purified themselves Cf. Ezra 6:20. The description of the sacrifices offered by Hezekiah on the occasion of a national purification should be compared, 2 Chronicles 29:20-24.

the people … the gates … the walls i.e. the people were purified in order that they might engage in the solemn dedication of their city walls without violation of the laws of purity. -The gates and walls" were probably sprinkled, both as a sign of the dedication and to remove defilement from the path of the sacred procession.

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