2 Chronicles 29 12

2 Chronicles 29:12 kjv

Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:

2 Chronicles 29:12 nkjv

Then these Levites arose: Mahath the son of Amasai and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi and Azariah the son of Jehallelel; of the Gershonites, Joah the son of Zimmah and Eden the son of Joah;

2 Chronicles 29:12 niv

Then these Levites set to work: from the Kohathites, Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah; from the Merarites, Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel; from the Gershonites, Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah;

2 Chronicles 29:12 esv

Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehallelel; and of the Gershonites, Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah;

2 Chronicles 29:12 nlt

Then these Levites got right to work: From the clan of Kohath: Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah.
From the clan of Merari: Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel.
From the clan of Gershon: Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah.

2 Chronicles 29 verses

2 Chronicles 29 12 Meaning

This verse lists specific Levites who stepped forward ("arose") from their respective clans—the Kohathites, Merarites, and Gershonites—to take an active role in King Hezekiah's commanded purification and sanctification of the Temple. It signifies the readiness and chosen individuals responsible for initiating the restoration of true worship in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 29 12 Context

2 Chronicles 29 begins with the accession of Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, to the throne of Judah. Unlike his father, who plunged the kingdom into idolatry and shut down the Temple, Hezekiah, at the young age of 25, immediately demonstrates a fervent commitment to the Lord. The chapter chronicles his spiritual reform, starting with the prompt opening and cleansing of the desecrated Temple in Jerusalem. He gathers the Levites and priests, challenges them to consecrate themselves, and issues a decree for the thorough purification of God's house, which had become filled with idolatrous objects and uncleanness. Verse 12 is a direct response to this call, listing the specific individuals from the key Levitical families—Kohathites, Merarites, and Gershonites—who stood up to lead and perform this vital cleansing work, highlighting their immediate obedience and readiness to serve in restoring proper worship. This act was a crucial step in reversing decades of spiritual decline and national apostasy under previous kings, particularly Ahaz. It represented a powerful move back towards covenant faithfulness, implicitly polemical against the polytheism and spiritual neglect prevalent in Judah and surrounding nations.

2 Chronicles 29 12 Word analysis

• Then (וַיָּקוּמוּ – va-yyaqumu): "And they rose up." This initial word indicates immediate, prompt action and response following Hezekiah's command. It denotes readiness and willingness to obey without delay.

• the Levites (הַלְוִיִּם – ha-levi'im): The tribal group specially designated by God for sacred service in the Tabernacle and Temple. Their role was critical in maintaining the purity and order of worship, distinguishing them from other tribes and the priests within their own tribe.

• arose (וַיָּקוּמוּ – va-yyaqumu): Reinforces "Then." It signifies taking a stand, emerging from the crowd, and demonstrating initiative. It's an active posture, showing spiritual zeal and commitment.

• Mahath the son of Amasai: A Kohathite Levite, chosen for his part in the purification.

• and Joel the son of Azariah: Another Kohathite Levite, showing more than one representative from the clan.

• from the sons of the Kohathites (לִבְנֵי הַקְּהָתִי – livney ha-qehati): One of the three primary Levitical clans. Historically responsible for the most sacred elements of the Tabernacle and Temple, such as the Ark and the altar, signifying a special, intimate role in handling holy things.

• and from the sons of Merari (וְלִבְנֵי מְרָרִי – ve-livney merari): Another primary Levitical clan. Merarites were primarily responsible for the structural elements of the Tabernacle: its frames, bars, pillars, and bases, signifying the cleansing of the Temple's physical foundation and structure.

• Kish the son of Abdi: A Merarite Levite, also named as a key participant.

• and Azariah the son of Jehallelel: Another Merarite Levite.

• and from the Gershonites (וְלַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּי – ve-lagershuni): The third primary Levitical clan. The Gershonites were responsible for the coverings and curtains of the Tabernacle, indicating the cleansing of the aesthetic and protective layers of the Temple.

• Joah the son of Zimmah: A Gershonite Levite, participating in the work.

• and Eden the son of Joah: Another Gershonite Levite.

• Then the Levites arose: This phrase signifies a pivotal moment of immediate, unified, and decisive action by God's appointed ministers. It is an active step forward, prompted by the king's righteous command and demonstrating their willingness to confront and rectify the spiritual decay. This reflects the necessary alacrity and obedience required in times of spiritual renewal.

• Listing of individuals and their lineages: The specific naming of individuals from each of the three main Levitical clans underscores the organized and comprehensive nature of the reform. It wasn't a random group but representative individuals, likely chosen for their spiritual uprightness and dedication, ensuring that all aspects of the Temple—from its most holy elements to its structural and decorative components—were addressed in the purification process. This emphasis on diverse representation within unity is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative of collective service to God.

2 Chronicles 29 12 Bonus section

The detailed enumeration of Levites here, by name and lineage, suggests that the reform was not a superficial effort but a deeply intentional and systematic process. This highlights a principle in God's kingdom work: significant spiritual undertakings often require identifiable, consecrated individuals taking responsibility within their divinely appointed roles. It foreshadows a pattern of meticulous obedience and corporate accountability essential for true worship. Furthermore, the selection implies a conscious effort to gather faithful leaders from all traditional branches of Levitical service, ensuring that the work of cleansing and reconsecration was both legitimate and complete according to the divine instructions for Temple ministry. This proactive, obedient response from the Levites themselves demonstrates the critical role of the faithful in the renewal of a community or nation.

2 Chronicles 29 12 Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:12 marks the active commencement of Hezekiah's spiritual revival, pivoting from royal decree to obedient action. The naming of specific Levites from each of the major clans—Kohath, Merari, and Gershon—is not merely a bureaucratic record but a crucial theological statement. It signifies a comprehensive and organized response to God's call for purity. Each Levitical clan had distinct responsibilities regarding the Tabernacle and Temple, implying that the cleansing was thorough, addressing every facet of God's house from its innermost holy vessels (Kohathites) to its structural framework (Merarites) and outer coverings (Gershonites). Their willingness to "arise" indicates immediate, consecrated readiness to restore holiness, providing a profound example of corporate repentance and dedicated service required for national spiritual renewal. It underscores that God's work of restoration often begins with a faithful remnant taking immediate, deliberate steps of obedience, bringing order and purity where there had been neglect and desecration. This collective action highlights the necessity of structured, representative, and consecrated service in reversing spiritual decline and re-establishing right worship.