2 Chronicles 30:13-20
30:14 a Several challenges faced Hezekiah before Passover could be observed. Although the Temple had been purified, the city was not pure. The first task of the assembled multitude was to remove all pagan altars, which they disposed of in the Kidron Valley, where they could be burned.30:15 b The priests were inadequately prepared for the great number of people who came. The problem might have involved the priests who came from outside the city and had not been a part of the earlier purification. However, the response of the people outstripped that of the professional clerics, to their great shame.
Summary for 2Chr 30:17-19: 30:17-19 c A large number of pilgrims who traveled great distances from foreign lands did not have an opportunity to receive the proper purification ceremonies and were unfit to participate in the ceremony. Hezekiah allowed the pilgrims to eat the Passover without participating in the sacrificial ritual and in an impure state, and he prayed that God would accept their worship. Hezekiah was following the formula for restoration (see 7:14 d).
30:20 e God’s response to Hezekiah’s prayer showed that he is more concerned with the attitude of the heart than with strict attention to ritual details.
• healed the people: Cp. 7:14 f.
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