Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 30

Verses 1-27

For a long time the proper feasts of the Lord had not been observed. Hezekiah made arrangements to keep the Passover. It is very beautiful to see how his heart took in the whole nation. In all probability, this Passover was observed before the final passing of the northern kingdom into captivity; and Hezekiah sent messengers throughout Israel as well as Judah, asking them to come up to Jerusalem and take part in the feast. The hopeless corruption of Israel is seen in the statement that "the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, even unto Zebulun; but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them."

Nevertheless, a remnant even out of Israel gathered to Judah, and took part in the sacred, solemn observance. It was a motley crowd that gathered, multitudes of the people were utterly ignorant of the divine arrangements for preparation. Again Hezekiah's tenderness was shown in his pity for these people and the prayer he offered. His prayer was answered, and the imperfect method was not punished in the case of those who set their hearts to seek the Lord.