2 Chronicles 29 13

2 Chronicles 29:13 kjv

And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:

2 Chronicles 29:13 nkjv

of the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeiel; of the sons of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah;

2 Chronicles 29:13 niv

from the descendants of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeiel; from the descendants of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah;

2 Chronicles 29:13 esv

and of the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeuel; and of the sons of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah;

2 Chronicles 29:13 nlt

From the family of Elizaphan: Shimri and Jeiel.
From the family of Asaph: Zechariah and Mattaniah.

2 Chronicles 29 verses

2 Chronicles 29 13 Meaning

This verse identifies six specific Levites by name, drawn from three prominent Levitical family lines—Merari, Elizaphan (a branch of Kohath), and Asaph—who were appointed and involved in the initial phase of King Hezekiah's comprehensive cleansing and sanctification of the Temple in Jerusalem. It underscores the structured and organized nature of this spiritual and physical restoration under chosen leaders.

2 Chronicles 29 13 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 29 records King Hezekiah's righteous actions at the very beginning of his reign, a stark contrast to his idolatrous father, Ahaz. Upon ascending the throne, Hezekiah immediately re-opened the doors of the defiled and neglected Temple of the Lord (2 Chr 29:3). His primary focus was to restore proper worship to Yahweh, recognizing that the nation's spiritual degradation was at the root of its troubles. He called the priests and Levites together, challenging them to purify themselves first and then to cleanse the House of the Lord from all abominations that had accumulated during Ahaz's reign. This command implicitly polemicized against the syncretic worship and disregard for the Mosaic Law that characterized previous reigns.

Verse 13 fits into the larger narrative as it details who specifically responded to Hezekiah's call among the Levites, specifically those from the sons of Merari, Elizaphan, and Asaph. These individuals, along with others listed in verse 12, are the Levite leaders who took charge of the Temple purification process. Their swift and dedicated response was crucial for the spiritual revival that swept Judah, signifying a return to the covenant order and God-given roles within the worship of Israel. The inclusion of specific family lines indicates a methodical and biblically-rooted approach to the restoration, drawing upon the Levitical divisions ordained from Moses' and David's time.

2 Chronicles 29 13 Word analysis

• And (וְ, ve): A simple conjunction, connecting this verse to the preceding one, indicating a continuation of the list of Levites who stepped forward for the task of purifying the Temple. It shows the organized, systematic nature of the clean-up operation, moving from one group of Levites to the next.

• of the sons of Merari (מִבְּנֵי מְרָרִי, mibbenei Merari): Merari was the youngest of Levi's three sons (along with Gershon and Kohath). The Merarite clan's primary responsibility in the Tabernacle (and by extension, the Temple) was related to its physical structure – the frames, bars, pillars, sockets, and all their associated equipment (Num 3:36-37, Num 4:31-32). Their presence here emphasizes that the cleansing was comprehensive, reaching down to the fundamental structural components of the Temple, signifying a complete renewal from foundation to rooftop.

  • Asaiah (אֲשָׂיָהוּ, Asayahu): Meaning "Yahweh has made" or "made by Yahweh." He is identified as "the chief" here. This implies he held a position of significant authority and organizational oversight within the Merarite contingent, leading the charge in their specific duties during the Temple cleansing. His mention highlights the structured leadership crucial for such a massive undertaking.

  • the chief (הָרֹאשׁ, ha-rosh): Lit. "the head." This term clearly denotes a leader, an official in a prominent position. Asaiah was not just a participant but a designated leader among the Merarites, overseeing their particular duties in the restoration project. This speaks to the divinely ordered structure of Levitical service.

  • and Joel (וְיוֹאֵל, ve-Yo'el): Meaning "Yahweh is God." Joel is a common biblical name. His listing alongside Asaiah suggests he was a key figure, perhaps a close associate, deputy, or another prominent member of the Merarite family responsible for contributing to the work.

• of the sons of Elizaphan (מִבְּנֵי אֱלִיצָפָן, mibbenei Elitsaphan): Elizaphan (or Elizaphan, a variant of Elitsaphan) was a chief of the Uzzielite clan, which was a division of the Kohathites (Num 3:30, 1 Chr 15:8). The Kohathites were uniquely entrusted with the sacred articles of the Tabernacle – the Ark, the table of showbread, the lampstand, altars, and other holy vessels, after they had been covered by the priests (Num 3:31, Num 4:15). Their participation signifies that the purification extended to the most sacred objects and internal elements of the Temple.

  • Shemaiah (שְׁמַעְיָה, Shemayah): Meaning "Heard by Yahweh" or "Yahweh has heard." Shemaiah is a very common name, often associated with prominent Levites and scribes. This individual was a leading figure among the sons of Elizaphan, contributing to the re-consecration of the Temple's holy furnishings.

  • and Jehiel (וִיחִיאֵל, vi-Yehi'el): Meaning "May God live" or "God lives." Jehiel is another common Levitical name, associated with treasury management and temple administration in David's time (1 Chr 26:21). His involvement emphasizes that the operational aspects of sacred worship were also being restored.

• and of the sons of Asaph (וּמִבְּנֵי אָסָף, u-mibbenei Asaph): Asaph was one of the three chief musicians appointed by King David for Tabernacle and Temple service (1 Chr 6:39, 1 Chr 15:17-19). His descendants, the Asaphites, were renowned singers, musicians, and sometimes even prophets (2 Chr 5:12, 2 Chr 20:14, 1 Chr 25:1-2). Their presence indicates that the purification encompassed the realm of worship, praise, and the spiritual atmosphere, moving beyond just physical structures and ritual objects. It implies a re-establishment of joyous and orderly praise as central to the Temple's purpose.

  • Zechariah (זְכַרְיָהוּ, Zekaryahu): Meaning "Yahweh remembers." An extremely common biblical name. As an Asaphite, Zechariah's role would have been crucial in re-establishing the musical and prophetic aspects of Temple worship, indicating the revival of not just rituals but also genuine spiritual expression.

  • and Mattaniah (וּמַתַּנְיָהוּ, u-Mattanyahu): Meaning "Gift of Yahweh." Also a prominent Levitical name, especially noted among those leading post-exilic worship (Neh 11:17). His presence alongside Zechariah underlines the restoration of musical leadership for communal praise and worship.

Words-group analysis:

• "sons of Merari," "sons of Elizaphan," "sons of Asaph": This grouping by lineage underscores the distinct, yet complementary, roles of different Levitical families in Temple service, ordained by God from the time of the Tabernacle. Merarites (physical structure), Kohathites/Elizaphanites (sacred furnishings), and Asaphites (musical worship/prophecy). Their combined representation in this task demonstrates a holistic and complete approach to restoring true worship – involving everything from the physical edifice, its holy contents, to the spiritual expressions of praise and devotion. It signifies that Hezekiah's revival sought to restore God's order in every facet of the Temple's purpose.

• The naming of specific individuals: The inclusion of personal names here (and in 2 Chr 29:12) highlights the individual commitment and dedicated service of these Levitical leaders. It makes the account tangible, acknowledging their personal contribution to the national spiritual restoration. It signifies that the work was not left to abstract "Levites" but undertaken by real people, with designated authority and responsibility. This list also shows a chain of command and organized action under divine mandate.

2 Chronicles 29 13 Bonus section

• The rapid response of these Levites (and those mentioned in verse 12) to Hezekiah's call contrasts sharply with the spiritual lethargy and defilement that characterized King Ahaz's reign. This swift action reflects a remnant of faithfulness among the Levitical order who were prepared to heed a godly king's command.
• While these roles pertained to the Old Covenant Temple, the underlying principle of diverse spiritual gifts working together for the health and holiness of the corporate body remains deeply relevant for the church (Rom 12, 1 Cor 12). Each "family" of gifts (structural, administrative, musical/worship leading) contributes essentially to a healthy, God-honoring collective.
• The meticulous detailing of specific Levite names emphasizes the value God places on individual obedience and faithfulness within communal service. It reminds us that our personal dedication matters and is noted in God's divine record.

2 Chronicles 29 13 Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:13 provides a specific roll call of Levitical leaders crucial to Hezekiah's unprecedented Temple cleansing. This verse, along with the preceding one, demonstrates the detailed and orderly nature of the reform. King Hezekiah understood that national revival required first restoring proper worship, which necessitated purifying the very center of that worship – the Temple. By identifying individuals from the Merarite, Elizaphanite (Kohathite), and Asaphite families, the chronicler emphasizes the comprehensive scope of this cleansing. The Merarites addressed the building's physical integrity, the Kohathites handled the sacred internal vessels, and the Asaphites oversaw the return of God-honoring musical worship. Their combined, diligent service laid the foundation for Judah's spiritual reawakening, highlighting the divine design of distinct roles and unified efforts within God's household for restoration and worship. It underscores the importance of qualified leadership and dedicated, diverse contributions in any work for God, ensuring all aspects are addressed.