Basic HTML Version
King Hezekiah Repairs the Damage
153
In the first service held at the reopened temple, the rulers of the
city united with King Hezekiah and the priests in seeking forgiveness
for the sins of the nation. On the altar the priests placed sin offerings
“to make an atonement for all Israel.” Once more the temple courts
echoed with praise. The songs of David and Asaph were sung with
joy, as the worshipers realized that they were being delivered from
[122]
the bondage of sin and apostasy. “Hezekiah and all the people
rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the events took
place so suddenly.”
Verses 24, 36
.
God had prepared the hearts of Judah’s chief men to lead out in
a determined reform movement, in order to stop the apostasy. The
kingdom of Israel had rejected his messages, but in Judah a good
remnant remained, and to these the prophets continued to appeal.
Hear Isaiah urging, “Return to Him against whom the children of
Israel have deeply revolted.”
Isaiah 31:6
. Hear Micah declaring with
confidence, “I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have
sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for
me. He will bring me forth to the light; I will see His righteousness.”
Micah 7:9
.
These and similar messages had brought hope to many in the
dark years when the temple doors remained closed. Now, as the
leaders began a reform, a multitude of the people, weary of the
slavery of sin, were ready to respond.
Those who sought forgiveness had wonderful encouragement
from Scripture. “When you return to the Lord your God,” Moses had
said, “and obey His voice (for the Lord your God is a merciful God),
He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of
your fathers which He swore to them.”
Deuteronomy 4:30, 31
.
And at the dedication of the temple Solomon had prayed, “When
Your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have
sinned against You, and when they turn back to You and confess
Your name, and pray and make supplication to You in this temple,
then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your people Israel.”
1
Kings 8:33, 34
. By night the Lord had appeared to Solomon to tell
him that He would show mercy to those who would worship there:
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves,
and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I
will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”