Hezekiah Part 2 II Chronicles 30

II Chronicles 30:1 "And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel."

Hezekiah is the king of Judah but he is now reaching out to the whole nation to observe the passover. He is a man with a broader view that just his immediate area. He is considering the law as it applies to all Israel. It is a profound move on his part if you consider the history we have studied concerning the wars and killing between the two nations (or the two divisions of the original nation).

v5 "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."

The posts went out and were met with scorn and laughter in Israel. Yet it did have some effect for many showed up from these places, although not as a unified nation.

v11 "Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem."

They were not disappointed for it was a grand occasion. In fact, it is described as the best event since Solomon's time.

There is a demonstration of grace in this chapter. The LORD was pleased with the effort of his people to honor his commandment by observing the passover. After all, it represented their deliverance from death while judgment was being executed on the firstborn of Egypt.

When some were not cleansed, as they were taught, the LORD heard Hezekiah's prayer for them and healed them so that they could observe the passover. Hezekiah prayed in v18 "...The good LORD pardon everyone."

v20 "And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people." See Exodus 15:26 James 5:16

Hezekiah did not miss the opportunity but had great patience with the Levites who were taxed greatly by all the work involved in preparing the sacrifices.

v22 "And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the LORD:..."

It went so well that they extended it seven more days as Solomon did in I Kings 8:65.

v27 "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." See Numbers 6:23

One thing that stands out in the reign of Hezekiah is that there was a lot of praying going on. The Bible plainly says that the LORD heard them.

note: Although the kingdoms of Judah and Israel were often drawn to idols and away from the LORD, there were prophets in the land which warned them and counseled them. Isaiah was available to Hezekiah while Elijah and Elisha were in Israel.

Isaiah 32:17 "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." See Luke 2:14

Hezekiah and the people observe the passover.

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