In verses 1-9 - Hezekiah sent a decree to all Israel and Judah to come to Jerusalem to keep the Passover. He sent letters to Ephraim and Manasseh telling them that the kings and princes agreed that everyone should come to Jerusalem in the second month as they could not do so earlier since not enough priests had consecrated themselves, nor were there enough people had assembled in Jerusalem. He called them to return to serve the Lord and not to be like their fathers and brothers who turned away from God. He asked them not to be stubborn but to consecrate themselves so God would turn away from His anger and be merciful to them.

Hezekiah’s call was a call to repent and serve God once again. Is God calling anyone of us reading this chapter, to repent and serve Him once again?

In verses 10-22 – There were two responses when the people heard the call. One group scorned and mocked them. The other humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. They began clearing and setting up the altars to make sacrifices and offerings to the Lord on the fourteenth day of the second month. The priests and Levites were convicted and consecrated themselves. They made offerings to the Lord and began serving the Lord and His people as they consecrated those who had not been cleansed.

Would you respond like those who humbled themselves? James 4:10 says “Humble ourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up!”

Hezekiah prayed for them. He said, “May the good Lord pardon everyone who sets his heart to seek God, the Lord, the God of his fathers, even though not according to the sanctuary's rules of cleanness.” God heard Hezekiah and healed the people. They celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with joy. The Levites and the priests praised God with all their might every day. Hezekiah encouraged the Levites who served well before the Lord.

Hezekiah prayed for the people and encouraged those who served God. Are we like Hezekiah or those who complained and criticized others and those who serve God?

In verses 23-27 – The whole assembly agreed to keep the feast for another seven days. Hezekiah gave the assembly 1,000 bulls and 7,000 sheep for offerings, and the princes gave the assembly 1,000 bulls and 10,000 sheep. And the priests consecrated themselves in great numbers. There was not such a great joy in Jerusalem since the time of Solomon in their worship. The priests and the Levites arose and blessed the people.

Hezekiah and the princes gave generously for the prolonged celebration. Generosity is the expression of their love for God and His people

In Chapter 31:1 -The celebration of the Passover came to an end with a revival. The people returned to the cities to break the pillars, to cut down the Asherim. and broke the high places and altars in Judah and Benjamin.

The result of repentance is revival. Repentance is the removal of idolatry in our lives.

Prayer: Revive us O Lord, I pray as we repent of any sins in us!