Royalty and Ruin

Celebrating the Passover

In his zeal to make the temple services a real blessing, Hezekiah determined to gather the Israelites together for the Passover feast. For many years the Passover had not been observed as a national festival. The division of the kingdom after Solomon’s reign had made this seem unachievable. But the stirring messages of the prophets were having their effect. Royal messengers heralded the invitation to the Passover at Jerusalem “from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as Zebulun.” The bearers of the invitation were usually repulsed; nevertheless some “humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.” 2 Chronicles 30:10, 11. RR 122.5

In Judah the response was widespread, for God gave “them singleness of heart to obey the command of the king and the leaders”—a command in accord with the will of God as revealed through His prophets. Verse 12. RR 122.6

The desecrated streets of the city were cleared of the shrines to idols placed there during the reign of Ahaz. The people observed the Passover and spent the week in offering peace offerings and in learning what God would have them do. Those who had prepared their hearts to seek God found pardon. A great gladness swept the multitude. “The Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing to the Lord, accompanied by loud instruments.” All were united in their desire to praise Him. Verse 21. RR 123.1

The seven days of the feast passed all too quickly, and the worshipers determined to spend another seven days in learning the way of the Lord more fully. The teaching priests continued their instruction from the book of the law. Daily the people assembled to offer praise and thanksgiving. And as the great meeting drew to a close, it was evident that God had worked marvelously to convert backsliding Judah. “There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem.” Verse 26. RR 123.2