2 Chronicles 29 20

2 Chronicles 29:20 kjv

Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29:20 nkjv

Then King Hezekiah rose early, gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29:20 niv

Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials together and went up to the temple of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29:20 esv

Then Hezekiah the king rose early and gathered the officials of the city and went up to the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29:20 nlt

Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials and went to the Temple of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 29 verses

2 Chronicles 29 20 Meaning

2 Chronicles 29:20 portrays King Hezekiah's immediate, diligent, and decisive action to initiate spiritual reformation in Judah. Upon ascending to the throne and recognizing the dilapidated state of worship, he promptly convened the civic leaders and together they ascended to the Temple, the dedicated place of the LORD, to commence the vital work of cleansing and restoration of true worship.

2 Chronicles 29 20 Context

Chapter 29 details the commencement of Hezekiah's reign, a significant turning point after the ungodly reign of his father, Ahaz. Ahaz had systematically defiled and closed the Temple, promoted idolatry, and sacrificed his own sons. Verse 20 comes directly after Hezekiah's command to the Levites and priests to sanctify themselves and cleanse the house of the LORD, indicating his initial steps to restore pure worship. This verse describes the very first public action of King Hezekiah in this national spiritual revival. It marks a clear break from the previous spiritual decadence and establishes a new course for Judah. Historically, Judah was the surviving southern kingdom, frequently facing threats and often mirroring its kings' spiritual health in its national prosperity or decline. The Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a building but the epicenter of their national identity and religious life, signifying God's covenant presence among them.

2 Chronicles 29 20 Word analysis

• Then (וַיַּשְׁכֵּם - wayyashkem): Connects this verse to the preceding divine instruction (v. 19). It emphasizes the immediate response and the logical progression of events.
• King Hezekiah (הַמֶּלֶךְ חִזְקִיָּהוּ - hammelekh Ḥizqiyyahu): Specifies the divinely appointed leader. His kingly authority legitimizes and empowers the corporate action that follows, demonstrating true godly leadership.
• rose early (וַיַּשְׁכֵּם - wayyashkem): This Hebrew verb often conveys urgency, diligence, and serious resolve. It signifies an intentional and prompt beginning, not a hesitant or delayed response. It speaks to Hezekiah's personal commitment and zeal for the work of the LORD. It's a key word emphasizing swift and dedicated action.
• and gathered (וַיֶּאֱסֹף - wayyeʾesof): Implies a deliberate assembly or convocation. Hezekiah did not act alone but united the leadership. This underscores the corporate nature of the restoration, ensuring broad participation and buy-in.
• the officials of the city (אֶת־שָׂרֵי הָעִיר - ʾet-śārey haʿîr): These were the civic and perhaps religious leaders of Jerusalem. Their involvement signifies that the restoration was not merely a Temple issue but a matter affecting the entire community, bringing civic authority to bear on spiritual reform.
• and went up (וַיַּעֲלוּ - wayyaʿalu): A common Hebrew idiom for ascending to Jerusalem, given its elevated geography. It also carries a spiritual connotation of drawing near to God's presence or holy place.
• to the house of the LORD (בֵּית יְהוָה - bêt YHWH): The Temple in Jerusalem, the designated place of worship, sacrifice, and encounter with the covenant God, Yahweh. Its restoration was paramount for re-establishing proper national worship and God's favor.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then King Hezekiah rose early": This phrase highlights Hezekiah's exemplary, personal initiative. His early rising demonstrates earnestness and priority given to God's work. It reflects a profound sense of responsibility as a spiritual leader.
• "and gathered the officials of the city": This indicates a corporate approach to leadership. Hezekiah recognized the necessity of involving key civic leaders to ensure a united, organized, and publicly recognized movement toward reformation. This was a communal undertaking, not solely an individual endeavor.
• "and went up to the house of the LORD": This emphasizes the immediate, correct destination for the restoration of worship. After a period of profound neglect and idolatry under Ahaz, Hezekiah directly led the officials to the rightful place of God's presence, indicating a return to foundational, true worship centered on the Temple and Yahweh.

2 Chronicles 29 20 Bonus section

The phrase "rose early" (wayyashkem) carries a deep theological significance. In Hebrew thought, rising early for an important task signified not only physical readiness but also moral earnestness, commitment, and divine prioritization. It reflects a heart that eagerly seeks to obey God without delay. This proactive posture, as demonstrated by Abraham, Moses, and indeed Jesus himself (Mk 1:35), is central to spiritual breakthrough and effective leadership in God's service. The act of gathering "officials of the city" also implies that the scope of this reformation was beyond purely Levitical or priestly duties; it aimed to reintegrate national life and governance with true worship, indicating a comprehensive approach to covenant faithfulness. This early initiative paved the way for the remarkable nationwide Passover celebration detailed in the subsequent chapters, highlighting how initial acts of diligence can build momentum for broader spiritual renewal.

2 Chronicles 29 20 Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:20 powerfully illustrates the attributes of a godly leader and the urgency of spiritual restoration. Hezekiah's actions are marked by swiftness ("rose early") and deliberate corporate engagement ("gathered the officials") rather than procrastination or private piety alone. This verse reveals that genuine revival begins with intentional, decisive action directed towards God's appointed place and way of worship ("to the house of the LORD"). The "early rising" motif throughout scripture often denotes seriousness and immediate obedience to divine impulse or duty, positioning this moment as foundational to the entire cleansing process. It underlines that restoring faithfulness is not a casual or convenient endeavor, but one demanding prioritized effort from leadership and community. It serves as a stark contrast to his father Ahaz's apathy and provides a powerful example for those called to lead in any capacity—spiritually, communally, or personally—that the pathway to divine blessing often begins with proactive, diligent obedience.