2 Chronicles 29 17

2 Chronicles 29:17 kjv

Now they began on the first day of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of the LORD: so they sanctified the house of the LORD in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.

2 Chronicles 29:17 nkjv

Now they began to sanctify on the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month they came to the vestibule of the LORD. So they sanctified the house of the LORD in eight days, and on the sixteenth day of the first month they finished.

2 Chronicles 29:17 niv

They began the consecration on the first day of the first month, and by the eighth day of the month they reached the portico of the LORD. For eight more days they consecrated the temple of the LORD itself, finishing on the sixteenth day of the first month.

2 Chronicles 29:17 esv

They began to consecrate on the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month they came to the vestibule of the LORD. Then for eight days they consecrated the house of the LORD, and on the sixteenth day of the first month they finished.

2 Chronicles 29:17 nlt

They began the work in early spring, on the first day of the new year, and in eight days they had reached the entry room of the LORD's Temple. Then they purified the Temple of the LORD itself, which took another eight days. So the entire task was completed in sixteen days.

2 Chronicles 29 verses

2 Chronicles 29 17 Meaning

2 Chronicles 29:17 describes the meticulous and dedicated process initiated by King Hezekiah for the purification and reconsecration of the Temple of the Lord. It details the timeline of this vital act of restoration, starting on the very first day of the first month, symbolizing a complete break from the past defilement under his father, King Ahaz. The verse highlights the disciplined progression: eight days dedicated to sanctifying the outer courts leading to the portico, and another eight days focused on purifying the innermost parts of the House of the Lord itself, culminating in its complete cleansing by the sixteenth day of the first month. This reflects Hezekiah's immediate and fervent commitment to re-establish true worship in Judah.

2 Chronicles 29 17 Context

King Hezekiah ascended the throne of Judah after his father, King Ahaz, who had led the nation into deep apostasy, extensively defiling the Temple of the Lord by introducing pagan altars and rites and eventually shutting its doors (2 Chr 28:24). The spiritual state of Judah was abysmal, marked by idolatry, sacrifice of children, and blatant disregard for God's covenant.Immediately upon becoming king, in his first regnal year and in the first month, Hezekiah demonstrated radical faithfulness and zeal for the Lord. Before anything else, he prioritized the spiritual restoration of the nation by focusing on the heart of their worship: the Temple. He challenged the Levites and priests, who had neglected their duties, to purify themselves and the Temple. 2 Chronicles 29:17 describes the painstaking initial phase of this purification, a precise, calendrical process, marking a determined return to holiness and order after a period of chaos and desecration. This rapid and thorough cleansing was foundational for the subsequent reforms, reintroduction of proper sacrifices, and the grand celebration of Passover that followed (2 Chr 30). It stands in stark contrast to the idolatry of previous reigns, highlighting Hezekiah's deep commitment to Yahweh.

2 Chronicles 29 17 Word analysis

• They began: Refers specifically to the Levites and priests, as commanded by Hezekiah in 2 Chr 29:5. This indicates obedience and collective effort in a task requiring priestly and Levitical purity and ritual expertise. The active involvement signifies a change from the previous spiritual lethargy.
• on the first day: Nisan 1, the first day of the new year in the sacred calendar. This choice emphasizes a radical, fresh start and a clear break from the past defilement. It symbolizes new beginnings and covenant renewal, setting the tone for Hezekiah’s entire reign.
• of the first month: Nisan, corresponding to March/April, marking the beginning of the religious year. This underscores the intentionality of Hezekiah’s immediate actions upon taking the throne, placing God's honor and worship as the very first order of business.
• to sanctify: The Hebrew word is qadash (קָדַשׁ), meaning "to be holy, to consecrate, to purify, to dedicate." This is not merely cleaning dirt but making something ritually and spiritually pure for sacred use, removing defilement to make it fit for God's presence. It encompasses both physical cleansing and ritual dedication.
• and on the eighth day of the month: This signifies the completion of the first phase of sanctification. Eight often symbolizes new beginnings or completion in biblical numerology (e.g., circumcision on the eighth day). Here, it specifically marks the cleansing of the outer areas.
• they came to the portico of the LORD: The "portico" (’ulam, אֻלָם) was the vestibule or entrance hall leading into the Holy Place of the Temple. This indicates a progression: they first purified the external parts of the Temple, moving inwards towards the more sacred areas, demonstrating a systematic approach to restoration.
• Then they sanctified the house of the LORD: This signifies a second, more intensive phase of cleansing. "House of the LORD" (Bayith YHWH, בַּיִת יְהוָה) refers to the main temple structure, including the Holy Place and possibly the Holy of Holies, which would require the utmost ritual purity.
• in eight days: This refers to the duration taken for this second, more interior phase of purification. Again, the number eight emphasizes a distinct period of thorough and dedicated effort.
• and on the sixteenth day of the first month they finished: This provides the conclusive timeline. The cumulative sixteen days (eight days for the portico/outer areas + eight days for the inner house) indicate a diligent and comprehensive effort, culminating in the complete restoration of the Temple's sanctity. This also highlights a swiftness and urgency in Hezekiah's zeal.

2 Chronicles 29 17 Bonus section

The speed and precision of Hezekiah's Temple cleansing project are notable, especially considering the extensive defilement by Ahaz. The completion by the sixteenth day suggests a sense of urgency and determination driven by genuine faith. This prompt restoration contrasted sharply with periods of spiritual neglect and provided the necessary foundation for the nation to then celebrate the Passover on the fourteenth day of the second month (2 Chr 30:2-3), as the first month was spent in purification. The work involved not only physical cleansing but also the ritual purification of the sacred vessels (2 Chr 29:18-19), preparing everything for recommissioned holy service. The entire process implicitly serves as a polemic against the arbitrary and profane worship practices of the surrounding nations and those introduced by Ahaz, reaffirming Yahweh's specific requirements for approaching Him in holiness.

2 Chronicles 29 17 Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:17 reveals Hezekiah’s exemplary zeal and systematic approach to restoring pure worship in Judah. His immediate action to cleanse the defiled Temple, starting on the first day of the first month, signifies a radical break from his father’s idolatry and a commitment to fresh covenant loyalty. The detailed timeline of 16 days – broken into two precise 8-day phases – underscores the diligence, order, and comprehensiveness of the purification process. This was more than a mere clean-up; it was a ritual re-sanctification, making God’s dwelling place suitable for His holy presence once again. This episode is a powerful demonstration of genuine spiritual revival initiated by righteous leadership, reminding believers of the necessity of purifying one’s heart and community to prepare a dwelling place for the Lord.

• Example 1: Just as the priests systematically purified each part of the Temple, believers are called to systematically address areas of defilement in their own lives (body, mind, spirit) through repentance and reliance on Christ’s cleansing blood.
• Example 2: Hezekiah's immediate action on "the first day of the first month" challenges believers to prioritize spiritual cleansing and devotion at the start of new seasons or projects, making God their primary focus.