2 Chronicles 30:5

So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done [it] of a long [time in such sort] as it was written.

So they established {H5975} a decree {H1697} to make proclamation {H5674}{H6963} throughout all Israel {H3478}, from Beersheba {H884} even to Dan {H1835}, that they should come {H935} to keep {H6213} the passover {H6453} unto the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} at Jerusalem {H3389}: for they had not done {H6213} it of a long {H7230} time in such sort as it was written {H3789}.

so they issued a decree that it should be proclaimed throughout all Isra'el, from Be'er-Sheva to Dan, that they should come to keep the Pesach to ADONAI the God of Isra'el at Yerushalayim; for only a few had been observing it as prescribed.

So they established a decree to circulate a proclamation throughout Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, that the people should come to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel, in Jerusalem. For they had not observed it as a nation as prescribed.

So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beer-sheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto Jehovah, the God of Israel, at Jerusalem: for they had not kept it in great numbers in such sort as it is written.

Context

King Hezekiah, having just ascended the throne of Judah, initiated a profound spiritual revival. His father, Ahaz, had led the nation into deep idolatry and neglected the worship of the LORD. The preceding chapter, 2 Chronicles 29, describes Hezekiah’s immediate actions to cleanse and reconsecrate the Temple. This verse, 2 Chronicles 30:5, marks a pivotal moment in this restoration: the decision to invite all Israel – including the northern kingdom, which had long separated from Judah and fallen into severe apostasy – to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem, a feast that had been neglected or improperly observed for generations.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Revival and Restoration: Hezekiah’s bold decree signifies a passionate commitment to bring the nation back to God's prescribed worship. It's a move from spiritual apathy and disobedience to fervent obedience to the covenant.
  • National Unity in Worship: The proclamation "from Beersheba even to Dan" emphasizes a desire to reunite all twelve tribes under the worship of the LORD, despite political divisions. This was an unprecedented invitation to the northern kingdom, transcending political boundaries for spiritual unity.
  • Obedience to God's Word: The phrase "as it was written" underscores the importance of adhering to God's specific commands, particularly concerning the Passover, as detailed in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 12:14). The previous neglect highlighted the spiritual decline that occurred when God's instructions were ignored.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "as it was written" (Hebrew: ka-katuv) is a simple yet powerful declaration, emphasizing adherence to the divine standard of the Torah. It highlights that the previous practices were not merely informal or lax, but fundamentally out of alignment with God's explicit instructions for the Passover celebration, which was a vital memorial of the deliverance from Egypt and a central act of worship.

Significance and Application

This verse illustrates a leader's devotion to God and his people's spiritual well-being. For believers today, 2 Chronicles 30:5 serves as a powerful reminder of:
  • The Call to Return: Just as Israel had neglected God's commands, believers can drift from spiritual disciplines. This verse encourages a return to foundational truths and practices, seeking renewal in our relationship with God.
  • The Importance of Corporate Worship: Hezekiah sought to gather all Israel for a central act of worship, underscoring the value of communal faith and shared spiritual experience in glorifying God.
  • Obedience to Scripture: The emphasis on doing things "as it was written" is a timeless principle for all aspects of faith and life, urging us to root our practices in God's revealed Word, not tradition or convenience. This echoes the New Testament call to obey Christ's commands as a demonstration of love.
Hezekiah's reign, starting with this bold move, became a testament to God's willingness to bless a nation that earnestly seeks Him and returns to His ways.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Judges 20:1

    ¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

  • 2 Chronicles 35:18

    And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

  • Ezra 6:8

    Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, [even] of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

  • Ezra 6:12

    And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter [and] to destroy this house of God which [is] at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:2

    Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.

  • Daniel 6:8

    Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

  • Esther 8:8

    Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal [it] with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back