2 Chronicles 30 15

2 Chronicles 30:15 kjv

Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:15 nkjv

Then they slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the second month. The priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought the burnt offerings to the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:15 niv

They slaughtered the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the second month. The priests and the Levites were ashamed and consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings to the temple of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:15 esv

And they slaughtered the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the second month. And the priests and the Levites were ashamed, so that they consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:15 nlt

On the fourteenth day of the second month, one month later than usual, the people slaughtered the Passover lamb. This shamed the priests and Levites, so they purified themselves and brought burnt offerings to the Temple of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30 verses

2 Chronicles 30 15 Meaning

2 Chronicles 30:15 describes a crucial step in King Hezekiah's Passover celebration, specifically the moment when the sacrificial lambs were killed on the fourteenth day of the second month, rather than the first. This deviation from the traditional time was necessary due to the defilement and lack of preparedness among the priests and the people. The verse highlights the subsequent transformation: the priests and Levites, having realized their prior spiritual neglect, were profoundly "ashamed," leading them to purify and consecrate themselves fully for the Temple service, finally bringing the burnt offerings into the LORD's house as required for proper worship.

2 Chronicles 30 15 Context

2 Chronicles 30:15 is situated within King Hezekiah's widespread spiritual reformation of Judah, documented in chapters 29-31. Following his wicked father Ahaz's reign, the Temple had been defiled, worship neglected, and the Passover celebration abandoned. Hezekiah immediately initiated a clean-up and reconsecration of the Temple (2 Chron 29). He then sent out a unique invitation throughout Israel and Judah to celebrate Passover, recognizing the people's desire to return to the LORD. However, an initial obstacle emerged: the priests and a significant number of people were ceremonially unclean or simply unprepared for the prescribed Passover at the proper time (the first month).

This verse, therefore, highlights the resolution to that problem. Hezekiah, in consultation with his officials, invoked a provision in Mosaic Law (Num 9:10-11) allowing for a delayed Passover on the 14th day of the second month for those who were unclean or distant. This particular verse describes the turning point: the Levites and priests, finally confronting their professional and spiritual lapse, acted decisively to prepare themselves and facilitate the holy celebration. Their shame, stemming from their previous negligence, became a catalyst for righteous action, demonstrating a sincere commitment to restore proper worship according to God's commandments.

2 Chronicles 30 15 Word analysis

• Then they killed (וַיִּשְׁחֲטוּ, wayyish·ḥă·ṭū): From the verb שָׁחַט (šāḥaṭ), meaning to slaughter for sacrifice. This action was fundamental to the Passover ritual (Exod 12:6). In this large communal setting at the Temple, it indicates the organized and specific act of ritual slaughter by those designated to do so, likely the Levites, in conjunction with the priests, as seen in other Temple practices.

• the Passover lamb (הַפֶּסַח, happe·saḥ): Refers to the sacrificial animal, specifically the lamb or kid (Exod 12:5), appointed for the Passover feast. It's not just "Passover" as the feast, but the specific animal that enables the celebration, pointing to the sacrifice at its core.

• on the fourteenth day of the second month: This detail is crucial. The regular Passover was celebrated on the 14th day of the first month (Exod 12:6). This delay, explicitly provided for in Num 9:10-11, highlights Hezekiah's commitment to adherence to Mosaic Law, even when the ideal timing was not possible. It demonstrates grace within the Law for practical limitations like uncleanness, but also the necessity of eventually meeting the divine requirement.

• The priests and the Levites: These were the two distinct classes responsible for mediating worship and performing service in the Temple. Priests (כֹּהֲנִים, kohănîm) were direct descendants of Aaron and performed sacrifices, while Levites (לְוִיִּם, ləwiyyim) assisted them and carried out various Temple duties. Their collective mention emphasizes their shared responsibility in the spiritual decline and subsequent repentance.

• were ashamed (נִכְלְמוּ, nikləmū): From the root כָּלַם (kālam), meaning to be humiliated, disgraced, put to shame. In the Niphil stem, it indicates they "were made to feel ashamed" or "felt shame themselves." This was not just embarrassment, but a profound moral and spiritual disgrace due to their prior neglect and defilement that led to the delay of the holy festival (2 Chron 29:34, 30:3). This shame, importantly, spurred them to positive action, a godly sorrow leading to repentance (2 Cor 7:10).

• and consecrated themselves (וַיִּתְקַדָּשׁוּ, wayyiṯ·qaḏ·dāšū): From קָדַשׁ (qādash), meaning to make holy, to set apart, to purify. In the Hithpael stem, it is reflexive, meaning they "consecrated themselves." This involved ritual washing and purification, essential for anyone serving in the sacred spaces of the Temple and handling holy objects or sacrifices (Lev 8, 2 Chron 29:15). Their previous defilement had rendered them unfit; this self-consecration signified their renewed commitment to holiness before God.

• and brought burnt offerings (וַיָּבִיאוּ הָעֹלוֹת, wayyā·ḇî·’ū hā·‘ō·lōṯ): The word עֹלָה (ōlâ), literally "that which ascends," refers to a whole burnt offering. This was a primary sacrifice of dedication and atonement, where the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete surrender and expiation for sin. This act, subsequent to their shame and consecration, marked their return to proper, God-ordained worship and their earnest desire to restore their relationship with Him.

• into the house of the LORD: The Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship and sacrifice for Israel, chosen by God as His dwelling among His people (Deut 12:5-7). This specification confirms the legitimacy and proper location of the reinstated worship, away from unauthorized altars.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Then they killed...second month.": This phrase highlights the culmination of logistical and ritual preparation. The execution of the sacrifice was the core act of the Passover, now finally proceeding, albeit delayed, showcasing Hezekiah's pragmatic approach coupled with adherence to God's Word. The "delay" signifies both past failings and divine patience and provision.
  • "The priests and the Levites were ashamed, and consecrated themselves...": This marks a powerful internal spiritual transformation preceding outward action. Their shame indicates recognition of guilt and neglect, turning into remorse (compare Jer 6:15 where people were not ashamed). This "godly sorrow" (2 Cor 7:10) directly leads to personal purification and dedication, a prerequisite for their sacred duties, emphasizing that genuine worship flows from a purified heart and life.
  • "...and brought burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.": This is the result of their purification and repentance. The bringing of the burnt offerings (oloth), wholly consumed, signifies not just performance of ritual, but a re-dedication and seeking atonement. It shows their active participation in the restored, central worship according to the Law, signaling a full return to divine order after a period of spiritual disarray.

2 Chronicles 30 15 Bonus section

• The willingness of the priests and Levites to humble themselves and acknowledge their shame contrasts sharply with those who persist in sin without remorse (e.g., Jer 6:15). This moment in 2 Chronicles stands as an example of genuine corporate repentance and a key factor in the success of Hezekiah's reformation.
• The emphasis on "consecrating themselves" highlights the New Testament truth that those who approach God for worship or service must first purify themselves, not by external ritual alone, but by a clean heart and renewed spirit (Jas 4:8, 1 Pet 1:16). Just as physical washing and sanctification were necessary for the Old Covenant priesthood, spiritual washing and dedication are required for believers as a "royal priesthood" in the New Covenant (1 Pet 2:9).
• This passage demonstrates the concept of vicarious atonement – the innocent lamb killed in place of the defiled, which ultimately foreshadows Christ, "our Passover lamb," who was sacrificed for the sins of the world (1 Cor 5:7, Jn 1:29). The actions of these priests and Levites, once ritually impure but now purified to participate, symbolically point to humanity's need for cleansing before drawing near to a holy God.

2 Chronicles 30 15 Commentary

2 Chronicles 30:15 succinctly captures a pivotal moment of spiritual awakening and obedience in Hezekiah's reign. The slaughter of the Passover lamb, though delayed to the second month, signified the active re-engagement with one of Israel's most sacred annual feasts. This delay, explicitly permitted in Numbers, underlines God's gracious provision for shortcomings while maintaining the sanctity of the ritual. The core message of the verse lies in the transformative journey of the priests and Levites. Their initial spiritual laxity had prevented a timely Passover (2 Chron 30:3), causing collective defilement. The subsequent "shame" they felt was not mere embarrassment but a deep conviction of sin and professional failure. This penitential shame became a potent catalyst for their personal "consecration" – a rigorous process of purification. Without this, their service would have been unacceptable and perilous (e.g., Lev 10:1-2). Their offering of "burnt offerings" symbolized not only specific atonement but also total surrender and renewed dedication to God, confirming that their inner transformation led to outward, biblically mandated actions of worship. This verse teaches that authentic repentance leads to tangible acts of obedience and dedication to God, making true worship possible.