2 Chronicles 30 17

2 Chronicles 30:17 kjv

For there were many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:17 nkjv

For there were many in the assembly who had not sanctified themselves; therefore the Levites had charge of the slaughter of the Passover lambs for everyone who was not clean, to sanctify them to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:17 niv

Since many in the crowd had not consecrated themselves, the Levites had to kill the Passover lambs for all those who were not ceremonially clean and could not consecrate their lambs to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:17 esv

For there were many in the assembly who had not consecrated themselves. Therefore the Levites had to slaughter the Passover lamb for everyone who was not clean, to consecrate it to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:17 nlt

Since many of the people had not purified themselves, the Levites had to slaughter their Passover lamb for them, to set them apart for the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30 verses

2 Chronicles 30 17 Meaning

This verse explains why the Levites took on the extraordinary duty of slaughtering the Passover lambs for many participants. Due to prolonged apostasy and lack of adherence to divine law in the northern tribes, a large portion of the assembly had not undergone the necessary ritual purification. Therefore, the Levites performed the required act of slaying the sacrificial animals on behalf of those who were ceremonially unclean, so that their Passover offering might still be presented and accepted by the Lord.

2 Chronicles 30 17 Context

Chapter 30 details King Hezekiah's initiative to restore the Passover celebration, which had been neglected for many years, especially in the northern kingdom. He sends letters throughout Israel, including the traditionally rebellious northern tribes, inviting them to Jerusalem for this unifying event. Many respond, humbling themselves and coming. This verse highlights a significant problem arising from this large, diverse, and religiously lax attendance: a considerable number were ritually unclean, having not prepared themselves according to the purity laws of the Mosaic Covenant for participation in sacred worship. This predicament necessitates an unprecedented intervention by the Levites, who step in to perform the crucial act of sacrificing the lambs on behalf of these defiled individuals, a task ordinarily done by the head of each household. The verses immediately following show Hezekiah's prayer to God to forgive these impure but sincerely penitent people, which God answers, demonstrating divine grace transcending strict ritual observance in unique circumstances.

2 Chronicles 30 17 Word analysis

• For: Indicates a reason or explanation for what precedes it. In context, it explains why the Levites undertook this duty.
• there were many: Highlights the widespread nature of the issue. It was not an isolated incident but a pervasive problem affecting a large segment of the gathered multitude, particularly from the northern tribes where true worship had long suffered.
• in the congregation: Refers to the assembled people for the Passover festival in Jerusalem. This large gathering represented a diverse group from all over Israel.
• who had not sanctified themselves: The Hebrew word is hitqaddāšū (הִתְקַדָּשׁוּ), a Hithpael form of the verb qadaš, meaning "to purify oneself" or "to make oneself holy." This refers to ritual purification rites (e.g., ceremonial bathing, abstaining from contact with unclean things) mandated by the Mosaic Law to approach God in worship, particularly for consuming or participating in sacred offerings like the Passover. Their failure to do so rendered them ceremonially unclean.
• therefore: Connects the problem (uncleanness) directly to the solution (Levites' intervention).
• the Levites: Members of the tribe of Levi, consecrated for temple service and assisting the priests. While usually the heads of households would slaughter their own Passover lambs, this situation necessitated an exception. Their primary roles involved assisting in sacrifices, guarding the tabernacle/temple, and teaching the Law.
• had charge of the slaughter: Implies a supervised and delegated responsibility. This was an exceptional measure, as per Exod 12:6, families slaughtered their own lambs. The Levites stepping in demonstrates a flexible response to preserve the integrity of the worship while accommodating the people's lack of preparedness. They ensured the act was performed correctly despite the people's uncleanness.
• of the Passover lambs: The specific sacrificial animals prescribed for the Passover commemoration, central to the covenant with God.
• for everyone who was not clean: Directly identifies the beneficiaries of the Levites' actions: those who were ceremonially defiled according to Mosaic Law (e.g., through contact with a dead body, certain discharges, etc.). This ritual uncleanness would have prevented them from legitimately partaking in the Passover.
• to sanctify them to the Lord: The purpose of the Levites' actions was to make these offerings acceptable before God, effectively performing the ritual slaughter on behalf of the unclean. It ensured that despite the individuals' ritual defilement, the sacred offering itself was rendered holy and acceptable for God's presence, bridging the gap between the unclean people and the holy ritual.

• "many in the congregation who had not sanctified themselves": This phrase points to the practical and spiritual decline among the people, especially after generations of separation and neglect of the Law in the northern kingdom. It highlights the significant challenge faced by Hezekiah in re-establishing proper worship, as basic purity laws were largely ignored or forgotten.
• "Levites had charge... to sanctify them to the Lord": This clause reveals an extraordinary act of accommodation and grace within the framework of the Old Covenant law. It was not a violation of the Law, but an application of its principles (the Levites' role in facilitating pure worship) in a lenient and intercessory manner. It foreshadows the broader principle that divine mercy can overlook ritual shortcomings when there is a sincere desire for God, as seen in Hezekiah's prayer immediately following.

2 Chronicles 30 17 Bonus section

The event described in 2 Chronicles 30:17 is unusual and highlights the divine principle of balancing strict adherence to law with merciful provision. Ordinarily, such ritual uncleanness would entirely disqualify one from participating in a holy festival like the Passover until purification was complete. However, here we see an extraordinary measure, sanctioned by circumstance and, ultimately, by divine approval through Hezekiah's prayer. This prefigures the New Testament emphasis where spiritual condition and a genuine heart for God are prioritized, and external ritual purity is ultimately superseded by Christ's comprehensive cleansing. This situation also underscores the compassionate nature of Hezekiah's leadership, reflecting a heart after God's own, much like David, who prioritized national repentance and divine blessing over a rigid adherence to the letter of every law when it risked hindering a genuine spiritual revival (cf. 1 Sam 21:1-6 where David ate the consecrated bread when in need, an action that prefigured mercy over sacrifice).

2 Chronicles 30 17 Commentary

2 Chronicles 30:17 vividly illustrates a tension between rigid ritual requirement and the gracious accommodation necessary for communal worship and renewal. The context of Hezekiah's unified Passover in Jerusalem was unique: a large, diverse crowd, many from the northern tribes long separated from the Temple, responded with earnest hearts. However, their sincerity did not negate the Old Covenant's strict purity laws. Their ceremonial uncleanness would have prevented them from legitimately offering their own sacrifices and participating fully.

In this moment of crisis, the Levites stepped beyond their usual roles—from assisting priests to performing the primary act of slaughtering the lambs—for the ritually defiled. This was not a routine deviation but an act of grace and facilitation. It ensured that the celebration could proceed and that the people's earnest desire to worship would not be entirely thwarted by their defiled state. This episode underscores the intercessory and mediating function within the Levitical system, anticipating the ultimate High Priesthood of Christ, who truly "sanctifies" (makes holy) His people through His sacrifice, enabling direct access to God irrespective of our natural impurities.