2 Chronicles · Chapter 29

Verse 1. Five and twenty years old. Ahaz was twenty when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years. Now, imperfect years are not reckoned, as might be proved from several texts. Therefore Ahaz might be near twenty one years old on receiving the crown, and he might reign near seventeen years; yet after all, Ahaz must have been very much inclined to connubial pleasure to be a father at fourteen; and there is no doubt but he was immodest in early life. If this be not allowed, Hezekiah was his adopted son.—His mother’s name was Abijah the daughter of Zechariah, the blessed priest and martyr under Jotham, as recorded in chap. 24. She was descended by her mother’s line from David’s house.

Verse 2. He did that which was right] See Clarke’s note on “2 Kings 18:3”.

Verses 3, 4. He opened the doors of the house of the Lord — Which Ahaz his father had shut, 2 Chronicles 28:24. And he brought in the priests, &c. — He found Judah low and naked, yet did not make it his first business to revive the civil interests of his kingdom, but to restore religion to a good posture. Those that begin with God, begin at the right end of their work, and it will prosper accordingly.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

V. 4. And he brought in, &c-He found Judah low and naked, yet did not make it his first business to revive the civil interests of his kingdom, but to restore religion to a good posture. Those that begin with God, begin at the right end of their work; and it will prosper accordingly.

Verses 3, 4. He opened the doors of the house of the Lord — Which Ahaz his father had shut, 2 Chronicles 28:24. And he brought in the priests, &c. — He found Judah low and naked, yet did not make it his first business to revive the civil interests of his kingdom, but to restore religion to a good posture. Those that begin with God, begin at the right end of their work, and it will prosper accordingly.

4. Into the east street — Probably the same as “the street of the house of God,” (Ezra 10:9,) the broad open place before the temple, either in the outer court, or on the east of it.

V. 5. Filthiness-That filthy altar, which Ahaz had put in the place of God’s altar, 2 Kings 16:11, and the idols, or other abominable things which were there.

Verse 5. Hear me, ye Levites; carry forth the filthiness — That filthy altar which Ahaz had put in the place of God’s altar, (2 Kings 16:11,) and the idols, or other abominable things, which were there; out of the holy place — The temple, or the priests’ court, which also is often called a holy place.

5. Sanctify now yourselves — That is, ceremonially, by purifying yourselves from all legal defilement. This was necessary in order that they might properly sanctify the house of the Lord by removing from it all its defilements. Comp. 1 Chronicles 15:12-14. Carry forth the filthiness — The abominations of idolatry which Ahaz had introduced, and also the dust and dirt that had accumulated there. Comp. verse 16, note.

V. 6. Turned, &c.-They have wilfully and obstinately forsaken God and his worship; that posture being a signification of contempt.

Verse 6. Our fathers have trespassed — He does not say my father, because it became him, as a son, to be as tender as might be of his father’s name; and because his father would not have been permitted to do all these things, if the people had not neglected their duty. Urijah the priest, in particular, had joined with Ahaz in setting up an idolatrous altar. Have turned away their faces, &c., and turned their backs — Have wilfully and obstinately forsaken God and his worship; that posture being a signification of contempt.

6. Our fathers have trespassed — He calls no names, but means Ahaz and his contemporaries.

V. 7. They-He saith not, my father, because it became him as a son, to be as tender as might be of his father’s name: and because his father would not have done all this, if their fathers had not neglected their duty.

7. Shut up the doors — See 2 Chronicles 28:24, note.

V. 8. Hissing-To such calamities as all that see and hear of, shall be astonished at, and hiss at those, who by their own sin and folly have brought such miseries upon themselves. When we are under the rebukes of God’s providence, it is good for us to enquire, Whether we have not neglected God’s ordinances, and whether that be not the controversy he has with us?

Verse 8. He hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment] He probably refers here chiefly to that dreadful defeat by the Israelites in which a hundred and twenty thousand were slain, and two hundred thousand taken prisoners; see the preceding chapter, 2 Chronicles 28:6, 8.

Verses 8, 9. He hath delivered them to trouble to astonishment, and to hissing — To such calamities as all that see and hear of them shall be astonished at, and hiss at those who, by their own sin and folly, have brought such miseries upon themselves. When we are under the rebukes of God’s providence, it is good for us to inquire whether we have not neglected God’s ordinances, and whether that be not the controversy he has with us. Our wives are in captivity — Though they were presently released, 2 Chronicles 28:5, 14, 15.

8. The wrath of the Lord was upon Judah — The afflictions which are mentioned in this verse and the following were those which Judah suffered under the reign of Ahaz, and which are described in the previous chapter. To astonishment — An object of such great ruin as to astonish beholders. To hissing — An object of scornful derision.

V. 9. Captivity-Tho’ they were presently released, 2 Chronicles 28:5,14,15.

Verses 8, 9. He hath delivered them to trouble to astonishment, and to hissing — To such calamities as all that see and hear of them shall be astonished at, and hiss at those who, by their own sin and folly, have brought such miseries upon themselves. When we are under the rebukes of God’s providence, it is good for us to inquire whether we have not neglected God’s ordinances, and whether that be not the controversy he has with us. Our wives are in captivity — Though they were presently released, 2 Chronicles 28:5, 14, 15.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

Verse 10. To make a covenant] To renew the covenant under which the whole people were constantly considered, and of which circumcision was the sign; and the spirit of which was, I will be your God: Ye shall be my people.

Verses 10, 11. It is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord, &c. — To engage by solemn vows and promises to worship him only, and in that way which he hath appointed: for I am sure that his fierce anger will not otherwise be turned away from us. This covenant he would not only make for himself, but bring his people also into the bond of it. My sons — So he calls them, though many of them were elder than himself, because he was by his tender love and affection, as he was by his office, obliged to be a nursing father to them. Be not now negligent — In sanctifying yourselves and the temple, (verse 5,) and in quickening and preparing yourselves and the people for God’s service.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

V. 11. Sons-So he calls them, though many of them were elder than himself, because he was by his tender love and affection, as he was by his office obliged to be, a nursing father to them. Negligent-In sanctifying yourselves and the temple, ver. 5, and in quickening and preparing yourselves and the people for God’s service.

Verses 10, 11. It is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord, &c. — To engage by solemn vows and promises to worship him only, and in that way which he hath appointed: for I am sure that his fierce anger will not otherwise be turned away from us. This covenant he would not only make for himself, but bring his people also into the bond of it. My sons — So he calls them, though many of them were elder than himself, because he was by his tender love and affection, as he was by his office, obliged to be a nursing father to them. Be not now negligent — In sanctifying yourselves and the temple, (verse 5,) and in quickening and preparing yourselves and the people for God’s service.

11. My sons — The king speaks kindly, as the father of all the people whom he rules. Be not negligent — Literally, do not go astray.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

V. 15. To cleanse-From the dirt it had contracted, while it was so long shut up; from dust, cobwebs, and the rust of the vessels. Much more from the idols, and idolatrous altars which had been set up therein.

Verses 15, 16. To cleanse the house of the Lord — From the dirt it had contracted while it was so long shut up; from dust, cobwebs, and the rust of the vessels. Much more from the idols, and idolatrous altars, which had been set up therein. The priests went into the inner part of the house — Not the holy of holies, into which only the high-priest might go, and he only once in a year, but into the holy place. And brought out all the uncleanness into the court — To wit, the priests’ court, called here the court, by way of eminence.

15. By the words of the Lord — The exact sense of this phrase is here doubtful. It may mean, either that the king’s commandment was given by inspiration of God or was based upon the words of his law; or yrbd, rendered words, may here mean things, and the meaning be as expressed in the margin, in the business of the Lord: that is, the king’s commandment in respect to the Lord’s matters, namely, the cleansing of the temple. This last is on the whole the more preferable exposition. Comp. chap. 30:12.

Verse 16. And the priests went] The priests and Levites cleansed first the courts both of the priests and of the people. On this labour they spent eight days. Then they cleansed the interior of the temple; but as the Levites had no right to enter the temple, the priests carried all the dirt and rubbish to the porch, whence they were collected by the Levites, carried away, and cast into the brook Kidron; in this work eight days more were occupied, and thus the temple was purified in sixteen days.

Verses 15, 16. To cleanse the house of the Lord — From the dirt it had contracted while it was so long shut up; from dust, cobwebs, and the rust of the vessels. Much more from the idols, and idolatrous altars, which had been set up therein. The priests went into the inner part of the house — Not the holy of holies, into which only the high-priest might go, and he only once in a year, but into the holy place. And brought out all the uncleanness into the court — To wit, the priests’ court, called here the court, by way of eminence.

Ver. 16. The priests went into the inner part of the house; that is, the Holy of holies, the place into which none but the priests might go. The sanctum sanctorum was a figure of heaven. Hebrews 9:7-12.

16. Brought out all the uncleanness — The Hebrew word rendered uncleanness, here, is different from that rendered filthiness in verse 5, and seems to include other things besides idolatrous objects. But in what all this uncleanness and filthiness consisted we are not told.

V. 17. The first day-A happy beginning of the new year! Thus should every year begin with the reformation of what is amiss, and the purging away of all the defilements contracted the foregoing year.

Verse 17. On the first day] “They began on the first day of the first month Nisan.”-Targum.

Verse 17. Now they began on the first day of the first month — A happy beginning of the new year! Thus should every year begin with a reformation of what is amiss, and the purging away of all the defilements contracted the foregoing year. In the sixteenth day they made an end — Cleansing the house, and porch, and courts, and all the chambers belonging to the temple, in sixteen days. This is mentioned to signify, partly the universal abuse and defilement of all the parts of it by Ahaz, to remove which so much time was required; and partly the diligence of the priests in this work.

17. They began on the first day… and in the sixteenth day… they made an end — Their exact order of procedure is to be gathered from the whole passage, and the supposable natural order of things. First, of course, the priests and Levites were assembled and addressed by the king, (verses 4-11;) next they sanctified themselves, (verse 15;) then they proceeded to repair the doors and cleanse the courts of the temple, and had this work done on the eighth day of the month. The cleansing of the temple itself occupied another eight days, so it was not until the sixteenth of the month that their work was accomplished.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

V. 19. Sanctified-Tho’ the vessels of the sanctuary may be profaned for a while, God will find a time and a way to sanctify them. Neither his ordinances nor his obedient people, shall be suffered to fail forever.

Verse 19. All the vessels, which King Ahaz] The Targum says, “All the vessels which King Ahaz had polluted and rendered abominable by strange idols, when he reigned in his transgression against the WORD of the Lord, we have collected and hidden; and others have we prepared to replace them; and they are now before the Lord.”

Verse 19. All the vessels have we sanctified — Though the vessels of the sanctuary may be profaned for a while, God will find a time and a way to sanctify them. Neither his ordinances nor his obedient people shall be suffered to fail for ever.

19. The vessels, which… Ahaz… cast away — See 2 Chronicles 28:24. Verses 20-36 describe the rededication of the temple, and should be compared with our author’s description of its first dedication by Solomon, especially the passages, 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, and 7:4-11. The passage calls for no verbal comments, but we should note with what emphasis it is stated in verse 24 that an atonement and sin offering were made for “all Israel,” as if at this new dedication of the temple they would obliterate the memory of old national strifes and divisions, and consecrate the whole nation as an unbroken community to God.

In public national offerings it was customary for the priests to slay and flay the victims, but on this occasion “the priests were too few,” (verse 34,) and were accordingly helped by “their brethren the Levites.” We are also informed that the Levites were more upright and prompt to purify themselves from past defilement than the priests. It is commonly supposed that the priests had been more implicated in the idolatrous practices of Ahaz than the Levites, and therefore many of them were slow of heart to respond to Hezekiah’s call to sanctify themselves. Urijah, the high priest, sacrilegiously participated in the impieties of Ahab. Comp. 2 Kings 16:11, 16.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

V. 21. Seven-The number seven is customary in sacred matters, and is here used in regard of the vast numbers and various kinds of sins, the guilt whereof yet lay upon the kingdom, which was now to be expiated. Indeed, in case of one particular sin of ignorance done by the people, there was but one bullock to be offered, but here the sins were many and presumptuous. Kingdom-To make atonement for the sins of the king and the royal family, and the court. Sanctuary-For all the idolatry and uncleanness wherewith the temple had been polluted. They thought it not enough to lament and forsake their sins, but they brought a sin-offering. Even our repentance and reformation will not obtain pardon, but thro’ Christ, who was made sin, that is, a sin-offering for us.

Verse 21. They brought seven bullocks, &c.] This was more than the law required; see Leviticus 4:13, &c. It ordered one calf or ox for the sins of the people, and one he-goat for the sins of the prince; but Hezekiah here offers many more. And the reason appears sufficiently evident: the law speaks only of sins of ignorance; but here were sins of every kind and every die-idolatry, apostasy from the Divine worship, profanation of the temple, &c., &c. The sin-offerings, we are informed, were offered, first for the KINGDOM-for the transgressions of the king and his family; secondly, for the SANCTUARY, which had been defiled and polluted, and for the priests who had been profane, negligent, and unholy; and, finally, for JUDAH-for the whole mass of the people, who had been led away into every kind of abomination by the above examples.

Verse 21. They brought seven bullocks — The number seven is customary in sacred matters, and is here used in regard of the vast numbers and various kinds of sins, the guilt whereof yet lay upon the kingdom, which was now to be expiated. Indeed, in case of one particular sin of ignorance committed by the people, there was but one bullock to be offered, but here the sins were many and presumptuous. For a sin-offering for the kingdom — To make atonement for the sins of the king, and the royal family, and the court. And for the sanctuary — For all the idolatry and uncleanness wherewith the temple had been polluted, which, as it had been cleansed naturally by the priests’ hands, so now it was to be purged morally by sacrifices. And for Judah — For the sins of all the people of Judah. They thought it not enough to lament and forsake their sins, but they brought a sin-offering. Even our repentance and reformation will not obtain pardon, but through Christ, who was made sin, that is, a sin-offering, for us.

Ver. 21. Seven bullocks, a plenary sacrifice offered by the patriarchs in times of extremity, as we read in Numbers 23:24.—Seven he-goats. The term “he-goat” was not used among the Jews till after the destruction of Jerusalem. Daniel has used it in Daniel 8:5.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

V. 23. They laid-The king and the elders of the congregation in the name of the whole congregation.

Verse 23. They laid their hands upon them] That is, they confessed their sin; and as they had by their transgression forfeited their lives, they now offer these animals to die as vicarious offerings, their life being taken for the life of their owners.

Verse 23. They laid their hands upon them — The king and the elders of the people, in the name of the whole congregation: thereby owning themselves guilty before God, and expressing their desire that the guilt of their sin might be transferred upon the sacrifice. By faith we lay our hands on the Lord Jesus, and so receive the atonement, Romans 5:11. Burnt-offerings were offered with the sin-offerings, the intention of which was to give glory to the God of Israel, whom they owned as the only true God, and their God, which it was proper to do, at the same time that they were, by the sin-offering, making atonement for their offences.

Ver. 23. The he-goats—they laid their hands on them, as Aaron did, Leviticus 16:7, reciting confessions and prayers.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

Verse 24. To make an atonement for all Israel — That is, for all the rest of the tribes, whereof a considerable number were now in his dominions, and not for Judah only. Thus is Christ a propitiation, not for the sins of Israel only, but for those of the whole world, 1 John 1:2.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

Verse 25. With cymbals, with psalteries] Moses had not appointed any musical instruments to be used in the divine worship; there was nothing of the kind under the first tabernacle. The trumpets or horns then used were not for song nor for praise, but as we use bells, i.e., to give notice to the congregation of what they were called to perform, &c. But David did certainly introduce many instruments of music into God’s worship, for which we have already seen he was solemnly reproved by the prophet Amos, Amos 6:1-6. Here, however, the author of this book states he had the commandment of the prophet Nathan, and Gad the king’s seer; and this is stated to have been the commandment of the Lord by his prophets: but the Syriac and Arabic give this a different turn-“Hezekiah appointed the Levites in the house of the Lord, with instruments of music, and the sound of harps, and with the HYMNS of DAVID, and the HYMNS of GAD, the king’s prophet, and of NATHAN, the king’s prophet: for David sang the praises of the Lord his God, as from the mouth of the prophets.” It was by the hand or commandment of the Lord and his prophets that the Levites should praise the Lord; for so the Hebrew text may be understood: and it was by the order of David that so many instruments of music should be introduced into the Divine service. But were it even evident, which it is not, either from this or any other place in the sacred writings, that instruments of music were prescribed by Divine authority under the law, could this be adduced with any semblance of reason, that they ought to be used in Christian worship? No: the whole spirit, soul, and genius of the Christian religion are against this: and those who know the Church of God best, and what constitutes its genuine spiritual state, know that these things have been introduced as a substitute for the life and power of religion; and that where they prevail most, there is least of the power of Christianity. Away with such portentous baubles from the worship of that infinite Spirit who requires his followers to worship him in spirit and in truth, for to no such worship are those instruments friendly. See the texts in the margin; also the use of the trumpets in the sanctuary, Numbers 10:2, &c., and the notes there.

Ver. 25. He set the levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps. Moses associated music with sacred song, as in the case of his sister Miriam. The minstrels aided Iddo in obtaining pools of water for the army. From the levites being thus employed it is evident that religious worship, in singing with or without music, is subject to christian ministers, as David, the prophet Gad, and Nathan had ordained: it must not be left to the less enlightened judgment of a clerk, or of a singing master.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

V. 27. The song-The psalms composed by David and Asaph. Even sorrow for sin must not put us out of tune for praising God. By faith we must even then rejoice in the Lord our righteousness, and our prayers and praises must attend with his offering, to be accepted only in the virtue of it.

Verse 27. When the burnt-offering began, the song of the Lord began also — The psalms composed by David and Asaph, (verse 30,) with the musical instruments which God, by his prophets, had commanded to be used, (verse 25,) and which had been long neglected. Even sorrow for sin must not put us out of tune for praising God. By faith we must even then rejoice in the Lord our righteousness, and our prayers and praises must ascend with his offering, to be accepted only in the virtue of it.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

Verse 28. And all the congregation worshipped — The king and all present testified their consent to, and concurrence in, all that was done by bowing their heads and worshipping, expressing an awful veneration for the divine majesty by postures of adoration. It is not enough for us to be where God is worshipped; if we do not ourselves worship him, and that not with bodily exercise only, which profits little, but with the heart.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

Ver. 30. The words of—Asaph, who composed the twelve Psalms which bear his name.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

V. 31. Consecrated-Now that you have reconciled yourselves and the house to God, and that he is willing and ready to accept your sacrifices. Burnt-offerings-Wherein there was more generosity than in the other sacrifices, because they were wholly burnt and offered to God.

Verse 31. Now ye have consecrated yourselves to the Lord — Have both made an atonement, and made a covenant by sacrifice; are solemnly reconciled and engaged to him; come near and bring sacrifices — Our covenant with God must be pursued and improved in communion with him. Having consecrated ourselves in the first place to the Lord, we must bring the sacrifices of prayer, and praise, and alms, to his house. As many as were of a free heart brought burnt-offerings — Wherein there was more generosity than in the other sacrifices, because they were wholly burned and offered to God.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

V. 33. Consecrated things-All the offerings consecrated to God, besides the burnt-offerings already mentioned.

Verse 33. The consecrated things were six hundred oven, &c. — That is, the offerings consecrated to God, besides the burnt-offerings already mentioned, namely, the peace-offerings and thank-offerings, the fat of which was burned upon the altar, and the flesh divided between the priests and the offerers. Of these there was a still greater number than of the burnt-offerings. Perhaps the remembrance of their sin in sacrificing on the high places, made them more willing to bring their sacrifices now to God’s altar.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

V. 34. Too few-Such as were sanctified and fit for their work, as the following words shew: for otherwise the number of the priests was more than sufficient for this employment. Burnt-offerings-And much less all the other sacrifices, which were more numerous; the slaying whereof was the priests proper work. The Levites-Necessity excusing their deviation from the rule.

Verse 34. They could not flay all the burnt-offerings] Peace-offerings, and such like, the Levites might flay and dress; but the whole burnt-offerings, that is, those which were entirely consumed on the altar, could be touched only by the priests, unless in a case of necessity, such as is mentioned here.

The Levites were more upright in heart] The priests seem to have been very backward in this good work; the Levites were more ready to help forward this glorious reformation. Why the former should have been so backward is not easy to tell; but it appears to have been the fact. Indeed, it often happens that the higher orders of the priesthood are less concerned for the prosperity of true religion than the lower. Why is this? They are generally too busy about worldly things, or too much satisfied with secular emoluments. A rich priesthood is not favourable either to the spread or depth of religion. Earthly gratifications are often put in the place of Divine influences: it is almost a miracle to see a very rich man deeply interested in behalf either of his own soul, or the souls of others.

Verse 34. The priests were too few — Namely, such as were sanctified and fit for the work, as the following words show. Many of them, it is probable, had been suspended and laid aside as polluted, for having sacrificed to idols in the last reign, and the rest had not the zeal that might have been expected on such an occasion. Therefore they took no care to sanctify themselves: and being unsanctified, and so unqualified, they made their excuse for being absent from the service; as if their offence would be their defence. It is recorded here, to the perpetual shame of the priests, that though they were so well provided for out of the offerings of the Lord, yet they did not mind their business. Here was work to do, and there wanted proper hands to do it. So that they could not flay all the burnt-offerings — And much less all the other sacrifices, which were more numerous; the flaying whereof was the priests’ proper work, Leviticus 1:5, 6. Wherefore the priests did help them — Necessity excusing a deviation from the rule, as it hath excused in other cases. For the Levites were more upright in heart, &c., than the priests — They were better affected to the work, and better prepared and qualified for it. This was their praise; and, in recompense for it, they had the honour of being employed in that which was the priests’ work. Thus encouragement was given to the faithful, zealous Levites, and a just disgrace cast upon the careless priests. What the Levites wanted in the ceremonial advantages of their birth and consecration, was abundantly made up in their eminent qualifications of knowledge and zeal for the work.

Ver. 34. The priests were too few. Many of them had been active at the altars of Baalim and Ashteroth, and were unclean. They had forfeited their right of approach to the Lord’s altar, had justice been done to them: so they could not face the king and the people. Therefore the more faithful levites were raised to some participation of sacerdotal honours. They killed also the passover: 2 Chronicles 30:17.—The levites were more upright in heart; a delicate word of reproach to the priests, who had been idolaters.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.

V. 36. Rejoiced-It was, as a very great, so a sudden change, that the people, who but the other day were so ready to comply with wicked Ahaz in his idolatrous presumptions, were now so free and forward in God’s service: whereby it plainly appeared to be the work of God, changing their hearts by his Holy Spirit.

Verse 36. And Hezekiah rejoiced] Both he and the people rejoiced that God had prepared their hearts to bring about so great a reformation in so short a time; for, it is added, the thing was done suddenly. The king’s example and influence were here, under God, the grand spring of all those mighty and effectual movements. What amazing power and influence has God lodged with kings! They can sway a whole empire nearly as they please; and when they declare themselves in behalf of religion, they have the people uniformly on their side. Kings, on this very ground, are no indifferent beings; they must be either a great curse or a great blessing to the people whom they govern.

II CHRONICLES

Verse 36. Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people — In this blessed turn of affairs, and the new face of religion which the kingdom had put on. That God had prepared the people — Had changed their hearts by his Almighty Spirit. For it was plain his hand was in it, both because so many of those who, in the last reign, had doted on the idolatrous altars, were now so much in love with God’s altar; and because the thing was done suddenly; was brought about in so little time, and with little or no opposition. Those that go about the work of God in faith, and with resolution, will often find there is not that difficulty in it which they had apprehended. Only let magistrates and ministers do their parts toward the reforming of a land, and then let them trust God to do his, and ascribe to him the glory of what is done.

RESTORATION OF THE TEMPLE SERVICE, 3-36.

3. He in the first year… first month, opened the doors — The first month is here to be understood of the first month of the Jewish year, the first of Abib, or Nisan. Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:2, 3. But the first month of Hezekiah’s reign may also, at least in part, have synchronized with the month Nisan. The reformatory character of Hezekiah’s reign was thus signalized at its very beginning by an act which must have cheered every pious heart in the realm. The shutting of the doors of the temple, and the consequent suspension of the sacred service, (comp. verse 7,) had been one of the most presumptuous sins of Ahaz. 2 Chronicles 28:24. Repaired them — By plating and overlaying them with gold, and probably other kinds of metal. See 2 Kings 18:16, note. This verse is a summary statement of what Hezekiah did at the beginning of his reign, and is not to be thought of as taking place before the gathering of the priests and Levites, and the address to them contained in verses 4-11.