And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:
Hezekiah came to the throne at twenty-five years old as the son of a bad father, and brought a much-needed reform. His first work was to open and repair the temple and re-establish the worship of the true God, calling the priests and Levites to consecrate themselves and cleanse it. That undertaking took ability and determination, because evil beliefs and practices still held the people strongly, even though they were dissatisfied under his father and grandfather. The Levites named here took part in cleansing God's house and putting away idolatry, a course that pleased God and was undertaken for His glory, clearing the temple of its uncleanness and the accumulated rubbish of years in eight days.
After the cleansing he restored worship with offerings and musicians, and the people rejoiced because God had prepared them and the work was completed suddenly. He then sent messengers with letters from city to city throughout the northern kingdom, inviting the people everywhere to forsake their idols, return to the true God, and come to a great religious festival at Jerusalem.
Some mocked and laughed while others came, and a great Passover feast lasting fourteen days was held with many sacrifices offered with great gladness, the greatest revival since the time of Solomon. Under his direction the people went through the city breaking down idols, cutting down groves, and destroying high places and altars.
Hezekiah came to the throne at twenty-five years old as the son of a bad father, and brought a much-needed reform. His first work was to open and repair the temple and re-establish the worship of the true God, calling the priests and Levites to consecrate themselves and cleanse it. That undertaking took ability and determination, because evil beliefs and practices still held the people strongly, even though they were dissatisfied under his father and grandfather. The Levites named here took part in cleansing God's house and putting away idolatry, a course that pleased God and was undertaken for His glory, clearing the temple of its uncleanness and the accumulated rubbish of years in eight days.
After the cleansing he restored worship with offerings and musicians, and the people rejoiced because God had prepared them and the work was completed suddenly. He then sent messengers with letters from city to city throughout the northern kingdom, inviting the people everywhere to forsake their idols, return to the true God, and come to a great religious festival at Jerusalem.
Some mocked and laughed while others came, and a great Passover feast lasting fourteen days was held with many sacrifices offered with great gladness, the greatest revival since the time of Solomon. Under his direction the people went through the city breaking down idols, cutting down groves, and destroying high places and altars.