2 Chronicles 30
DOYLYChap. XXXI. ver. 1. — the high places and the altars] Those probably which Ahas had made in all the fenced cities of Judah, chap. xxviii. 25. By destroying these monuments of idolatry, the Israelites shewed the good effects of the instruction they had received at the celebration of the passover. Pyle.
2 Chronicles 30:2
- — in the gates of the tents of the Lord.] That is, in the Lord’s house, which anciently was a tent. Bp. Patrick.
2 Chronicles 30:4
- — to give the portion of the priests &c.] To pay
2 Chronicles 30:5
- — proclamation throughout all Israel.] We may reasonably suppose that this took place with the consent of Hoshea king of Israel; for he has the best character given of him of all the kings of Israel: and, though “he did evil in the sight of the Lord,” 2 Kings xvii. 2. yet it is added in the next words, “but not as the kings of Israel that were before him;” which probably implies, that he did not prevent his subjects from attending their Divine worship at Jerusalem, as other kings had done. Dr. Wells. We should remark, as an extraordinary instance of God’s goodness to His sinful people in the ten tribes, that He raised up at the very last, when they were ripe for destruction, such a king to reign over them, who did not prevent those of his subjects, who were disposed, from going to worship at Jerusalem. Bp. Patrick. The two golden calves which Jeroboam had set up were at this time taken away; that at Dan by Tiglath-pileser, and the other by Shalmaneser: on this account, the Israelites were probably better disposed at this time to go up to Jerusalem for publick worship. Bp. Wilson.
2 Chronicles 30:12
- — by the word of the Lord.] They considered the command of the king and the princes on this occasion to be as a Divine command; and so it appeared to be by the mighty power of God, which wrought their hearts to a cheerful obedience. Bp. Patrick.
2 Chronicles 30:14
- — took away the altars] They first destroyed all the superstitious altars and images which were used for purposes of idolatry. Pyle.
2 Chronicles 30:17
- For there were many in the congregation &c.] It was found that many of the Israelites who came up from the ten tribes to celebrate this festival, had, through long ignorance and disuse, forgotten to prepare themselves for it by certain ceremonial purifications, required by the law; but, as they appeared to come The feast kept fourteen days. II. CHRONICLES. The courses of the priests and Levites. Before CHRIST 735.
fied: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto the LORD.
2 Chronicles 30:20
- — and healed the people.] That is, granted them pardon, and freed them from the guilt of sin. Bp. Patrick.
2 Chronicles 30:27
- — the priests the Levites] This expression seems here to mean such of the Levites as were priests.