2 Chronicles 30 18

2 Chronicles 30:18 kjv

For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one

2 Chronicles 30:18 nkjv

For a multitude of the people, many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, "May the good LORD provide atonement for everyone

2 Chronicles 30:18 niv

Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, "May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone

2 Chronicles 30:18 esv

For a majority of the people, many of them from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover otherwise than as prescribed. For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, "May the good LORD pardon everyone

2 Chronicles 30:18 nlt

Most of those who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not purified themselves. But King Hezekiah prayed for them, and they were allowed to eat the Passover meal anyway, even though this was contrary to the requirements of the Law. For Hezekiah said, "May the LORD, who is good, pardon those

2 Chronicles 30 verses

2 Chronicles 30 18 Meaning

2 Chronicles 30:18 describes a large number of people from the northern tribes—Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun—who had come to Jerusalem for Hezekiah's unprecedented Passover celebration. Despite their sincere desire to worship, they were ritually unclean and thus ate the Passover lamb in a manner contrary to Mosaic law. Recognizing their dilemma, King Hezekiah interceded on their behalf, appealing to the Lord's inherent goodness for a divine pardon, seeking mercy for all who had set their hearts to seek God, even if they had not met all the strict requirements for ritual purity.

2 Chronicles 30 18 Context

Chapter 30 of 2 Chronicles details King Hezekiah's grand and unprecedented initiative to reinstitute the Passover in Jerusalem, not just for Judah but also for the remnants of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had fallen to Assyria decades earlier (c. 722 BCE). This Passover was held in the second month, a month later than usual, as many priests were not consecrated, and the people had not gathered (2 Chr 30:2-3). Messengers were sent throughout Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, urging participation. While many mocked, some humbled themselves and came from tribes like Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, demonstrating a latent desire to reconnect with Yahweh. This verse highlights the tension between their genuine desire to worship God and their inability to meet the strict ritual purity standards prescribed in the Mosaic Law for celebrating the Passover. Hezekiah's response — intercessory prayer — showcases a profound understanding of God's character and leadership that prioritizes a repentant heart over perfect adherence to ritual in exceptional circumstances.

2 Chronicles 30 18 Word analysis

• For a multitude of the people: Indicates a significant number, not merely a handful, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
• many of them from Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun: These are specific tribes from the Northern Kingdom of Israel, distinct from Judah. Their inclusion shows Hezekiah's vision for a reunited Israel, yearning for the Lord despite decades of idolatry and separation.
• had not cleansed themselves: Hebrew: lo hitkadshu (לֹא הִתְקַדְּשׁוּ). The verb kadash means to be holy, set apart, consecrated, or purified. This refers to not undergoing the specific ritual purification processes (e.g., washing, abstaining from certain things) required by Mosaic law to make oneself ceremonially clean to participate in sacred acts like the Passover. This wasn't necessarily a moral failure but a state of ceremonial impurity (e.g., due to contact with a dead body, disease, etc.), preventing lawful participation.
• yet ate the Passover otherwise than prescribed: Hebrew: va'yochlu et haPesach b'lo ka'katuv (וַיֹּאכְלוּ אֶת־הַפֶּסַח בְּלֹא כַּכָּתוּב). This explicitly states a deviation from written law (like Num 9:6-14, which specifies disqualification for uncleanness or a delayed Passover). Their devotion superseded their legalistic adherence, or perhaps, in their eagerness, they neglected proper purification.
• But Hezekiah prayed for them: Demonstrates his role as a compassionate, Spirit-led leader. His prayer is an act of priestly intercession, standing between the people and God.
• saying, “May the good Lord pardon everyone”: Hebrew: le'mor Yehovah ha'tov yekapper l'khol (לֵאמֹר יְהוָה הַטּוֹב יְכַפֵּר לְכָל).
  • "the good Lord" (Yehovah ha'tov): This is a specific appeal to God's benevolent character and merciful nature. It’s a foundational attribute of God repeatedly emphasized in the Scriptures.
  • "pardon" (yekapper): From the verb kaphar, meaning "to atone," "to cover," or "to make propitiation." Here, it signifies a covering or forgiving of their ritual impurity by divine grace. It's a request for God to mercifully overlook their ceremonial fault due to the condition of their hearts.
  • "everyone": The scope of the prayer is broad and inclusive, demonstrating Hezekiah’s concern for all the people who had come with a sincere desire, irrespective of their state of ritual cleanness.

2 Chronicles 30 18 Bonus section

The unique phrasing "the good Lord" used by Hezekiah in this verse is noteworthy. While God's goodness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture (Ps 100:5; Nah 1:7), the direct invocation "Yehovah ha'tov" (the good Yahweh) emphasizes a particular aspect of God's character crucial to Hezekiah's petition. It highlights that God's intrinsic nature is benevolence, and therefore, pardon for the sincerely repentant is consistent with who He is, rather than a deviation from His justice. This narrative provides an Old Testament precedent for the New Testament emphasis on the spirit of the law over the letter (2 Cor 3:6), where faith and heart intention are paramount for receiving divine favor and atonement, preparing the way for understanding Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate covering for all our imperfections, far beyond any ritual impurity.

2 Chronicles 30 18 Commentary

2 Chronicles 30:18 beautifully illustrates a foundational principle of God's interaction with humanity: while He is sovereign and His law is holy, His mercy and grace often take precedence over strict legalistic observance when genuine desire and a humble heart are present. The Passover, a divinely ordained feast with specific purity requirements, presented a challenge. The northern tribes, isolated for generations and living in lands culturally corrupted, naturally lacked proper instruction or means to fully cleanse themselves according to Mosaic standards. Yet, their pilgrimage was a testament to their desire to seek the God of Israel. Hezekiah, recognizing this sincerity and valuing spiritual devotion above rigid ritual, did not condemn them but chose to intercede. His appeal to "the good Lord" underscored his trust in God's compassionate nature. This event stands as a significant moment foreshadowing New Covenant principles where internal transformation and faith outweigh external adherence, reminding us that God's grace extends even when human efforts fall short of the perfect standard, as long as the heart's posture is right.