2 Chronicles Chapter 30

Updated: September 14, 2025

Hezekiah Proclaims a Passover

1And 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. 2For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month. 3For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem. 4And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation. 5So 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. 6So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see. 8Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. 9For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.

10So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. 11Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem. 12Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.

Hezekiah Celebrates the Passover

13And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation. 14And they arose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast them into the brook Kidron. 15Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD. 16And they stood in their place after their manner, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood, which they received of the hand of the Levites. 17For there were many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto the LORD. 18For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one 19That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary. 20And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people. 21And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the LORD. 22And 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.

23And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness. 24For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves. 25And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced. 26So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem. 27Then 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.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Hezekiah Proclaims a Passover

1 Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem, to keep the Passover to Yahweh, the God of Israel. 2 For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the assembly in Jerusalem, to keep the Passover in the second month. 3 For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves in sufficient number, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem. 4 The thing was right in the eyes of the king and of all the assembly. 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 to Yahweh, the God of Israel, at Jerusalem: for they had not kept it in great numbers in such sort as it is written. 6 So the couriers went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, “You children of Israel, turn again to Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, that he may return to the remnant that have escaped of you out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7 Don’t be like your fathers, and like your brothers, who trespassed against Yahweh, the God of their fathers, so that he gave them up to desolation, as you see. 8 Now don’t be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; but yield yourselves to Yahweh, and enter into his sanctuary, which he has sanctified forever, and serve Yahweh your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you. 9 For if you turn again to Yahweh, your brothers and your children shall find compassion before those who led them captive, and shall come again into this land: for Yahweh your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.”

10 So the couriers passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, even to Zebulun: but they ridiculed them, and mocked them. 11 Nevertheless certain men of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem. 12 Also on Judah came the hand of God to give them one heart, to do the commandment of the king and of the princes by the word of Yahweh.

Hezekiah Celebrates the Passover

13 Many people assembled at Jerusalem to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great assembly. 14 They arose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast them into the brook Kidron. 15 Then they killed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought burnt offerings into the house of Yahweh. 16 They stood in their place after their order, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood which they received of the hand of the Levites. 17 For there were many in the assembly who had not sanctified themselves: therefore the Levites were in charge of killing the Passovers for everyone who was not clean, to sanctify them to Yahweh. 18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover otherwise than it is written. For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, “May the good Yahweh pardon everyone 19 who sets his heart to seek God, Yahweh, the God of his fathers, even if they aren’t clean according to the purification of the sanctuary.” 20 Yahweh listened to Hezekiah, and healed the people. 21 The children of Israel who were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness; and the Levites and the priests praised Yahweh day by day, singing with loud instruments to Yahweh. 22 Hezekiah spoke comfortably to all the Levites who had good understanding in the service of Yahweh. So they ate throughout the feast for the seven days, offering sacrifices of peace offerings, and making confession to Yahweh, the God of their fathers.

23 The whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days; and they kept another seven days with gladness. 24 For Hezekiah king of Judah gave to the assembly for offerings one thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the assembly a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves. 25 All the assembly of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the assembly who came out of Israel, and the foreigners who came out of the land of Israel, and who lived in Judah, rejoiced. 26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem; for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem. 27 Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy habitation, even to heaven.

Hezekiah Proclaims a Passover

1 Then Hezekiah sent word throughout all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh inviting them to come to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel. 2 For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to keep the Passover in the second month, a 3 since they had been unable to observe it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem.

4 This proposal pleased the king and the whole assembly. 5 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.

6 So the couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his officials, which read:

“Children of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that He may return to those of you who remain, who have escaped the grasp of the kings of Assyria. 7 Do not be like your fathers and brothers who were unfaithful to the LORD, the God of their fathers, so that He made them an object of horror, as you can see.

8 Now do not stiffen your necks as your fathers did. Submit to the LORD and come to His sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that His fierce anger will turn away from you. 9 For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and sons will receive mercy in the presence of their captors and will return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful; He will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.”

10 And the couriers traveled from city to city through the land of Ephraim and Manasseh as far as Zebulun; but the people scorned and mocked them. 11 Nevertheless, some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 12 Moreover, the power of God was on the people in Judah to give them one heart to obey the command of the king and his officials according to the word of the LORD.

Hezekiah Celebrates the Passover

13 In the second month, a very great assembly gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread. b 14 They proceeded to remove the altars in Jerusalem and to take away the incense altars and throw them into the Kidron Valley. 15 And on the fourteenth day of the second month they slaughtered the Passover lamb. The priests and Levites were ashamed, and they consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings to the house of the LORD.

16 They stood at their prescribed posts, according to the Law of Moses the man of God. The priests sprinkled the blood, which they received from the hand of the Levites. 17 Since there were many in the assembly who had not consecrated themselves, the Levites were in charge of slaughtering the Passover lambs for every unclean person to consecrate the lambs to the LORD.

18 A large number of the people—many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun—had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah interceded for them, saying, “May the LORD, who is good, provide atonement for everyone 19 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.”

20 And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people. 21 The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and priests praised the LORD day after day, accompanied by loud instruments of praise to the LORD. c 22 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.

23 The whole assembly agreed to observe seven more days, so they observed seven days with joy. 24 For Hezekiah king of Judah contributed a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep for the assembly, and the officials contributed a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep for the assembly, and a great number of priests consecrated themselves.

25 Then the whole assembly of Judah rejoiced along with the priests and Levites and the whole assembly that had come from Israel, including the foreigners who had come from Israel and those who lived in Judah. 26 So there was great rejoicing in Jerusalem, for nothing like this had happened there since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel.

27 Then the priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard their voice, and their prayer came into His holy dwelling place in heaven.

Footnotes:

2 a See Numbers 9:9–12.
13 b That is, the seven-day period after the Passover during which no leaven may be eaten; see Exodus 12:14–20.
21 c Or day after day, with all their strength to the LORD.  Literally day after day, with loud instruments to the LORD.

Hezekiah Proclaims a Passover

1And Hezekiah sendeth unto all Israel and Judah, and also letters he hath written unto Ephraim and Manasseh, to come in to the house of Jehovah in Jerusalem, to make a passover to Jehovah, God of Israel. 2And the king taketh counsel, and his heads, and all the assembly in Jerusalem, to make the passover in the second month, 3for they have not been able to make it at that time, for the priests have not sanctified themselves sufficiently, and the people have not been gathered to Jerusalem. 4And the thing is right in the eyes of the king, and in the eyes of all the assembly, 5and they establish the thing, to cause to pass over an intimation into all Israel, from Beer-Sheba even unto Dan, to come in to make a passover to Jehovah, God of Israel, in Jerusalem, for not for a long time had they done as it is written. 6And the runners go with letters from the hand of the king and his heads, into all Israel and Judah, even according to the command of the king, saying, 'O sons of Israel, turn back unto Jehovah, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and He doth turn back unto the escaped part that is left of you from the hand of the kings of Asshur; 7and do not be like your fathers, and like your brethren, who trespassed against Jehovah, God of their fathers, and He giveth them to desolation, as ye do see. 8'Now, harden not your neck like your fathers, give a hand to Jehovah, and come in to His sanctuary, that He hath sanctified to the age, and serve Jehovah your God, and the fierceness of His anger doth turn back from you; 9for in your turning back unto Jehovah, your brethren and your sons have mercies before their captors, even to return to this land, for gracious and merciful is Jehovah your God, and He doth not turn aside the face from you, if ye turn back unto Him.'

10And the runners are passing over from city to city, in the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, even unto Zebulun: and they are laughing at them, and mocking at them, 11only, certain from Asher, and Manasseh, and from Zebulun, have been humbled, and come in to Jerusalem. 12Also, in Judah hath the hand of God been to give to them one heart to do the command of the king and of the heads, in the matter of Jehovah;

Hezekiah Celebrates the Passover

13and much people are gathered to Jerusalem, to make the feast of unleavened things in the second month -- a mighty assembly for multitude. 14And they arise and turn aside the altars that are in Jerusalem, and all the perfume altars they have turned aside, and cast them to the brook Kidron; 15and they slaughter the passover-offering on the fourteenth of the second month, and the priests and the Levites have been ashamed, and sanctify themselves, and bring in burnt-offerings to the house of Jehovah. 16And they stand on their station according to their ordinance; according to the law of Moses the man of God the priests are sprinkling the blood out of the hand of the Levites, 17for many are in the assembly who have not sanctified themselves, and the Levites are over the slaughtering of the passover-offerings for every one not clean, to sanctify him to Jehovah: 18for a multitude of the people, many from Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, have not been cleansed, but have eaten the passover otherwise than it is written; but Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, 'Jehovah, who is good, doth receive atonement for every one 19who hath prepared his heart to seek God -- Jehovah, God of his fathers -- yet not according to the cleansing of the sanctuary;' 20and Jehovah hearkeneth unto Hezekiah, and healeth the people. 21And the sons of Israel, those found in Jerusalem, make the feast of unleavened things seven days with great joy; and giving praise to Jehovah day by day are the Levites and the priests, with instruments of praise before Jehovah. 22And Hezekiah speaketh unto the heart of all the Levites, those giving good understanding concerning Jehovah, and they eat the appointed thing seven days; sacrificing sacrifices of peace-offerings, and making confession to Jehovah, God of their fathers.

23And all the assembly take counsel to keep other seven days, and they keep seven days with joy; 24for Hezekiah king of Judah hath presented to the assembly a thousand bullocks, and seven thousand sheep; and the heads have presented to the assembly bullocks a thousand, and sheep ten thousand; and priests sanctify themselves in abundance. 25And all the assembly of Judah rejoice, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the assembly, those coming in from Israel, and the sojourners, those coming in from the land of Israel, and those dwelling in Judah, 26and there is great joy in Jerusalem; for from the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel there is not like this in Jerusalem, 27and the priests, the Levites, rise and bless the people, and their voice is heard, and their prayer cometh in to His holy habitation, to the heavens.

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The F.O.G Commentary

The Greatest Passover Party Nobody Expected

What’s 2 Chronicles 30 about?

King Hezekiah throws the most ambitious religious festival in centuries, inviting both kingdoms to celebrate Passover together – and somehow pulls off the greatest spiritual revival since Solomon’s temple dedication. It’s a story about second chances, unity, and how God meets messy faith with overwhelming grace.

The Full Context

Picture this: the northern kingdom of Israel has just been wiped off the map by the Assyrians in 722 BC, leaving scattered refugees and a traumatized remnant. Meanwhile, in the south, young King Hezekiah has just finished cleansing the temple after his father Ahaz turned it into a pagan shrine. The nation is spiritually bankrupt, politically fractured, and hasn’t properly celebrated Passover in generations. Into this mess, Hezekiah does something audacious – he sends letters throughout all of Israel and Judah, inviting everyone to Jerusalem for Passover.

This isn’t just about religious reform; it’s about national healing and reunification. The Chronicler is writing to post-exilic Jews who themselves are trying to rebuild their identity after Babylonian captivity. 2 Chronicles 30 becomes a template for how God’s people can come together across old divisions, celebrate imperfectly but sincerely, and experience God’s grace in the midst of their brokenness. The chapter showcases themes of invitation, preparation, celebration, and divine acceptance that would resonate powerfully with any community trying to rediscover their spiritual roots.

What the Ancient Words Tell Us

The Hebrew word zakhar (remember) appears throughout this passage, but it’s not just intellectual recall – it’s active, embodied remembrance that changes you. When Hezekiah calls the people to “remember” the Lord in 2 Chronicles 30:6, he’s asking them to step back into their story, to let the Exodus narrative become their narrative again.

Grammar Geeks

The phrase “turn back to the Lord” in verse 6 uses the Hebrew shuv, the same root word for repentance throughout the Old Testament. But here it’s not just individual turning – it’s a collective wheeling around of an entire people group, like a massive ship changing course.

The invitation letters themselves are fascinating. Hezekiah doesn’t demand compliance or threaten judgment – he appeals to rachamim (compassion) and promises that God will return captives if the people return to him. This is diplomatic genius wrapped in theological hope.

When we get to the actual celebration, the text explodes with joy vocabulary. The people samach (rejoice) and gil (exult) – these aren’t polite religious emotions but full-bodied, dancing-in-the-streets celebration. The Levites and priests are “praising the Lord day after day with loud instruments” – literally “with instruments of strength/power.” This wasn’t quiet contemplation; this was a spiritual rock concert.

What Would the Original Audience Have Heard?

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For the post-exilic community reading Chronicles, this chapter would have hit like lightning. Here’s a king who successfully reunited divided tribes, brought scattered people home, and created space for imperfect worship to flourish – exactly what they were trying to do after returning from Babylon.

Did You Know?

Hezekiah’s invitation reached “from Beersheba to Dan” – the traditional boundaries of united Israel. This wasn’t just a southern kingdom party; it was an attempt to resurrect the twelve-tribe vision that had been shattered for centuries.

The original audience would have caught the irony immediately: the northern tribes had been condemned for abandoning proper worship, yet here they are being invited back to participate in the very festivals they’d neglected. Some respond with mockery (2 Chronicles 30:10), but others “humbled themselves” – a key phrase in Chronicles that signals genuine spiritual transformation.

They would have also recognized the shocking grace in 2 Chronicles 30:18-20. Many northerners hadn’t properly purified themselves according to ritual law, yet they ate the Passover anyway. This should have been a disaster, but Hezekiah prays, and God accepts their imperfect worship. For a post-exilic community struggling with ritual purity and proper procedures, this was revolutionary – God cares more about the heart than the handbook.

Wrestling with the Text

Here’s where things get really interesting – and a bit puzzling. Why does Hezekiah celebrate Passover in the second month instead of the first? 2 Chronicles 30:2-3 gives us the practical reasons: the priests weren’t ready, and people couldn’t get to Jerusalem in time. But there’s something deeper happening here.

Wait, That’s Strange…

The law actually provided for a delayed Passover in Numbers 9:10-11 for people who were ceremonially unclean or traveling. But Hezekiah applies this exception to the entire nation – essentially declaring all of Israel spiritually “unclean” and in need of a fresh start.

This is either brilliant theological improvisation or dangerous law-bending, depending on your perspective. What’s clear is that Hezekiah prioritized participation over perfection, unity over purity regulations. He created space for messy faith to encounter a gracious God.

The most puzzling moment comes in 2 Chronicles 30:18-19. Many people from the northern tribes ate the Passover without proper purification, “contrary to what was written.” This should have been catastrophic – eating sacred food while ritually unclean was serious business. But Hezekiah prays a beautiful prayer: “May the good Lord provide atonement for everyone who prepares their heart to seek God… even though they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.”

And God listens. God heals the people (2 Chronicles 30:20). This isn’t just physical healing – it’s covenant restoration, spiritual wholeness, divine acceptance of imperfect worshippers who came with sincere hearts.

How This Changes Everything

This chapter rewrites the rules of religious engagement. Throughout the Old Testament, we see the tension between holiness and accessibility, between maintaining proper worship and welcoming broken people. Hezekiah doesn’t resolve this tension – he leans into it, trusting that God’s grace is bigger than ritual perfection.

“Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is break the rules for the sake of love.”

The celebration becomes so powerful that they extend it for another week (2 Chronicles 30:23). When’s the last time you went to a religious service that was so good people didn’t want to leave? This wasn’t obligation or duty – this was joy so infectious it demanded more time.

The chapter ends with unprecedented unity: “There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 30:26). Think about that – this ragtag gathering of refugees, returnees, and the religiously impure created a worship experience that rivaled Solomon’s golden age.

For us today, this is revolutionary. How often do we let perfect theology or proper procedures become barriers to genuine worship? How often do we exclude people because they don’t have their spiritual act together? Hezekiah shows us a different way: invite everyone, prepare your own heart, trust God’s grace to cover what you can’t, and then celebrate like your life depends on it.

This isn’t about lowering standards – it’s about raising hopes. It’s about creating space for broken people to encounter a God who specializes in making beautiful things out of messy materials.

Key Takeaway

God’s grace is always bigger than our imperfections, and sometimes the most authentic worship happens when we stop trying to get everything perfect and start celebrating what God has already done.

2 Chronicles Chapter 30

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