2 Chronicles 30 21

2 Chronicles 30:21 kjv

And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:21 nkjv

So the children of Israel who were present at Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness; and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing to the LORD, accompanied by loud instruments.

2 Chronicles 30:21 niv

The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests praised the LORD every day with resounding instruments dedicated to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:21 esv

And the people of Israel who were present at Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness, and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with all their might to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:21 nlt

So the people of Israel who were present in Jerusalem joyously celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days. Each day the Levites and priests sang to the LORD, accompanied by loud instruments.

2 Chronicles 30 verses

2 Chronicles 30 21 Meaning

The children of Israel, who had gathered in Jerusalem, joyously observed the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread. During this entire week, the Levites and priests continually offered praise to the LORD each day, expressing their devotion through singing accompanied by powerful musical instruments dedicated to the LORD. This verse depicts a scene of national spiritual renewal, marked by obedient worship, profound communal joy, and dedicated, vibrant praise.

2 Chronicles 30 21 Context

Chapter 30 of 2 Chronicles details King Hezekiah's ambitious plan to revive the celebration of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, an observance long neglected since the division of the kingdom. Recognizing the spiritual decline, Hezekiah sent letters throughout Judah and even to the northern kingdom (Israel), inviting all to come to Jerusalem. Many mocked the invitation, but some from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and attended. Despite many of the participants being ritually unclean (not having sanctified themselves properly), Hezekiah prayed for them, and God, in His great mercy, "healed the people," demonstrating that heartfelt repentance and desire to worship can supersede strict ritualistic purity in the face of God's grace. Verse 21 then describes the joyful and devoted nature of the Feast's observance, which followed God's merciful acceptance of His people. The event highlights a powerful moment of spiritual awakening and national reconciliation, centered on corporate worship of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30 21 Word analysis

• And the children of Israel: Refers to the descendants of Jacob, encompassing both Judah and the northern tribes who responded to Hezekiah's call, signifying a rare moment of unity and widespread participation in temple worship after centuries of division.
• that were present at Jerusalem: Emphasizes their physical gathering at the divinely designated place of worship. This was significant because northern Israelites typically worshipped in their own sanctuaries, often in idolatry. Their presence signified obedience and repentance.
• kept: The Hebrew term is wayya'aśû (וַיַּעֲשׂוּ), meaning "and they made/did." It denotes the active observance and performance of the rituals prescribed for the feast.
• the feast of unleavened bread: Hebrew: Ḥag HaMmotṣôt (חַג הַמַּצּוֹת). This seven-day festival immediately followed the Passover (Pesach) sacrifice and marked the exodus from Egypt, symbolizing a turning away from the "leaven" of sin and embracing purity.
• seven days: This exact duration (Hebrew: shiv‘at yâmîm) was mandated by the Mosaic Law (e.g., Exod 12:15), highlighting their faithful adherence to God's command.
• with great gladness: Hebrew: bĕśimḥâ gĕdôlâ (בְּשִׂמְחָה גְדוֹלָה). The emphasis is not just on obedience but on the emotional depth of their worship. "Gladness" (simḥâ) is a recurring theme in Chronicles associated with spiritual restoration and God's presence, signifying a divinely given joy.
• and the Levites and the priests: The two distinct orders of consecrated ministers for temple service. Priests primarily officiated sacrifices, while Levites assisted, provided musical praise, and performed other duties. Their active involvement signifies organized and consecrated worship.
• praised the LORD: Hebrew: mĕhalĕlîm laYHWH (מְהַלְלִים לַיהוָה). The verb halal (root of "hallelujah") means to laud, celebrate, or commend. The phrase indicates continuous, active glorification of God's name (YHWH).
• day by day: Hebrew: yôm bĕyômô (יוֹם בְּיוֹמוֹ). This phrase conveys consistency and sustained effort. Their praise was not sporadic but continuous throughout the week-long celebration, demonstrating unwavering devotion.
• singing with loud instruments: Hebrew: bik'lê ‘ōz laYHWH (בִּכְלֵי עֹז לַיהוָה). Literally "with instruments of strength" or "instruments of might." This refers to instruments (such as trumpets, cymbals, or powerful string instruments) capable of producing a strong, commanding, and resounding sound. It suggests vigorous, wholehearted, and unrestrained musical worship, fit for the majesty of God. It was not a subdued form of worship, but one filled with vibrant, expressive power.
• unto the LORD: Reaffirms that the praise, the instruments, and the entire celebration were directed to and for the glory of YHWH, the covenant God of Israel.

2 Chronicles 30 21 Bonus section

The chronicler's frequent emphasis on joy in the context of temple worship (e.g., 2 Chron 29:30; 30:26; 31:4) underscores a key theological point: right worship of Yahweh, especially according to the Mosaic regulations concerning the temple, results in abundant blessing and delight. The decision to celebrate Passover in the second month (2 Chron 30:2-3), rather than the first, was permitted by Mosaic law (Num 9:9-11) for those who were unclean or away, highlighting Hezekiah's pragmatic leadership in ensuring broader participation, reflecting divine grace for their situation. The sheer scale and heartfelt nature of this Passover, leading to an extended period of celebration (2 Chron 30:23), underscore its significance as a national spiritual awakening, rarely seen since the days of Solomon. This period serves as an aspirational model of unity and pure devotion, showing how the Lord delights in His people's sincere return.

2 Chronicles 30 21 Commentary

2 Chronicles 30:21 stands as a powerful testament to spiritual revival, where genuine repentance and God’s sovereign grace culminate in joyful worship. This verse describes the outcome of Hezekiah’s efforts to reunite Israel under true worship, emphasizing not merely the performance of a ritual but the spirit in which it was conducted. The "great gladness" reveals a heart transformed by God's merciful acceptance, even despite prior ritual impurity (2 Chron 30:18-20). The daily, sustained praise by the Levites and priests, accompanied by powerful, majestic instruments, signifies a dedicated and vibrant spiritual atmosphere. This was not a passive observance but an active, zealous outpouring of gratitude and adoration. The worship described is corporate, deeply joyful, and consistently expressed, marking a pivotal moment of restoration for the fragmented people of God. It demonstrates that when God's people come together with penitent hearts, despite imperfections, He grants them His favor, which results in profound and exuberant worship.

For practical usage, this verse illustrates that true worship is:

• Heartfelt and Joyful: Not merely rote observance, but a joyful response to God's goodness.
• Continuous: Consistent, "day by day," reflecting an abiding gratitude.
• Active and Expressive: Involving song and instruments, employing our best for God's glory.
• Unifying: Bringing together God's people for a common purpose of praise.