Judah’s worst king so far is followed by Hezekiah, who “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done” (2 Chronicles 29:2). Today’s text clearly teaches that God’s people can always repent and return to Him, no matter what sins they have fallen into.

There has been little place for priests and Levites during Ahaz’s idolatrous reign. They are still to be found, but they have apparently become lax; some have perhaps served at illegitimate shrines. That does not matter: Hezekiah has an important task for them. Judah must seek the Lord once more, and the first step is to cleanse the temple (vv. 3–11).

The Levites consecrate themselves and set to work. Idolatrous objects are removed and destroyed, and the priests purify the temple (vv. 12–19). Many animals are sacrificed as sin offerings for all Israel (vv. 20–24). Music is played and songs are sung as laid down by David (vv. 26–27, 30). The temple is being restored to its proper use, and more sacrifices are made to celebrate the renewed relationship with God.

Not everything, however, is as it should be: Levites have to help the priests, because there are not enough of them to present the offerings. But the people rejoice at what God has brought about so quickly (v. 36).

During Ahaz’s reign, Israel had showed compassion towards Judah (28:9–15); now, under Hezekiah, Judah extends compassion towards Israelites from the 10 tribes of the former Northern Kingdom. Hezekiah holds a Passover, the festival which celebrates how God redeemed the Israelites from slavery to be His holy people (Exodus 12; 19:4–6). He invites “all Israel and Judah” to join the celebrations in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 30:1).

Hezekiah is the first king of Judah to reign after the fall of the Northern Kingdom. His invitation sends a clear message: even now, when their kingdom is no more, survivors from the 10 tribes can return to God. Their fathers sinned, but God is “gracious and compassionate” (vv. 6–9). Sending this invitation is a bold step: after 200 years of division, many southern Israelites might find it hard to welcome northern Israelites. Many northern Israelites reject the invitation, but some respond positively (vv. 10–11).

Hezekiah’s Passover is in some ways irregular. It is celebrated in the second month because of a shortage of consecrated priests (vv. 2–4). Many of those who attend have not consecrated themselves and ought not to be eating at the Passover feast, but Hezekiah boldly prays for forgiveness, and God hears his prayer (vv. 17–20). And, there are seven extra days of celebrations (v. 23).

Nothing like this has happened since Solomon’s time. God hears and answers their prayer (vv. 26–27). On this occasion, irregularities do not matter, for God sees that king and people are sincere in their desire to return to Him.

So far, reform has been confined to Jerusalem. But finally, its effects begin to work outward. Throughout Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh, shrines and idolatrous objects are destroyed (31:1). In a few weeks, Hezekiah has transformed his kingdom.

See also 2 Kings 18:1–8.