstances are not present, always prioritizing faithfulness to God's commands over rigid adherence to non-essential traditions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does unity in a faith community contribute to spiritual flourishing and the effectiveness of its mission?**
* **What role does wise and Spirit-led leadership play in initiating and sustaining revival and corporate obedience?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, need to exercise "pragmatic obedience" today, adapting to circumstances while remaining faithful to God's core commands?**
* **How can we foster a collective "pleasure" or agreement in pursuing God's will within our own spheres of influence?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Passover celebrated in the second month instead of the first?**

Answer: The standard time for Passover was the fourteenth day of the first month, as stipulated in [Exodus 12:1-6](/exodus/12-1 "Exodus 12:1-6 - Instructions for the Passover"). However, [2 Chronicles 30:3](/2_chronicles/30-3 "2 Chronicles 30:3 - Reasons for Passover Delay") explains that the celebration could not occur in the first month for two primary reasons: first, a sufficient number of priests had not yet consecrated themselves after the period of apostasy and temple cleansing, and second, the people had not yet gathered in Jerusalem. To address such circumstances, Mosaic Law provided a specific allowance in [Numbers 9:10-11](/numbers/9-10 "Numbers 9:10-11 - Provision for a Second Passover") for those who were ritually unclean or on a journey to observe the Passover in the second month. Hezekiah and the assembly utilized this provision, demonstrating a commitment to observing God's command even when the ideal timing was not feasible, prioritizing obedience over strict adherence to the calendar.

**What does "pleased" (יָשַׁר, _yashar_) truly signify in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "pleased" is _yashar_ (יָשַׁר), which literally means "to be straight," "to be right," or "to be proper." In the context of [2 Chronicles 30:4](/2_chronicles/30-4 "2 Chronicles 30:4 - The King and Congregation Pleased"), it conveys much more than a subjective liking or emotional satisfaction. It implies an objective judgment and collective agreement that the proposed plan—to celebrate Passover in the second month—was not only acceptable but was deemed the correct and righteous course of action given the circumstances. It suggests that the decision was seen as aligned with divine wisdom and the spirit of God's law, allowing for the fulfillment of a vital covenant command despite logistical challenges. This signifies a deep, communal conviction of the plan's validity and its divine endorsement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unanimous "pleasure" of the king and congregation in 2 Chronicles 30:4, as they embraced the restoration of the Passover, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. The Passover itself, a memorial of deliverance from bondage, finds its perfect antitype in Christ, who is our [Passover Lamb, sacrificed for us](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"). The unity and collective agreement of Judah to return to covenant obedience point to the spiritual unity found in the body of Christ, where believers from every tribe and tongue are brought together in one Spirit to worship God. Just as Hezekiah's reforms led to national cleansing and renewed communion with God, so Christ's sacrifice cleanses us from sin, enabling us to draw near to God in [true worship, in spirit and truth](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"). The "pleasure" of the people in obeying God's command, even with adjustments, prefigures the joy and willing obedience of those who respond to the Gospel, finding their ultimate delight in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and invites us into His [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, the Mediator of a Better Covenant"). In Christ, the scattered "congregation" of God's people finds its ultimate gathering and eternal "pleasure" in His presence, as we anticipate the great [marriage supper of the Lamb](/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

1 Chronicles 13:4

And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.