2 Chronicles 30 23

2 Chronicles 30:23 kjv

And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness.

2 Chronicles 30:23 nkjv

Then the whole assembly agreed to keep the feast another seven days, and they kept it another seven days with gladness.

2 Chronicles 30:23 niv

The whole assembly then agreed to celebrate the festival seven more days; so for another seven days they celebrated joyfully.

2 Chronicles 30:23 esv

Then the whole assembly agreed together to keep the feast for another seven days. So they kept it for another seven days with gladness.

2 Chronicles 30:23 nlt

The entire assembly then decided to continue the festival another seven days, so they celebrated joyfully for another week.

2 Chronicles 30 verses

2 Chronicles 30 23 Meaning

This verse describes the extraordinary and unanimous decision of the entire assembly of Judah and the remnant of Israel to extend the celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread for an additional seven days. Following a historically unprecedented outpouring of joy and spiritual fervor during the initial seven days, their collective agreement to continue the festival for another week signifies a profound spiritual awakening and an earnest desire for prolonged fellowship with God. It was a spontaneous act born out of overflowing joy and renewed devotion, transcending the minimum requirements of the Law.

2 Chronicles 30 23 Context

Chapter 30 details King Hezekiah's unprecedented nationwide Passover celebration. After restoring Temple worship in chapter 29, Hezekiah sent letters throughout all Israel and Judah, inviting everyone, including the remnant of the Northern Kingdom, to Jerusalem for Passover—even though it had to be observed in the second month due to initial lack of sanctified priests and preparedness (v. 2-3). Despite ridicule from some northern tribes, many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun humbling themselves and came (v. 10-11). The preparation involved cleansing Jerusalem of idolatry (v. 14) and consecrating the Levites and priests. Many participants were ritually unclean but still came. Hezekiah prayed for them (v. 18), and the Lord, in His goodness, healed the people (v. 20). This spiritual renewal culminated in an unparalleled joyous seven-day celebration (v. 21, 26). Verse 23 follows this climax, demonstrating the assembly's deep satisfaction and hunger for continued communion with God, moving them to extend the festival spontaneously.

2 Chronicles 30 23 Word analysis

• The whole assembly: In Hebrew, כָּל־הַקָּהָל֙ (kāl-haqāhāl). This emphasizes complete corporate unity and full participation. It includes people from both Judah and the remnants of the Northern Kingdom (Israel). The decision was collective, reflecting a shared spiritual hunger and unanimous resolve.
• then agreed: From the Hebrew וַיִּוָּעֲצ֖וּ (wayyiwwā‘ăṣū), stemming from the root יָעַץ (ya'ats), meaning "to advise," "counsel," or "resolve." This implies a deliberate and unified consensus, not a mere impulsive reaction. It signifies that the decision was well-considered and stemmed from a genuine spiritual conviction shared by all.
• to keep the festival for another seven days: The original prescribed length for the Feast of Unleavened Bread was seven days. Extending it for "seven more days" (שֶׁ֣בַע יָמִ֤ים אֲחֵרִים֙ - sheva yamim acherim) was not legally required. This voluntary act demonstrates an exceptional level of devotion and zeal. It mirrors a similar extension of the Feast of Tabernacles during Solomon's Temple dedication (2 Chron 7:9), highlighting a parallel desire for extended time in God's presence following a profound encounter. This indicates a hunger that exceeded the minimum duty.
• and accordingly they kept it: The phrase implies immediate and faithful execution of their shared decision. Their agreement was not just talk but translated into action. It highlights their earnest commitment to the spontaneous resolution they had made.
• with joy: In Hebrew, בְּשִׂמְחָֽה (bəśimḥâ). This crucial detail underscores the authentic nature of their worship. The entire chapter, and particularly verses 21, 25, and 26, emphasizes the overwhelming gladness that permeated the celebration. This joy was not forced but flowed from a true encounter with God's presence and grace, validating the sincerity of their revival. It was a sign of God's blessing on their humble repentance and obedience.

2 Chronicles 30 23 Bonus section

This voluntary extension of the festival highlights the difference between merely fulfilling religious duty and experiencing genuine spiritual communion. It demonstrates a core principle of authentic faith: a desire for God that goes beyond legalistic requirements. This kind of spontaneous zeal indicates that God's grace was not just received, but also truly enjoyed and actively pursued by His people. The involvement of people from the former Northern Kingdom also underlines God's redemptive work, breaking down divisions and uniting a previously estranged people in common worship and joy. It serves as an inspiring example of a people whose hearts were so profoundly touched by God that they longed for prolonged time in His presence.

2 Chronicles 30 23 Commentary

This verse captures the spontaneous overflow of a genuine spiritual revival under Hezekiah. The initial week of the Passover celebration was already marked by unprecedented joy, a stark contrast to the spiritual apathy and idolatry of previous reigns. This widespread, heart-felt gladness, cultivated by God's merciful response to Hezekiah's prayer for the unclean, led the entire assembly to unanimously desire more time in the Lord's presence. Their decision to extend the feast for an additional seven days, an act beyond what the Mosaic Law strictly commanded, highlights a profound spiritual hunger and devotion. It signifies that their worship was not a mere ritualistic duty but a joyous outpouring of hearts captivated by God's goodness. This voluntary extension was a powerful testimony to their transformed hearts and an active pursuit of God's presence and blessing. It echoes previous great moments of devotion in Israel's history, like the dedication of Solomon's Temple, setting a powerful precedent for true worship springing from deep spiritual delight rather than mere obligation.