2 Chronicles 30-32: Hezekiah’s Acts

Thoughts

Chronicles 30

Hezekiah sends letters throughout Israel and Judah inviting everyone to come to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. The invitation extends even to the northern tribes (Ephraim, Manasseh, Zebulun).

The message calls people to return to the Lord so that He might show compassion and restore them. Couriers travel throughout Israel with the message.

Some mock and ridicule the message, but some humble themselves and come to Jerusalem. In Judah, the hand of God gives the people unity of heart to obey the king’s command.

A large crowd gathers in Jerusalem to celebrate. They remove the pagan altars from the city.

The celebration takes place in the second month because the priests weren’t ready in the first month. Many people are ceremonially unclean, but Hezekiah prays for God’s pardon. God hears him and heals the people.

The Israelites celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy. The Levites and priests praise the Lord with loud instruments.The assembly decides to celebrate an additional seven days because of their joy.

There is  rejoicing in Jerusalem not seen since the days of Solomon.

Chronicles 31

After the Passover, the people go out to destroy idols, sacred pillars, Asherah poles, and high places throughout Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh.

Hezekiah assigns the priests and Levites with specific duties in offerings, worship, and praise. Hezekiah personally contributes from his own possessions for the morning and evening burnt offerings, Sabbaths, new moons, and appointed feasts. He commands the people of Jerusalem to give the portion due to priests and Levites.

As soon as the command is issued, the Israelites bring the firstfruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and all produce in abundance. They also bring tithes of cattle and sheep and set them in heaps. The heaps grow for months (from the third to the seventh month).

Overseers (Conaniah, Shimei, Kore, Eden, Benjamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah) are appointed to manage the tithes and distribute portions to priests and Levites.

• The distribution includes all males three years and older listed in genealogical records, ensuring fair support for all temple workers and their families.

Hezekiah’s does what is good, right, and faithful before the Lord.

Chronicles 32

 King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah and lays siege to fortified cities.

Hezekiah consults with his officials and stops the water supply outside the city to prevent the Assyrians from using it. He repairs broken sections of the wall, builds towers, and strengthens the defenses.

He reminds the people that the Assyrians rely on human strength, but Judah relies on the Lord their God.

While besieging Lachish, Sennacherib sends officers to Jerusalem to mock Hezekiah’s trust in God.He ridicules the idea that the Lord could save Jerusalem, comparing Him to the powerless gods of other nations. The Assyrian messengers shout in Hebrew (Judean) to frighten the people on the wall.

King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah cry out to heaven in prayer.The Lord sends an angel who destroys the Assyrian army. Sennacherib returns home and is killed by his own sons in his temple.

Many bring gifts to the Lord and to Hezekiah, and his reputation grows among all nations.

Later, Hezekiah becomes mortally ill and prays to the Lord, who gives him a miraculous sign and healing. But his heart becomes proud, and he fails to show gratitude for the Lord’s kindness. Wrath comes upon him and Judah, but Hezekiah humbles himself, and the Lord’s anger does not fall in his days.

Hezekiah becomes very wealthy and builds storehouses for silver, gold, spices, and treasures. He constructs reservoirs and channels to bring water into the city (the Siloam tunnel).

When envoys from Babylon visit to inquire about the miraculous sign, God withdraws to test Hezekiah and reveal what was in his heart. Hezekiah’s acts, wealth, and building projects are recorded by Isaiah.

When he dies,  his son Manasseh succeeds him.

Questions

Why did Hezekiah fall ill after his good deeds?

What kept so many Israelites from celebrating Passover for decades before Hezekiah’s reign?

How did the Angel strike the Assyrian army?

Application

After the Passover celebration, the people didn’t just cheer and go home… they went out and destroyed idols everywhere. It’s easy to praise God in emotional settings, but how do we put our worship into practice?