2 Chronicles 30 25

2 Chronicles 30:25 kjv

And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced.

2 Chronicles 30:25 nkjv

The whole assembly of Judah rejoiced, also the priests and Levites, all the assembly that came from Israel, the sojourners who came from the land of Israel, and those who dwelt in Judah.

2 Chronicles 30:25 niv

The entire assembly of Judah rejoiced, along with the priests and Levites and all who had assembled from Israel, including the foreigners who had come from Israel and also those who resided in Judah.

2 Chronicles 30:25 esv

The whole assembly of Judah, and the priests and the Levites, and the whole assembly that came out of Israel, and the sojourners who came out of the land of Israel, and the sojourners who lived in Judah, rejoiced.

2 Chronicles 30:25 nlt

The entire assembly of Judah rejoiced, including the priests, the Levites, all who came from the land of Israel, the foreigners who came to the festival, and all those who lived in Judah.

2 Chronicles 30 verses

2 Chronicles 30 25 Meaning

2 Chronicles 30:25 describes the pervasive and universal joy experienced during King Hezekiah's extensive Passover celebration. It emphasizes the broad participation from various groups: the entire congregation of Judah, the spiritual leadership of priests and Levites, people from the northern kingdom of Israel (despite the historical schism), and even sojourners or resident aliens living among them. This verse highlights the deep spiritual unity, inclusivity, and widespread rejoicing that characterized this period of national revival and obedience to the Lord.

2 Chronicles 30 25 Context

2 Chronicles Chapter 30 describes King Hezekiah's audacious and widespread invitation for all Israel and Judah to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem. Following decades of spiritual decline and idolatry, particularly in the northern kingdom of Israel which had largely abandoned true worship, Hezekiah initiated a massive spiritual reform. The normal time for Passover had passed, so Hezekiah, in counsel with his officials and the whole assembly, determined to hold it in the second month, a provision allowed in the Mosaic Law for those unable to celebrate in the first month (Num 9:10-11). Despite ridicule from parts of the northern tribes, many humble individuals responded. This chapter records the largest and most enthusiastic Passover celebration since the days of Solomon, marked by fervent dedication, widespread repentance, and overflowing joy, culminating in the joyous scene described in verse 25. The historical context includes the Assyrian threat and the near demise of the Northern Kingdom, making this gathering a unique act of unity and reliance on the Lord.

2 Chronicles 30 25 Word analysis

• The whole assembly (כָּל־הַקָּהָל - kol-haq-qāhāl):

  • kol means "all" or "whole," signifying totality.
  • qāhāl refers to a gathered congregation, an assembly. This term carries significant weight, often denoting the formal religious assembly of God's people for worship or covenant renewal (e.g., in Deut 5:22). It implies unity and common purpose in God's presence, rather than a mere crowd. Its usage here emphasizes that participation was not partial or scattered, but a unified collective.

• of Judah: Refers to the southern kingdom, where Jerusalem and the legitimate temple worship were centered. This signifies the spiritual core and source of the revival, yet their joy was broadened by others.

• rejoiced (שָׂמֵחַ - sāmaḥ):

  • This is not merely happiness but deep, spiritual joy, often associated with divine blessing, deliverance, or the experience of God's presence. It signifies a profound emotional and spiritual contentment arising from a right relationship with God and obedience to His commands. The extensive sacrifices and offerings earlier in the chapter (2 Chr 30:24) facilitated this overflowing joy by cleansing the people for worship.

• as did the priests and the Levites:

  • Priests (הַכֹּהֲנִים - hak-kōhănîm) and Levites (וְהַלְוִיִּם - wəhal-ləwiyyim): These were the ordained ministers of the Lord, responsible for sacrifices, teaching the law, and maintaining temple services. Their participation in the joy is crucial; it indicates they were fully committed and effective in their reinstated roles. Their former laxity (2 Chr 29:34) had been rectified, and they now actively contributed to the spiritual fervor.

• and all who came from Israel:

  • "Israel" here refers specifically to the northern kingdom, often estranged from Judah after the split of the united monarchy. Their presence, facilitated by Hezekiah's invitation despite past animosity, represented a significant spiritual reunion. This highlights God's desire for the unity of His people, transcending political and historical divides.

• and the sojourners (וְהַגֵּרִים - wəhag-gērîm):

  • gēr denotes a resident alien, a foreigner who dwells among the native Israelites. Mosaic Law mandated specific care and inclusion for sojourners (Exod 12:49, Deut 10:19), especially regarding the Passover. Their inclusion signifies God's broad embrace beyond just ethnic Israelites and points to a foreshadowing of the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan through Christ.

• who came from the land of Israel: This phrase serves to distinguish the "sojourners" by their point of origin, perhaps implying those who had moved south for this specific occasion or who had previously immigrated from the northern territory into Judah. It further emphasizes the broad geographic reach of Hezekiah's call.

• and who lived in Judah: These "sojourners" were those already established as residents within the southern kingdom, demonstrating their commitment to the covenant community. Their active participation signifies the genuine integration of those who chose to align themselves with the worship of the Lord.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "The whole assembly of Judah rejoiced": Establishes the core participants and the primary emotion. This reflects Judah's faithful heart and the success of Hezekiah's reforms among his own people.
  • "as did the priests and the Levites": Signifies the crucial role of spiritual leadership in enabling and participating in this national revival. Their renewed dedication validated the entire celebration.
  • "and all who came from Israel": A powerful testament to reconciliation and God's overarching desire for the unity of His scattered people. It shows the spiritual magnetism of true worship reaching beyond political borders.
  • "and the sojourners who came from the land of Israel and who lived in Judah": This multi-layered phrase underscores the comprehensive inclusiveness of the revival. It signifies that even those not ethnically Israelites but committed to God were welcomed and actively participated, anticipating the New Covenant's outreach to all nations.

2 Chronicles 30 25 Bonus section

The profound joy of 2 Chronicles 30:25 stands in stark contrast to the previous state of the nation, characterized by spiritual lethargy and defilement. It showcases that true corporate worship, conducted according to God's commandments, naturally results in deep spiritual gladness. The unity displayed here between Judah and the remnant of Israel, alongside sojourners, is a microcosm of God's ultimate redemptive plan for His people. It echoes prophetic promises of a future ingathering where all nations will stream to Jerusalem to worship the Lord (Isa 2:2-3, Zech 8:20-23). The voluntary extension of the Passover for a second week underscores a community so enthralled by God's presence and blessing that they simply desired more, prioritizing fellowship with Him over mundane concerns. This level of joy and unity had not been witnessed since Solomon's dedication of the temple, highlighting the rarity and preciousness of true, nation-wide spiritual awakening. It's a reminder that revival leads to holistic rejoicing, transforming individuals and society.

2 Chronicles 30 25 Commentary

2 Chronicles 30:25 captures the climactic expression of a deeply significant national revival under King Hezekiah. The joy described is not fleeting happiness but a profound spiritual jubilation rooted in restored relationship with God through obedient worship. The inclusion of the "whole assembly of Judah" signifies a widespread embrace of Hezekiah's reforms, showcasing that the people's hearts were prepared by God (2 Chr 29:36). The presence of the "priests and the Levites," who had previously been unprepared for their duties, speaks volumes about their renewed commitment and effectiveness in leading the people in worship.

Perhaps most remarkably, the verse emphasizes the participation of "all who came from Israel" – individuals from the Northern Kingdom, a land largely lost to idolatry and soon to face total destruction by Assyria. This act transcended the political and religious schism of centuries, revealing a yearning for unity under God's true worship. Their humility and the willingness of Judah to welcome them fostered an unprecedented unity. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "sojourners" – resident aliens and converts – highlights the inclusivity of God's covenant and worship. It foreshadows the New Covenant vision where all peoples, regardless of background, can draw near to God through Christ. This entire celebration was extended for another seven days (2 Chr 30:23), doubling the usual Passover period, underscoring the extraordinary nature and depth of their spiritual experience and their unwillingness to part from such divine presence. This collective, unifying joy demonstrates God's capacity to draw diverse people into one fellowship through genuine repentance and worship, laying groundwork for future redemptive acts.