2 Chronicles 30:22

And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the LORD: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers.

And Hezekiah {H3169} spake {H1696} comfortably {H3820} unto all the Levites {H3881} that taught {H7919} the good {H2896} knowledge {H7922} of the LORD {H3068}: and they did eat {H398} throughout the feast {H4150} seven {H7651} days {H3117}, offering {H2076} peace {H8002} offerings {H2077}, and making confession {H3034} to the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of their fathers {H1}.

Hizkiyahu spoke encouragingly to all the L'vi'im who were well skilled in the service of ADONAI. Thus they ate throughout the festival for the seven days, offering sacrifices of peace offerings and giving thanks to ADONAI, the God of their ancestors.

And Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites who performed skillfully before the LORD. For seven days they ate their assigned portion, sacrificing fellowship offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers.

And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that had good understanding in the service of Jehovah. So they did eat throughout the feast for the seven days, offering sacrifices of peace-offerings, and making confession to Jehovah, the God of their fathers.

Commentary

This verse from 2 Chronicles highlights King Hezekiah's commendation of the Levites during a monumental spiritual revival and extended Passover celebration in Judah. It underscores the vital role of spiritual teachers and the communal aspects of worship, including offerings and confession.

Historical and Cultural Context

King Hezekiah initiated a profound spiritual revival in Judah after years of idolatry and neglect under his father Ahaz. Chapter 30 describes an unprecedented Passover celebration, which was delayed from its usual time but enthusiastically observed by people from both Judah and Israel. The Levites played a crucial role, not only in facilitating the numerous sacrifices but also in teaching the people God's law and guiding them in worship. Hezekiah's words in this verse acknowledge their indispensable contribution to the spiritual renewal. The feast lasted an additional seven days beyond the traditional Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, demonstrating the people's renewed zeal and commitment to God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Valuing Spiritual Leadership: Hezekiah's act of speaking "comfortably" (encouragingly) to the Levites emphasizes the importance of affirming and supporting those who faithfully teach God's truth. This royal commendation reinforced their authority and dedication, recognizing their tireless efforts during the extended festival.
  • The Power of Divine Knowledge: The phrase "the good knowledge of the LORD" highlights the transformative impact of understanding God's character, laws, and will. It suggests that true spiritual growth and revival come from diligent instruction in and application of God's Word.
  • Joyful and Communal Worship: The extended seven-day feast, marked by eating and offerings, signifies a time of deep fellowship, gratitude, and communal celebration before the Lord. The "peace offerings" (Leviticus 7:16) were voluntary offerings expressing thankfulness and communion with God and fellow worshippers.
  • Confession and Reconciliation: The act of "making confession to the LORD God of their fathers" indicates a spirit of humility and repentance among the people. This public acknowledgment of sin was crucial for cleansing and drawing near to God, echoing principles found in other passages like 1 John 1:9, and was a vital part of the spiritual revival.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "spake comfortably" (ื“ึผึดื‘ึผึถืจ ืขึทืœึพืœึตื‘, dibber al-lev) literally means "spoke to the heart" or "spoke upon the heart." It conveys a sense of speaking kindly, encouragingly, and reassuringly. This wasn't merely a formal address but a heartfelt commendation, acknowledging the Levites' weariness and dedicated service. The "good knowledge of the LORD" (ื˜ึซื•ึนื‘ ื“ึผึทืขึทืช ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”, tov da'at YHWH) emphasizes not just factual information but a beneficial, life-giving understanding of God's ways, leading to righteousness and true worship.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today, emphasizing the dynamics of spiritual leadership, learning, and corporate worship:

  • Appreciate and Support Spiritual Teachers: Just as Hezekiah encouraged the Levites, we should value, affirm, and support those who faithfully teach God's Word in our communities, recognizing their vital role in spiritual growth.
  • Prioritize Learning God's Word: A deep, "good knowledge of the LORD" is foundational for personal and corporate spiritual health. We are called to diligently study and understand His truth, allowing it to transform our lives.
  • Engage in Joyful Fellowship and Worship: Corporate gatherings for worship, fellowship, and partaking in spiritual meals (like communion) are vital for strengthening the community of faith and expressing our gratitude to God.
  • Practice Confession: Regular confession of sins, both individually and corporately, is essential for maintaining a right relationship with God and experiencing His forgiveness and cleansing. It leads to genuine spiritual renewal and closer communion with the God of our fathers.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 32:6 (4 votes)

    And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,

  • Nehemiah 9:3 (4 votes)

    And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God [one] fourth part of the day; and [another] fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.

  • Ezra 10:11 (3 votes)

    Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.

  • Isaiah 40:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

  • Isaiah 40:2 (3 votes)

    Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

  • Deuteronomy 33:10 (2 votes)

    They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar.

  • Philippians 3:8 (2 votes)

    Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,