In Today's Email:
II Chronicles 29 Notes
In this chapter Hezekiah begins his reign.
vs. 1-2 – This parallels II Kings 18:1-7. Hezekiah was a good king.
vs. 3-19 – From the very start of Hezekiah’s reign, he worked to restore the true worship of Jehovah. Work began on the first day of the first month (Nisan). Eight days later the courts were cleansed and another eight days later the Holy Place was cleansed. In all, sixteen days are spent doing the work (minus the Sabbath days, of course). This means it was not finished in time for Passover on the 14th.
vs. 20-36 – If you note previously in this chapter in vs. 3 and 7 you will find that the Temple itself had been closed while corrupted worship under Ahaz had continued in the courtyard. There is much work to do to cleanse the Temple and to prepare for its services to begin anew. The Levites eagerly join in the work. The king and the people rejoice as the Temple worship is restored.
II Chronicles 30 Notes
In this chapter Hezekiah and Judah celebrate the Passover.
vs. 1-27 - Not that this Passover was held in the second month, not the first. Because of the restoration of the Temple, it could not have been properly observed at its prescribed time. It is noteworthy that representatives of the tribes in the Northern Kingdom are drawn to attend in vs. 11. Their presence adds to the number of attendees that were not properly purified to take part in the ceremonies of Passover, including the killing of the Paschal lamb. The Levites stepped in and performed this action so that these could at least take part in the feast. It is marked as one of the highest days in the history of the kingdom.
II Chronicles 31 Notes
In this chapter the full function of the Temple and the Levites is restored.
vs. 1-21 - Note the impact that was made on those that came from the Northern Kingdom in vs. 1. After this, we find the provision for the Temple and priesthood restored. The king himself takes responsibility for supplying sacrifices. The people resume giving their tithes and offerings. By the seventh month great “heaps” of grain accumulated over and above the needs of the priests. Storehouses were constructed to hold the supply. From this great supply the support of the tribe of Levi resumed.
Closing Thoughts
One of the great lies that Satan convinces us of is that God will be angry with us when we repent and turn back to Him. Look at this passage. The kingdom turned back to God, repaired the Temple, and observed the Passover. Was there any hint of retribution. No! It was a celebration! Remember that the Prodigal Son did not face judgment on his return to his father, but was welcomed with a barbeque! When we turn back to God we can be assured of a warm welcome.
Hymn for Today
Our hymn today, “Yielded to God”, is a seldom seen work by Fanny Crosby. I think it fits well the themes of repentance and the blessings of following God that we have highlighted.
Yielded to God, my body, soul and spirit,
O what rejoicing fills my peaceful breast;
All, all is well, no doubt nor fear disturbs me,
While on His promise now alone I rest.
Yielded to God, reposing ’neath His shadow,
Sunshine and gladness round my pathway fall;
Yielded to God, whose love dispels all sorrow,
He is my refuge, and my all in all.
Yielded to God, my life and its devotion,
Yielded the service of my days and years;
O what a peace pervades my every feeling,
O what sweet vision on my sight appears.
Yielded to God, and in His holy keeping,
My heart His temple evermore shall be;
Yielded to God, in willing consecration,
Blessèd Redeemer, I am lost in Thee.