30:1 Ephraim and Manasseh These tribes represent the northern kingdom as a whole. See note on Hos 4:17.

to make a Passover feast Passover regulations are recorded in Exod 12:3–20 and Deut 16:1–8.

30:2 in the second month Passover normally took place in the first month (see Exod 12:2 and note).

Israelite Calendar Table

Israelite Festivals Table

30:3 they were not able to make it at that time Because the temple was still being consecrated, Hezekiah delayed the Passover celebration from the first month to the second (see 2 Chron 29:17). There was precedent for this in the law (Num 9:10–11; see note on Num 9:1–14).

30:5 from Beersheba to Dan A figurative way of referring to all of Israel, including the southern and northern extents.

30:6 return to Yahweh Hezekiah reminds the remaining Israelites of God’s promise at the temple’s original dedication: If the people humble themselves and return to Yahweh, then He will forgive them and heal their land (see 2 Chron 7:14 and note).

30:7 he made them as a desolation A fulfillment of God’s promise at the temple’s original dedication (see 7:19–22).

30:8 his fierce anger See 28:11 and note.

30:9 Yahweh your God is gracious and compassionate Hezekiah’s message would surely resonate with the chronicler’s audience of returned exiles (see note on 7:14). The emphasis on God’s compassion and mercy would have encouraged them to stay faithful as they reestablished temple worship.

30:11 men from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun Only three of the 10 tribes responded positively to Hezekiah’s invitation.

30:13 the Feast of Unleavened Bread See note on Lev 23:6.

30:14 the Wadi Kidron See note on 2 Chr 29:16.

30:16 according to the law of Moses The Chronicler emphasizes that the people acted faithfully to the Law (see 8:13 and note).

30:18 from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun While only three tribes responded positively to Hezekiah’s invitation (v. 11), it appears that individuals from other tribes (e.g., Ephraim and Issachar) also came.

May the good Yahweh make atonement The Hebrew word used here, kipper, often translated “pardon,” is the same word used for atonement (see note on Lev 4:20).

Atonement

30:19 whose heart is set to seek God Emphasizes the inner purity of the participants. Even though some of the participants were not ritually pure, they received atonement (2 Chron 30:18). For the theme of seeking God, see note on 11:16.

30:20 and he healed the people The Hebrew word used here, rapha, can refer to a physical healing (Lev 13:18). It also carries the sense of “to make whole” or “to restore.” This represents a fulfillment of Yahweh’s promise at the temple’s dedication (see 2 Chron 7:14 and note).

30:22 seven days The same length as Solomon’s celebration when the temple was dedicated (2 Chron 7:8–10).

30:23 Then the whole assembly Includes the people of Judah, priests, Levites, the people who came from Israel, and foreigners who were living in Judah and Israel (v. 25).

seven more days This celebration lasts twice as long as the one at the temple’s original dedication.

30:26 nothing such as this in Jerusalem After Solomon’s reign, the kingdom was divided into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. No celebration since had included both kingdoms.

30:27 and blessed the people Most likely a reference to the priestly blessing. See Num 6:23–27 and note.

and their prayer came The Chronicler often emphasizes that God hears and answers prayers (see 1 Chr 4:10 and note).

his holy dwelling place in the heavens See note on 2 Chron 6:21.