Year 9, Day 329: 2 Chronicles 31

Theological Commentary: Click Here

There is an important fact that should shine through this text, but unfortunately people who aren’t experts on their Hebrew history don’t see.  Remember that Hezekiah was the king when Tiglath-pileser III came through from Assyria and conquered the land, stopping at the gates of Jerusalem before a plague assaulted his army and forced him back to Assyria.  Hezekiah called for the Passover in response of the action of the hand of God.  It is out of this incredible feeling of relief that the people gather.

Tiglath-pileser III plundered Judah and utterly conquered Israel.  He stripped the land of resources.  He took people into exile.  He stole their valuables.  He left little behind when he and his army moved through.

Hezekiah calls for the Passover.  The people are so moved that they come to the Passover and leave changed.  They go home and rip down the false gods and their places of worship.  The nation is moved by the worship and God’s salvation.

When Hezekiah calls for sacrifices, an amazing thing happens.  This is the part that is easy to miss.  The sacrifices come in great abundance.  There are so many sacrifices that they begin to heap up.  This is important.  Remember, Tiglath-pileser III stripped the land of whatever wealth and resources his army could find.  Where are these people getting abundant sacrifices?  The answer is easy.  God has blessed the people.  God’s blessing can take a poor and defeated land and make it prosperous.

Don’t lose sight of the fact that Hezekiah leads the way.  When he calls for sacrifices, he sets the expectation.  He knows the abundance of God’s provision personally.  He gives out of what God has provided.  Hezekiah doesn’t simply make reforms; Hezekiah makes reforms that start in his own household.  That is a spiritual leader.

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