Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Chronicles 29

Hezekiah became king after ruling with his father, Ahaz. He reigned from 715 to 686 BC.

Hezekiah's first act as king was to repair the temple doors (2 Chronicles 29:3). The verb used (yekhazzeqem, “he made them strong”) is a pun on King Hezekiah's name (yekhizqiyyahu, “Yah makes strong”). This action set the stage for the king’s speech to the priests and Levites (2 Chronicles 29:5–11).

Hezekiah's speech used words common during exile to describe the nation's failure. Like during Rehoboam's separation (2 Chronicles 12:1; see 13:10), the people were unfaithful when they abandoned the Lord.

To start sanctifying the temple, the Levites first sanctified themselves. They likely purified themselves by bringing offerings (see 2 Chronicles 30:15). Then they began to cleanse the temple. Two steps were needed to restore the temple:

1. Purification (removing pollution, 2 Chronicles 29:15–17)

2. Sanctification (rededicating the temple for holy worship, 2 Chronicles 29:20–36)

Kohath, Merari, and Gershon were the three sons of Levi. Their descendants formed the three main clans of the Levite tribe (see Exodus 6:16).

The bulls, rams, and lambs were for the burnt offering, and the male goats were for the sin offering (see Leviticus 1; 4:1–5:13).

• After purifying and rededicating the temple, people made individual offerings and sacrifices.

• The thanksgiving offerings were also known as praise offerings, peace offerings, or offerings of well-being (see Leviticus 3).

The Chronicler feels surprised and delighted by the people's spontaneous actions and the large number of praise offerings during the thanksgiving festivities. These events show that the Lord prepared the people's hearts for the occasion, exceeding the expectations of the priests and Levites.