2 Chronicles 29:12, commentary and pictures

This verse stands in 2 Chronicles 28-30, in the history of the kingdom of Judah under Hezekiah the good, who followed Ahaz the weak, and it belongs to the account of his purification of the temple and restoration of its worship. Hezekiah became king at twenty-five as the son of a bad father, and his first work, like the first work of Asa, was to open the temple and re-establish the worship of the true God. That work required ability and determination, because evil beliefs and practices still held the people though they were dissatisfied under his father and grandfather. The verse names the Levites of the Kohathite, Merarite, and Gershonite families who arose in response to his call to take part in his reformation and restoration of worship.

After he reopened and repaired the doors of the house, the Levites sanctified themselves and cleansed the Lord's house, clearing it of the accumulated rubbish and uncleanness of years before worship was restored. Their service belonged to his effort to turn Judah from idolatry and honor God and to renew the temple service. That course was associated with God's hearing prayer and blessing His people and with the people's faithful return of tithes.

When the temple was cleared, he sent letters by messengers from city to city throughout the northern kingdom inviting the people to forsake idols, return to the true God, and come to a great religious festival at Jerusalem. Some came and others mocked, yet a great fourteen-day Passover feast was held with many sacrifices and great gladness, the greatest revival since Solomon. Afterward the people under his direction went through the city breaking down idols, cutting down groves, and destroying high places and altars. The account of his revival is an example of a king taking the initiative in a national religious revival, with the civil ruler working together with the religious leadership.