Hezekiah
217
The good beginning made at the time of the purification of the
temple was followed by a broader movement, in which Israel as well
as Judah participated. In his zeal to make the temple services a real
blessing to the people, Hezekiah determined to revive the ancient
custom of gathering the Israelites together for the celebration of the
Passover feast.
For many years the Passover had not been observed as a national
festival. The division of the kingdom after the close of Solomon’s reign
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had made this seem impracticable. But the terrible judgments befalling
the ten tribes were awakening in the hearts of some a desire for better
things; and the stirring messages of the prophets were having their
effect. By royal couriers the invitation to the Passover at Jerusalem
was heralded far and wide, “from city to city through the country
of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun.” The bearers of the
gracious invitation were
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usually repulsed. The impenitent turned lightly aside; nevertheless
some, eager to seek God for a clearer knowledge of His will, “humbled
themselves, and came to Jerusalem.”
2 Chronicles 30:10, 11
.
In the land of Judah the response was very general; for upon them
was “the hand of God,” “to give them one heart to do the commandment
of the king and of the princes”—a command in accord with the will of
God as revealed through His prophets.
Verse 12
.
The occasion was one of the greatest profit to the multitudes assem-
bled. The desecrated streets of the city were cleared of the idolatrous
shrines placed there during the reign of Ahaz. On the appointed day
the Passover was observed, and the week was spent by the people in
offering peace offerings and in learning what God would have them do.
Daily the Levites “taught the good knowledge of the Lord;” and those
who had prepared their hearts to seek God, found pardon. A great
gladness took possession of the worshiping multitude; “the Levites
and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with loud instru-
ments;” all were united in their desire to praise Him who had proved
so gracious and merciful.
Verses 21, 22
.
The seven days usually allotted to the Passover feast passed all
too quickly, and the worshipers determined to spend another seven
days in learning more fully the way of the Lord. The teaching priests
continued their work of instruction from the book of the law; daily
the people assembled at the temple to offer their tribute of praise and