The Passover is Celebrated
April 22, 2021
Commentary
A large crowd gathered in Jerusalem in the second month to celebrate the Passover (v. 13). They took all the foreign incense altars and threw them into the Kidron Valley (v. 14). Then on the 14th day of that month, the Levites began killing the lambs for Passover as many of the worshipers were unclean and not allowed to kill their own lambs (vv. 15-17). Some of the priests and Levites were ashamed because they had not gone through the cleansing ceremony. They immediately went through that ceremony and went to the temple where they offered sacrifices to please the Lord. Then they took their positions according to the law of Moses. As the Levites killed the lambs, they handed some of the blood to the priests who splattered it on the altar. Most of the people who had come from Ephraim, Issachar, West Manasseh, and Zebulun had not made themselves clean, but ignored God’s Law and ate the Passover anyway (vv. 18-19). Hezekiah prayed to God for these unclean people. He also asked God to please be kind and forgive them for worshiping just like their ancestors did. The Lord answered Hezekiah’s prayer and did not punish them (v. 20).
The time set by the law for the celebration of the Passover was seven days (Ex. 12:15; Lev. 23:6) but because it had fallen into such irregularity, they doubled the period of celebration and kept it 14 days with great satisfaction and joy. Materials for additional sacrificial meals were supplied by the King and the priests. Hezekiah thanked the Levites for leading the celebration and doing such a good job (v. 22). Hezekiah gave the people 1000 bulls and 7000 sheep to be offered as sacrifices and to be used as sacred food for the meals. The princes also gave 1000 bulls and 10,000 sheep and a great number of priests sanctified themselves for service (v. 24). Everyone in attendance was very happy (v. 25). It was the biggest celebration in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon (v. 26). The priests and Levites asked God to bless the people and their prayer was heard in heaven (v. 27).
Application
This passage reminds me of communion in our churches and the warning that we have in scripture that if we take the bread and the juice unworthily, we can bring damnation in our lives. But the reverse should be true too. Communion should remind us to celebrate God’s grace and love.
2 Chronicles 30:13– 27 (NET)
13 A huge crowd assembled in Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month. 14 They removed the altars in Jerusalem; they also removed all the incense altars and threw them into the Kidron Valley.
15 They slaughtered the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the second month. The priests and Levites were ashamed, so they consecrated themselves and brought burnt sacrifices to the Lord’s temple. 16 They stood at their posts according to the regulations outlined in the law of Moses, the man of God. The priests were splashing the blood as the Levites handed it to them. 17 Because many in the assembly had not consecrated themselves, the Levites slaughtered the Passover lambs of all who were ceremonially unclean and could not consecrate their sacrifice to the Lord. 18 The majority of the many people from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun were ceremonially unclean, yet they ate the Passover in violation of what is prescribed in the law. For Hezekiah prayed for them, saying: “May the Lord, who is good, forgive 19 everyone who has determined to follow God, the Lord God of his ancestors, even if he is not ceremonially clean according to the standards of the temple.” 20 The Lord responded favorably to Hezekiah and forgave the people.
21 The Israelites who were in Jerusalem observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy. The Levites and priests were praising the Lord every day with all their might. 22 Hezekiah expressed his appreciation to all the Levites, who demonstrated great skill in serving the Lord. They feasted for the seven days of the festival, and were making peace offerings and giving thanks to the Lord God of their ancestors.
23 The entire assembly then decided to celebrate for seven more days; so they joyfully celebrated for seven more days. 24 King Hezekiah of Judah supplied 1,000 bulls and 7,000 sheep for the assembly, while the officials supplied them with 1,000 bulls and 10,000 sheep. Many priests consecrated themselves. 25 The celebration included the entire assembly of Judah, the priests, the Levites, the entire assembly of those who came from Israel, the resident foreigners who came from the land of Israel, and those who were residents of Judah. 26 There was a great celebration in Jerusalem, unlike anything that had occurred in Jerusalem since the time of King Solomon son of David of Israel. 27 The priests and Levites got up and pronounced blessings on the people. The Lord responded favorably to them as their prayers reached his holy dwelling place in heaven.