Israel — All the persons of the ten tribes, who were settled in his kingdom. Ephraim, &c. — To all the remainder of the ten tribes, 2 Chronicles 30:5, here expressed by the names of Ephraim and Manasseh, as elsewhere by the name of Ephraim only. But he names these two tribes, because they were neare... [ Continue Reading ]
Second month — Which was against the common rule, but the doing of this in its proper time, namely, the fourteenth day of the first month was impossible, because the temple was not cleansed, nor they prepared. As there was a proviso in the law, that particular persons who were unclean in the first m... [ Continue Reading ]
They kept — Not in the same manner as they had done the former, V. 3. Sufficiently — In such manner as was fit, nor in such numbers as but in the solemn worship of God, by sacrifices, and prayers, and praise, were necessary for the slaying and offering of so many thousands of and publick instruction... [ Continue Reading ]
They — The generality of the ten tribes; who by long want of meat had now lost their appetite to God's ordinances, for which they paid dear. For about six years after their refusal of this offer of grace they were all carried away captive, 2 Kings 18:1, 2 Kings 18:10.... [ Continue Reading ]
The hand of God — God by the power of his grace inclined their hearts to an unanimous compliance with God's and the king's will. And this is mentioned as the reason of this wonderful change wrought in these men, who had lately been given up to idolatry.... [ Continue Reading ]
Ashamed — Their negligence and remissness being upbraided by the general forwardness of the people. The zeal which we observe in others, should make us ashamed of our own coldness, and quicken us not only to do our duty, but to do it with our might.... [ Continue Reading ]
The sanctuary — With that purification which was required of them that came in God's sanctuary. So he calls it to distinguish from that internal purity which they are here acknowledged to have. The great thing required in our attendance on God's ordinances is, that we prepare our heart to seek him;... [ Continue Reading ]
Healed — That is, pardoned this their sin, and accepting them and their services, as if they had been clean.... [ Continue Reading ]
Spoke comfortably — Encouraged them to a chearful and diligent attendance upon their holy ministrations. Princes and magistrates by encouraging faithful and laborious preachers, greatly promote the kingdom of God. That taught — Who by their office were to instruct and build up the people in the know... [ Continue Reading ]
Did give — First to God, to whom the parts appointed were offered in a way of thanksgiving; and then to the people, who feasted upon the relicks, as the offerer used to do in peace — offerings: and Hezekiah, who was the offerer, gave away his right in the remains of the sacrifices to the people. Whi... [ Continue Reading ]
The Levites — Those of the Levites who were priests also; for to them only this work belonged.... [ Continue Reading ]