Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

2 Chronicles 30:19

Next

[That] prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though [he be] not [cleansed] according to the purification of the sanctuary.

That prepareth {H3559} his heart {H3824} to seek {H1875} God {H430}, the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of his fathers {H1}, though he be not cleansed according to the purification {H2893} of the sanctuary {H6944}.

everyone who sets his heart on seeking God, ADONAI, the God of his ancestors, even if he hasn't undergone the purification prescribed in connection with holy things."

who sets his heart on seeking God—the LORD, the God of his fathers—even if he is not cleansed according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.”

that setteth his heart to seek God, Jehovah, the God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 30:19

This verse is situated within the narrative of King Hezekiah's great Passover celebration, a significant event in the history of Judah. Hezekiah, a righteous king, initiated a spiritual revival after a long period of decline and idolatry under his predecessors. He invited all Israel, including the northern tribes, to come to Jerusalem to observe the Passover, which had not been properly celebrated for many years (2 Chronicles 30:5). Many from the northern kingdom, though eager to participate, arrived without having undergone the prescribed ritual purifications according to the Mosaic Law, making them ritually unclean for the sacred feast. This verse highlights Hezekiah's compassionate understanding and his prayer for God's mercy upon these sincere but ritually impure worshippers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sincere Heart Over Ritual Purity: The primary message of 2 Chronicles 30:19 is God's prioritization of a genuine, prepared heart over strict adherence to external ritual purification. The people's hearts were set on seeking God, even if their physical state did not meet the exact ceremonial requirements of the sanctuary. This foreshadows a New Testament emphasis on inward transformation (Romans 12:1) rather than outward observance alone.
  • God's Mercy and Grace: Hezekiah's prayer, prompted by the predicament of the unclean worshippers, appeals directly to God's goodness and mercy. The Lord's subsequent response to Hezekiah's prayer (2 Chronicles 30:20) demonstrates His willingness to overlook ritual deficiencies when true devotion and a desire to seek Him are present.
  • The Nature of True Worship: This verse beautifully illustrates that true worship is not merely about following rules perfectly but about a relationship with God, characterized by a sincere longing for His presence and an earnest desire to honor Him. It emphasizes the spiritual disposition over the ceremonial deed.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "prepareth his heart" in the Hebrew text uses the verb `kun` (כּוּן), which means to establish, make ready, direct, or set firmly. It implies a deliberate and intentional act of setting one's mind and affections toward God. This is not a casual inclination but a settled purpose. The contrast with "not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary" highlights the tension between internal readiness and external ritual purity, a tension resolved by God's grace.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 30:19 offers immense comfort and encouragement for believers today. It teaches us that while obedience to God's commands is vital, His grace covers our imperfections when our hearts are genuinely inclined towards Him. In our walk with God, there may be times when we feel inadequate or "unclean" by human standards, but this verse reminds us that God looks beyond our outward circumstances or perceived failures to the sincerity of our desire to seek Him. It underscores the New Covenant truth that God seeks worshippers who worship Him in spirit and truth, prioritizing the inner posture of the heart over mere external conformity.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 19:3 (7 votes)

    Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

  • Proverbs 23:26 (6 votes)

    My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

  • Psalms 10:17 (4 votes)

    LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

  • Job 11:13 (4 votes)

    ¶ If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;

  • 2 Chronicles 20:33 (3 votes)

    Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:18 (3 votes)

    O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:

  • Ezra 7:10 (3 votes)

    For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do [it], and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.