Hezekiah's Passover and National Repentance
2 Chronicles 30:1-31:1
2 C.30.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהודה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וגם: CONJ
- אגרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כתב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומנשה: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- פסח: ADJ,m,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 12:1-14 (thematic): Establishment of the Passover ordinance — background for Hezekiah’s call to observe the Passover to the LORD as Israel’s foundational festival.
- Leviticus 23:4-8 (thematic): Legal prescription for the Feast of Unleavened Bread/Passover, providing cultic instructions that undergird Hezekiah’s reinstitution of the rite.
- Numbers 9:1-14 (allusion): Provision for celebrating Passover at a later time by those ritually or geographically unable to keep it — relevant to Hezekiah’s invitation to those who had been unclean or far off.
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (thematic): King Josiah’s command to keep the Passover in accordance with the law — a parallel royal revival of Passover observance and covenant renewal.
- 2 Chronicles 35:1-19 (structural): Account of Josiah’s Passover in Chronicles: similar pattern of a king initiating nationwide worship reform and a centrally celebrated Passover in Jerusalem.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, to come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem to keep the Passover to the LORD God of Israel.
- Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem to keep the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel.
2 C.30.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויועץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושריו: NOUN,m,pl,poss,3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הקהל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- הפסח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בחדש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 9:10-13 (thematic): Gives the legal precedent allowing a delayed Passover in the second month for those who were unclean or traveling — the rationale behind holding the festival in the second month.
- Exodus 12:2 (structural): Establishes the first month (Nisan/Abib) as the appointed time for Passover, providing the normal calendrical norm that the decision in 2 Chronicles adapts.
- 2 Chronicles 30:1 (structural): Immediate narrative precursor: introduces Hezekiah’s initiative to restore temple worship and calls for the Passover, of which v.2 records the king’s counsel to set the festival in the second month.
- 2 Chronicles 30:21-22 (structural): Narrative continuation reporting that many indeed kept the Passover in the second month and describing the outcome of the king’s and assembly’s decision.
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (thematic): Josiah’s reformed celebration of the Passover under a righteous king provides a parallel motif of a royal-initiated national Passover revival and restoration of proper worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king and his princes and all the assembly in Jerusalem took counsel to keep the Passover in the second month.
- The king and his princes and all the assembly in Jerusalem took counsel to keep the Passover in the second month.
2 C.30.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- יכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לעשתו: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,3,m,sg
- בעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ההיא: DEM,f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- התקדשו: VERB,hitpael,impv,2,m,pl
- למדי: ADV
- והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- נאספו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,pl
- לירושלם: PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 9:6-10 (verbal): Explicitly parallels the reason given for postponing Passover: some Israelites 'were defiled' and 'could not keep the Passover at that time,' and the law provides instruction for a later observance.
- Leviticus 22:2 (thematic): Commands that priests must 'sanctify themselves' in order to offer holy food—connects to the need for priestly consecration before performing cultic duties.
- 2 Chronicles 30:18 (structural): Later verse in the same chapter showing the opposite outcome—here the priests do sanctify themselves and the people assemble, enabling the Passover to be kept.
- 2 Chronicles 29:34 (structural): Earlier chapter describing Hezekiah's reforms and the problem of priests not being consecrated—provides background for why the festival could not be observed immediately.
Alternative generated candidates
- For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves in full and the people had not been gathered to Jerusalem.
- For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not purified themselves in full and the people had not been gathered to Jerusalem.
2 C.30.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויישר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובעיני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- כל: DET
- הקהל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:3 (quotation): King and people jointly accept a religious reform/covenant—'all the people stood to the covenant' parallels the report that the plan pleased the king and the whole assembly.
- 2 Chr.34:31 (thematic): Josiah's public covenant and religious reforms win the assent of the king and the people, paralleling Hezekiah's initiative pleasing both king and assembly.
- 1 Chr.29:9 (thematic): After David's public offering the people 'rejoiced' and gave willingly—illustrates a king-led religious action that gains wholehearted popular approval like 2 Chr 30:4.
- 2 Chr.31:2 (thematic): Following Hezekiah's reforms the people's prompt, generous response shows popular approval and cooperation, akin to 'the thing pleased the king and all the assembly.'
- Neh.8:12 (thematic): When Ezra's reading of the law leads the people to celebrate and be encouraged, it reflects a communal positive response to a religious initiative similar to the reaction described in 2 Chr 30:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the matter pleased the king and all the assembly.
- The matter pleased the king and the whole assembly.
2 C.30.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמידו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להעביר: INF,hiphil
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבאר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שבע: NUM,card
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- דן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- פסח: ADJ,m,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- לרב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ככתוב: ADV
Parallels
- Exodus 12:43-49 (thematic): Prescribes who may keep the Passover and emphasizes communal observance—background law underlying Hezekiah’s summons for a united national Passover in Jerusalem.
- Numbers 9:10-14 (allusion): Provides the concession for those who were unclean or distant to observe a delayed Passover; helps explain the wide summons to gather in Jerusalem so all could properly observe the feast.
- Deuteronomy 16:16 (thematic): Commands that all Israel appear before the LORD at the appointed times (pilgrimage festivals); supports the idea of calling people 'from Beersheba to Dan' to assemble in Jerusalem for Passover.
- 1 Samuel 3:20 (verbal): Uses the same geographic formula 'from Dan to Beersheba' to denote the whole land—parallels Chronicles’ language for a nationwide proclamation.
- Ezra 6:19-22 (thematic): Describes a later national observance of the Passover in Jerusalem by returned Israelites—parallel example of congregating the people to celebrate the festival at the appointed place.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they issued a proclamation to call throughout Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, to come to Jerusalem to keep the Passover to the LORD God of Israel—for it had not been observed in great numbers as prescribed.
- They commanded that a proclamation be made throughout all Israel—from Beersheba even to Dan—that they should come to keep the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel, in Jerusalem; for it had not been observed in such a manner.
2 C.30.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- הרצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- באגרות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מיד: PREP
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושריו: NOUN,m,pl,poss,3,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהודה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכמצות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שובו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יצחק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הפליטה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הנשארת: ADJ,f,sg,def
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- מכף: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 30:8 (verbal): Same chapter and message—couriers proclaim virtually the same words: 'Return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,' a near-verbatim appeal to the tribes.
- Joel 2:12-13 (thematic): A classic prophetic call to repentance—'Return to the LORD... for he is gracious and merciful'—echoing the exhortation to turn back to God.
- Isaiah 11:11 (thematic): Speaks of the LORD recovering a remnant 'from Assyria' (and other places); parallels the appeal concerning the remnant left after the Assyrian kings.
- Exodus 3:6 (verbal): Uses the patriarchal covenant formula ('the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob') that 2 Chronicles invokes (here as 'Israel'), grounding the appeal in the ancestral covenant.
Alternative generated candidates
- The messengers went with letters from the king and his princes through all Israel and Judah, according to the command of the king: “Sons of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will restore the remnant that has been left to you from the hand of the kings of Assyria.”
- Couriers went with letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, according to the king's command, saying, “O sons of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and He will bring back to you the remnant that remains, from the hand of the kings of Assyria.
2 C.30.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תהיו: VERB,qal,imf,2,pl
- כאבותיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,prep_k,2mp_suff
- וכאחיכם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,prep_k,2mp_suff
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבותיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
- ויתנם: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj:3mp
- לשמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ראים: VERB,qal,part,?,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kings 17:15-18 (verbal): Narrative parallel: Israel 'rejected his statutes' and worshiped other gods, so the LORD removed them and 'gave them' into the hand of Assyria—language and consequence echoed in 2 Chr 30:7's warning about ancestors being given up for their unfaithfulness.
- 2 Chronicles 36:15-17 (thematic): Same theological theme applied to Judah: God's patient warning, the people's persistent sin, and finally God handing them over to foreign power—parallels the admonition not to follow their fathers' rebellion.
- Leviticus 26:27-33 (verbal): Covenant curse language: disobedience brings divine handing over and scattering among the nations—lexical and legal background for the phraseology and consequence in 2 Chr 30:7.
- Judges 2:14-15 (thematic): Pattern motif: when Israel does evil the LORD's anger leads to being 'sold into the hands' of enemies. This cyclical pattern of sin and divine punishment undergirds the warning against repeating the fathers' unfaithfulness.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Do not be like your fathers and your brothers, who acted treacherously toward the LORD, the God of their fathers, and delivered themselves to ruin, as you have seen.”
- Do not be like your fathers and your brothers, who rebelled against the LORD, the God of their fathers, and were delivered to ruin, as you see.
2 C.30.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עתה: ADV
- אל: NEG
- תקשו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ערפכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,pl
- כאבותיכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+2,m,pl
- תנו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובאו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- למקדשו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הקדיש: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- לעולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- חרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff3ms
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 9:6 (verbal): Uses the same characterization—'stiff‑necked' people—and warns Israel not to repeat the disobedience of their fathers.
- Joshua 24:14‑15 (thematic): A covenantal summons to 'fear and serve the LORD' and to choose to serve God—paralleling the call to give yourselves to the LORD and serve him.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 (thematic): Promises that if God's people repent, pray and turn from wickedness, God will heal/turn away his anger—parallel rationale for serving God so his wrath may cease.
- Jonah 3:10 (allusion): Describes God relenting from threatened judgment after the people's repentance—echoes the idea that return and service will cause God's anger to turn away.
- Deuteronomy 4:29‑31 (structural): Promises that when Israel seeks and returns to the LORD with wholehearted obedience, God will not abandon them—structurally mirrors the call to come to God's sanctuary and serve so his wrath will depart.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Now do not be stiff-necked as your fathers were; give yourselves to the LORD, come to his sanctuary which he has sanctified forever, and serve the LORD your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you.
- Now do not be stiff-necked like your fathers—give your hand to the LORD, and come to His sanctuary which He has sanctified forever; and serve the LORD your God, that His fierce anger may turn away from you.
2 C.30.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- בשובכם: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,2,m,pl
- על: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אחיכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,pl
- ובניכם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUFF,2mp
- לרחמים: PREP
- לפני: PREP
- שוביהם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:3,mp
- ולשוב: CONJ+VERB,qal,inf
- לארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- חנון: ADJ,m,sg
- ורחום: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- יסיר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- פנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- אם: CONJ
- תשובו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 30:2-3 (verbal): Both link the people’s returning to Yahweh with divine restoration of their fortunes—if you return the LORD will ‘turn your captivity’/have compassion and bring you back to the land.
- Joel 2:13 (verbal): A direct call to return to the LORD coupled with the descriptive formula ‘for he is gracious and merciful’ (same verbs as in 2 Chr 30:9).
- Exodus 34:6-7 (verbal): The foundational self‑description of God as ‘merciful and gracious’ (long‑suffering, abounding in steadfast love) that undergirds promises of pardon when people return.
- Isaiah 55:7 (thematic): Invites the wicked to ‘return to the LORD’ with the assurance of abundant pardon—same repentance/restoration motif as 2 Chr 30:9.
- Psalm 86:15 (allusion): Attributes to God the very compassion and grace cited in 2 Chr 30:9 (‘Lord, merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love’), reinforcing the theological basis for forgiveness upon return.
Alternative generated candidates
- For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and your children will find compassion before those who lead them back, and they will return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful; he will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.”
- For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and will return to this land; for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.”
2 C.30.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הרצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עברים: PART,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- מעיר: PREP
- לעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומנשה: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- זבלון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- משחיקים: VERB,piel,imprf,3,m,pl
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- ומלעגים: CONJ+VERB,piel,imprf,3,m,pl
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 30:11 (structural): Immediate structural parallel within the same episode: verse 10 reports messengers being mocked, while v.11–12 records that some from the same regions humbled themselves and came — a contrast within the Passover mission.
- Nehemiah 4:1–2 (thematic): When Sanballat and Tobiah learn of the rebuilding they mock and deride the Jews (’They will not know or see it’), paralleling the theme of local opponents ridiculing God’s messengers/efforts.
- Ezra 4:4 (thematic): Opponents of the returning exiles ‘discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build,’ thematically similar to the hostile reception and mockery faced by Hezekiah’s messengers.
- Proverbs 1:24–25 (thematic): Wisdom’s lament that people ‘mock’ and ‘refuse’ her counsel parallels the motif of scoffing at a call to return/obey — comparable to the derision of envoys inviting Israel to worship.
- Acts 7:51–52 (thematic): Stephen’s indictment that the people resisted and persecuted God’s prophets echoes the recurrent biblical theme in which God’s messengers are rejected and mocked, as in 2 Chr 30:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the messengers passed from city to city in the land of Ephraim and Manasseh even to Zebulun; and they mocked and derided them.
- The couriers passed from city to city through the land of Ephraim and Manasseh even to Zebulun; and they mocked and scorned them.
2 C.30.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אך: PART
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מאשר: PREP+REL
- ומנשה: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ומזבלון: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נכנעו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לירושלם: PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 30:3-5 (structural): Same narrative: Hezekiah sends letters throughout Israel and Judah calling for the Passover, providing the immediate context for some tribes' submission and journey to Jerusalem.
- Deuteronomy 16:16 (thematic): Law prescribing that Israelites appear before the LORD at the appointed festivals (three times a year); provides the legal/ritual basis for tribes coming to Jerusalem for Passover.
- Exodus 34:23 (thematic): Command that all your men shall appear before the LORD three times a year; parallels the obligation and motive for the tribes' pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
- 1 Chronicles 12:38-40 (thematic): Accounts of men from Israel coming to Hebron to anoint David (tribal assembly and submission); parallels the motif of northern tribes coming to the recognized center of worship/authority and submitting in unity.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet some men of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.
- Yet some men of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.
2 C.30.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גם: ADV
- ביהודה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לתת: VERB,qal,inf
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- מצות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והשרים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- בדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Jer.31.33 (allusion): God promises to put his law within them and write it on their hearts, enabling inner obedience — parallels the idea of God giving a united heart to do his commands.
- Ezek.36.26-27 (verbal): God says 'I will give you a new heart...put my Spirit within you' so you will walk in my statutes — closely parallels the language and theme of God enabling a single heart to obey.
- Acts 4.32 (thematic): The early believers 'were of one heart and soul,' a communal unity analogous to Judah's being given 'one heart' to act together in obedience.
- Ps.133.1 (thematic): Celebrates the goodness of brethren dwelling together in unity; thematically parallels the blessing of communal oneness ('one heart') described in 2 Chronicles.
Alternative generated candidates
- Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the command of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.
- Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.
2 C.30.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאספו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- חג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- בחדש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- קהל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לרב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- Numbers 9:10-11 (thematic): Explicitly permits those who were unclean or distant to observe the Passover in the second month—directly parallels the late observance recorded in 2 Chronicles 30:13.
- Leviticus 23:5-6 (verbal): Gives the law specifying Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (dates and seven-day observance), the festival that the assembled people in 2 Chronicles 30:13 came to keep.
- Deuteronomy 16:1-3 (verbal): Commands keeping the Passover in the month of Abib (first month) and describes the rite—serves as the normative background against which the later, second-month gathering is notable.
- 2 Chronicles 30:2-3 (structural): Immediate context: Hezekiah's summons and invitation to all Israel and Judah to keep the Passover in Jerusalem, explaining why a large assembly would gather (the action leading directly to v.13).
Alternative generated candidates
- So a very great assembly gathered at Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month—a very large congregation indeed.
- A very great congregation assembled at Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month.
2 C.30.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקמו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ויסירו: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- המזבחות: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- המקטרות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- הסירו: VERB,hiph,imp,2,m,pl
- וישליכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לנחל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קדרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 23:4-20 (structural): Josiah's sweeping reform: removal and destruction of altars, high places and idolatrous objects in Jerusalem and Judah—parallel account of royal liturgical purge and elimination of altars.
- 2 Kings 18:4 (verbal): Hezekiah's reform language—'removed the high places, brake the images, cut down the groves'—closely parallels 2 Chr 30:14's removal of altars and eradication of unauthorized cultic sites.
- 2 Chronicles 29:15-16 (structural): Earlier section describing Hezekiah's cleansing of the temple and removal of unclean things; part of the same chronological program of religious purification to which 2 Chr 30:14 belongs.
- 2 Chronicles 15:8 (thematic): Asa's reforms: removal of foreign altars and high places in Judah—a comparable royal initiative to centralize worship by destroying local altars.
Alternative generated candidates
- They rose up and removed the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the incense stands they took away and threw them into the Kidron.
- They arose and removed the altars that were in Jerusalem and all the incense altars they took away, and they cast them into the brook Kidron.
2 C.30.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישחטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הפסח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בארבעה: PREP+NUM,card,m,sg
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- לחדש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נכלמו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויתקדשו: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,pl
- ויביאו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- עלות: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 9:10-13 (structural): Provides the legal provision for observing the Passover in the second month when ritually unclean or traveling—explains legitimacy of keeping it on the 14th of the second month.
- Exodus 12:6 (verbal): Specifies that the Passover lamb is to be slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the month, matching the dating in 2 Chr 30:15.
- Leviticus 22:2-4 (thematic): Priestly purity requirements before offering sacrifices; parallels the note that the priests and Levites sanctified themselves prior to bringing offerings.
- 2 Chronicles 30:2-4 (structural): Immediate context: Hezekiah’s summons to keep the Passover in the second month and his reason for moving the festival—sets the occasion for v.15.
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (thematic): Josiah’s reinstatement of the Passover in faithful accordance with the law—another royal reform restoring proper Passover observance similar to Hezekiah’s action.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they slaughtered the Passover on the fourteenth day of the second month. The priests and the Levites were ashamed and sanctified themselves and brought the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.
- They slaughtered the Passover on the fourteenth day of the second month; and the priests and the Levites were ashamed and sanctified themselves, and brought burnt offerings to the house of the LORD.
2 C.30.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- עמדם: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- כמשפטם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- כתורת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- זרקים: VERB,qal,ptcp,NA,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,def
- מיד: PREP
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Leviticus 4:7 (verbal): Describes the priest taking and applying the blood of a sin offering to the altar—closely parallels the priests 'sprinkling/throwing the blood' in 2 Chr 30:16.
- Numbers 8:7 (thematic): Prescribes the ritual cleansing and separation of the Levites ('sprinkle water of purification' etc.), echoing the Levites' purification/role mentioned in 2 Chr 30:16.
- Exodus 29:12 (verbal): Gives instructions for handling and sprinkling sacrificial blood in the consecration of priests—parallels the procedural detail 'according to the law of Moses' and the priests' action in 2 Chr 30:16.
- Leviticus 8:30 (allusion): Account of Moses sprinkling consecrating blood on the altar and the people in ordaining the priesthood—serves as an archetypal precedent for the priestly sprinkling described in 2 Chr 30:16.
- 2 Chronicles 35:11 (structural): Josiah's Passover narrative describes priests and Levites 'standing in their place' and performing duties according to the law—parallels the liturgical order and priest/Levite roles in Hezekiah's Passover (2 Chr 30:16).
Alternative generated candidates
- They stood at their stations according to their ordinance, according to the law of Moses the man of God; the priests cast the blood, and the Levites received it.
- They stood in their posts according to their ordinance, as the law of Moses commands; the priests sprinkled the blood, and the Levites dashed it out.
2 C.30.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- רבת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בקהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- התקדשו: VERB,hitpael,impv,2,m,pl
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- שחיטת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- הפסחים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לכל: PREP
- לא: PART_NEG
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg
- להקדיש: VERB,hif,inf,_,_,_
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 9:10-13 (thematic): Provides the law for those who are unclean or on a journey to observe the Passover in the second month—shows an established concern for how ritually unclean persons are to be treated in relation to the Passover, related to Levites acting on behalf of the unclean in 2 Chr 30:17.
- Exodus 12:43-49 (verbal): Regulates who may eat the Passover (requirements of purity/circumcision); underscores the necessity of proper status before participation in the feast, echoing 2 Chr 30:17’s concern that many were not sanctified to partake.
- Exodus 19:10-15 (thematic): Commands that the people consecrate themselves before approaching the LORD (wash garments, abstain) so that the assembly be sanctified—parallels the theme that the congregation needed sanctification before sacred service in 2 Chr 30:17.
- Leviticus 22:2-9 (thematic): Prescribes that priests must be ceremonially clean to minister and that unclean persons may not perform sacred duties—relates to the Levites’ assuming the slaughtering for those not clean so they might be sanctified to the LORD.
Alternative generated candidates
- For there were many in the assembly who had not sanctified themselves; therefore the Levites were over the slaughter of the Passover for all who were unclean, to consecrate them to the LORD.
- For many in the congregation had not purified themselves; therefore the Levites had to slaughter the Passover for all who were unclean, to sanctify them to the LORD.
2 C.30.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- מרבית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רבת: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- מאפרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומנשה: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- יששכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וזבלון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- הטהרו: VERB,hitp,perf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אכלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הפסח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בלא: PREP
- ככתוב: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- התפלל: VERB,hithpael,perf,3,m,sg
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הטוב: ADJ,m,sg,def
- יכפר: VERB,pi'el,impf,3,m,sg
- בעד: PREP
Parallels
- Numbers 9:6-13 (thematic): Provides the legal provision for those who were ceremonially unclean or on a journey to observe the Passover later; contrasts with 2 Chr 30:18 where many ate the Passover without having purified themselves according to the statute.
- Exodus 12:43-49 (thematic): Sets out who may and may not partake of the Passover (clean/unclean, native/foreign), underlying the regulation that the people in 2 Chr 30:18 violated by eating without proper purification.
- Psalm 86:5 (verbal): Speaks of Yahweh as good and ready to forgive — language and theology echoed in Hezekiah’s prayer for pardon ('O LORD, the good, pardon everyone') in 2 Chr 30:18.
- Ezra 6:19-22 (thematic): Describes a later communal observance of the Passover kept according to the law after the return from exile; parallels the concern in Chronicles for correct communal Passover observance and purity.
- 2 Chronicles 30:20 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: records that the LORD heard Hezekiah’s prayer and responded, directly linking Hezekiah’s plea for forgiveness in v.18 with God’s merciful action in v.20.
Alternative generated candidates
- For a great company of the people, many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not purified themselves; yet they had eaten the Passover contrary to the prescription. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “O LORD, who is good, pardon them.”
- A great number of the people—many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun—had not cleansed themselves, yet they had eaten the Passover contrary to what was ordained. Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the good LORD pardon.
2 C.30.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- לבבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- הכין: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לדרוש: VERB,qal,inf
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבותיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUFF,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- כטהרת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 9:10-13 (thematic): Gives the law for those who were unable to keep the Passover at its appointed time (to celebrate in the second month) — parallels the chapter’s concern with who may properly keep the feast and issues of ceremonial cleansing.
- Ezra 6:19-22 (thematic): Describes the returned exiles keeping the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread after making themselves pure — thematically parallels people preparing/cleansing themselves to seek the LORD and celebrate the feast.
- 1 Chronicles 22:19 (verbal): “Set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God” echoes the language and imperative of preparing one’s heart to seek God (parallel to הכין לבבו לדרוש האלהים).
- 2 Chronicles 15:12-15 (thematic): Asa’s reforms: the people covenant and seek the LORD with all their heart; like Hezekiah’s Passover, this passage links corporate reform, wholehearted seeking of God, and covenantal restoration.
- Psalm 119:10 (thematic): “With my whole heart I seek you” (Heb. language of wholehearted seeking) parallels the emphasis in 2 Chr 30:19 on preparing the heart to seek the LORD — a thematic motif of sincere devotion.
Alternative generated candidates
- For their whole heart was prepared to seek God, the LORD, the God of their fathers, though they had not been cleansed according to the purity of the sanctuary.
- The whole intent of their heart was to seek God, the LORD, the God of their fathers, though they were not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.
2 C.30.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירפא: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 20:5 (verbal): Same historical episode in the parallel Deuteronomistic account: God tells Hezekiah, 'I have heard thy prayer... I will heal thee,' echoing 'the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah and healed the people.'
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 (thematic): Covenantal promise that when God's people humble themselves and seek him he will 'hear from heaven... and heal their land,' paralleling divine hearing and communal healing.
- Psalm 107:20 (verbal): Speaks of God sending his word to 'heal' and deliver—uses the language of God as healer in response to distress, thematically matching divine healing after petition.
- Jeremiah 33:6 (allusion): Prophetic promise that God will 'bring health and cure' and restore Jerusalem/its people, echoing the theme of divine restoration and healing of the community.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people.
- The LORD listened to Hezekiah and healed the people.
2 C.30.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנמצאים: ADJ,part,m,pl,def
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- חג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- שבעת: NUM,card,construct
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בשמחה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ומהללים: VERB,piel,ptcp,0,m,pl
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בכלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 12:15-20 (verbal): Prescribes the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days and prohibition of leaven—direct ritual background for the seven-day celebration in 2 Chr 30:21.
- Leviticus 23:6-8 (verbal): Gives the cultic regulations for the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, including holy convocations on the first and seventh days, paralleling the festival observance described in 2 Chr 30:21.
- 2 Kings 23:21-23 (structural): Narrates Josiah's nationwide restoration of the Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread—a closely parallel episode of national reform and festival observance in the Deuteronomistic history.
- 2 Chronicles 35:18-19 (structural): Another Chronicles account of a major Passover celebration (under Josiah) emphasizing nationwide participation and proper Levitical/priestly service, paralleling the liturgical and communal elements of 2 Chr 30:21.
- Psalm 150:3-5 (verbal): Calls for praising God with trumpets, harp, lyre, timbrel and other instruments—parallels the depiction of Levites and priests praising the LORD with musical instruments in 2 Chr 30:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Israelites who were present at Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness; and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments to the LORD.
- The children of Israel who were present at Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness; and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments to the LORD.
2 C.30.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יחזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- המשכילים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- שכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- המועד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שבעת: NUM,card,construct
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מזבחים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- זבחי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- שלמים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ומתודים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבותיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 30:21 (structural): Immediate context/parallel report — verse 21 similarly describes the Levites eating the consecrated things after being instructed and sanctified for the festival.
- 1 Chronicles 23:29 (verbal): Specifies that Levites may eat the most holy offerings (showbread, sin and trespass offerings), paralleling the permission and practice of Levites eating sacred/festival provisions.
- Leviticus 22:10 (allusion): Priestly law governing who may eat holy things — provides legal background to the Chronistic depiction of Levites eating consecrated festival food under proper instruction.
- Exodus 12:8 (thematic): Instruction for eating the Passover meal — thematically connected to Hezekiah’s reinstated Passover/feast observance and communal eating during the seven days.
- Deuteronomy 16:11-14 (thematic): Regulations for the festival/feast of weeks and related pilgrim feasts, calling for rejoicing and sharing with Levites and others — parallels the communal rejoicing, sacrifices of peace, and thank offerings in the seven‑day celebration.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hezekiah urged the Levites, who were wise in the service of the LORD, to sing praises to the LORD with the words of David and of Asaph the seer; and they ate the consecrated things for seven days, offering sacrifices of peace and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
- Hezekiah gave charge to all the Levites who were skilled in knowledge to do what is good for the service of the LORD; and they ate the festival for seven days, offering peace offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
2 C.30.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויועצו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- הקהל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- שבעת: NUM,card,construct
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אחרים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שבעת: NUM,card,construct
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שמחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 30:21 (verbal): Earlier in the same chapter the assembly 'kept the feast seven days' and celebrated with joy — same action and language repeated in v.23.
- 2 Chronicles 30:26 (thematic): Gives the result of the extended celebration: 'great joy in Jerusalem' and the claim that nothing like it had been since Solomon — echoes v.23's extension and its communal joy.
- Exodus 12:15 (thematic): The Mosaic legislation commands seven days of Unleavened Bread following Passover ('seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread'), providing the legal precedent for a seven-day festival observance.
- 2 Chronicles 35:18-19 (thematic): King Josiah's celebrated Passover is described as unparalleled ('there was no passover like to that kept in Israel since the days of Samuel'), paralleling 2 Chr 30's note that such joy had not occurred since Solomon.
- Nehemiah 8:17 (structural): After the Law was read, the returned exiles kept the Feast of Booths for seven days with communal rejoicing — a comparable pattern of restoring/observing a seven-day festival with joy.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the whole assembly decided to keep another seven days; so they kept another seven days with joy.
- The whole congregation also took counsel to keep another seven days; so they kept another seven days with joy.
2 C.30.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- חזקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- הרים: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- לקהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- פרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושבעת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- צאן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- והשרים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- הרימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לקהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- וצאן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשרת: NUM,card,ten,cons
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויתקדשו: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,pl
- כהנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לרב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 29:31-36 (verbal): Same Hezekiah restoration context — lists large numbers of bulls and sheep offered and states that the priests were sanctified, using language and details closely parallel to 2 Chr 30:24.
- Numbers 7:1-11 (thematic): Leaders of Israel bring bulls, rams and other animals as communal offerings for the dedication of the sanctuary — a thematic parallel of chiefs furnishing large sacrificial gifts for corporate worship.
- 1 Chronicles 29:21-22 (thematic): David and the leaders make great offerings and appoint worshipers/priests for the service; parallels the motif of rulers and leaders providing abundant sacrifices and consecrating the priesthood.
- Ezra 3:2-6 (thematic): At the restoration under Zerubbabel the people re-establish the altar and offer burnt offerings as in former times — parallels the revival/restoration setting in which large collective sacrifices and priestly consecration occur.
Alternative generated candidates
- For Hezekiah king of Judah provided to the assembly a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep; and the princes provided to the assembly a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep. Thus many priests were sanctified.
- For Hezekiah king of Judah had provided for the congregation a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep; and the princes had provided for the congregation a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep; and the priests consecrated themselves in abundance.
2 C.30.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- כל: DET
- קהל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הקהל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הבאים: PART,qal,ptcp,masc,pl,def
- מישראל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- והגרים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- הבאים: PART,qal,ptcp,masc,pl,def
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והיושבים: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,def
- ביהודה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 30:26 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode—explicitly states there was great joy in Jerusalem, amplifying the rejoicing described in 30:25.
- 1 Chronicles 15:25 (verbal): Describes priests, Levites and all Israel rejoicing together when bringing the ark—parallels the assembled worshiping groups and corporate joy.
- Ezra 3:11 (thematic): At the laying of the temple foundation the priests, Levites and people praised and gave thanks with loud voices—similar liturgical celebration involving priests, Levites, Israelites and residents.
- Nehemiah 12:43 (thematic): During the dedication of the wall there was great rejoicing in Jerusalem by priests, Levites and the people; the joy of Jerusalem was celebrated publicly, echoing the communal joy in 2 Chr 30:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- There was great rejoicing in Jerusalem, for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel there had not been the like in Jerusalem.
- Thus the whole assembly of Judah rejoiced, and the priests and the Levites, and all the assembly who came from Israel, and also the sojourners who came from the land of Israel, and those who dwelt in Judah.
2 C.30.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- שמחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- מימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- כזאת: DEM,f,sg
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 35:18 (verbal): Describes Josiah's Passover as unparalleled in Israel since the days of Samuel—closely parallels the language and claim in 2 Chr 30:26 that the celebration in Jerusalem was unmatched since Solomon.
- Nehemiah 8:12 (thematic): After the public reading of the Law the people ‘went away to eat and drink and to send portions… and make great rejoicing’—a similar picture of communal religious renewal producing exceptional joy in Jerusalem.
- Nehemiah 12:43 (thematic): Reports very great rejoicing and thanksgiving with choirs, musical instruments, and offerings in Jerusalem—parallels the widespread, unprecedented celebratory response described in 2 Chr 30:26.
- 1 Chronicles 29:9 (thematic): When David's people gave willingly for the temple, ‘the people rejoiced’—a communal rejoicing tied to temple worship that echoes the celebratory tone and temple-centered worship of 2 Chr 30:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- The priests and the Levites rose up and blessed the people; and their voice came up and their prayer ascended to his holy dwelling place in heaven.
- There was great gladness in Jerusalem; for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel there had not been the like in Jerusalem.
2 C.30.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקמו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויברכו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בקולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,pl
- ותבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- תפלתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- למעון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קדשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לשמים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 8:30 (verbal): Solomon's temple-prayer: petition that God 'hear from heaven thy dwelling place' — closely parallels the language of prayer/voice ascending to God's holy dwelling.
- 2 Chronicles 6:21-22 (verbal): Hezekiah/Solomon-era prayer formula: asks God to 'hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place' when people pray toward the temple — nearly identical imagery of prayer coming to God's dwelling.
- Numbers 6:24-26 (thematic): The priestly blessing formula ('The LORD bless you and keep you…') — connects to the role of priests/Levites rising to bless the people in 2 Chr 30:27.
- 1 Chronicles 29:20-22 (structural): David/assembly scene where leaders bless the people and the people respond with praise and service — similar action of priests/Levites blessing the assembly and communal worship.
- Psalm 141:2 (thematic): Prayer-as-incense motif ('Let my prayer be set forth as incense before thee') — parallels the image of the people's prayer ascending to God's holy dwelling in heaven.
Alternative generated candidates
- When all this came to pass, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah and broke the pillars, cut down the sacred poles, and smashed the high places and the altars from all Judah and Benjamin and Ephraim and Manasseh until they were destroyed.
- The priests and the Levites arose and blessed the people; and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling, to heaven.
2 C.31.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וככלות: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- יצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנמצאים: ADJ,part,m,pl,def
- לערי: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וישברו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- המצבות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ויגדעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- האשרים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- וינתצו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הבמות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- המזבחת: NOUN,f,pl,def
- מכל: PREP
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ובנימן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובאפרים: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ומנשה: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- לכלה: VERB,qal,inf
- וישובו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאחזתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- לעריהם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kings 18:4 (verbal): Describes Hezekiah's removal of high places, breaking of pillars and cutting down of the Asherah—language and actions closely mirror 2 Chronicles 31:1.
- 2 Chronicles 34:3-7 (thematic): Josiah's nationwide reform: tearing down altars, cutting down Asherim and destroying high places throughout Judah and Israel, echoing the same reformist sweep.
- 2 Kings 23:4-20 (verbal): Parallel account of Josiah's purge of idolatrous sites and objects (altars, Asherim, high places), with specific actions very similar to those in 2 Chronicles 31:1.
- Deuteronomy 12:2-3 (structural): Law commanding the destruction of the Canaanite cultic sites, pillars and images—provides the legal/theological rationale behind the reforms described in 2 Chronicles 31:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then all the Israelites returned, every man to his possession, to their own cities.
- When all these things were finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah and broke the pillar-stones and cut down the Asherim and broke down the high places and the altars throughout all Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them; and all the people returned, every man to his possession, to their own cities.
And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and he wrote also letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem to keep the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel. And the king and his princes and all the assembly in Jerusalem took counsel to keep the Passover in the second month.
For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves in full measure and the people were not gathered to Jerusalem. And the matter pleased the king and all the assembly. So a decree was proclaimed to cause the word to pass through all Israel — from Beersheba even to Dan — that they should come to keep the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel, at Jerusalem; for it had not been kept in great number, as written. And couriers ran with letters from the king and his princes through all Israel and Judah, according to the command of the king, saying, "Sons of Israel, turn back to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant that is left with you from the hand of the kings of Assyria."
Be not like your fathers and your brothers who acted treacherously against the LORD, the God of their fathers; who delivered them up, as you see. Now be not stiff-necked as your fathers were; give yourselves to the LORD, come to his sanctuary which he has sanctified forever, and serve the LORD your God, that his fierce wrath may turn away from you.
For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and your sons will find mercy with their captors, and will return to this land; for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn his face away from you, if you return to him. And the couriers went from city to city through the land of Ephraim and Manasseh even to Zebulun; and they scoffed at them and mocked them.
Nevertheless some men of Asher, Manasseh, and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.
Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD. And there assembled at Jerusalem a very great congregation to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month; a very great assembly. And they rose up and removed the altars that were in Jerusalem and all the incense stands they took away, and cast them into the Kidron brook. And they slaughtered the Passover on the fourteenth day of the second month; and the priests and the Levites were ashamed and sanctified themselves, and brought the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD. And they stood in their place according to their custom, according to the law of Moses; the priests sprinkled the blood which the Levites took with their hands.
For there were many in the congregation who had not sanctified themselves; therefore the Levites were over the slaughtering of the Passover for all who were not clean, to sanctify them to the LORD.
For a multitude of the people, many of Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not purified themselves; yet they ate the Passover contrary to the prescribed manner. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, "May the LORD, who is good, atone." And every one whose heart was moved to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, prepared to seek the LORD, and they ate the Passover, even though they had not purified themselves according to the purification of the sanctuary. And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people. And the children of Israel who were present at Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness; and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with instruments of music to the LORD. And Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites who had skill for the work of the house of the LORD; and they ate the festival seven days, offering sacrifices of peace offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers. And the whole assembly took counsel to keep seven more days; so they kept seven more days with gladness.
For Hezekiah king of Judah had provided for the assembly a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep; and the princes had provided for the assembly a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep; and many priests were sanctified. And all the assembly of Judah rejoiced, and the priests and the Levites, and all the assembly that came from Israel, and the sojourners who came from the land of Israel and who dwelt in Judah.
There was great joy in Jerusalem; for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel there was nothing like this in Jerusalem.
Then the priests and Levites arose and blessed the people; and their voice was heard and their prayer came up to his holy habitation, even to heaven. And when all these things were ended, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and broke the pillars in pieces, and cut down the Asherim, and broke down the high places and the altars throughout Judah and Benjamin and Ephraim and Manasseh, even to their destruction; and all the people of Israel returned, everyone to his possession, to their own cities.