2 Chronicles 30 4

2 Chronicles 30:4 kjv

And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation.

2 Chronicles 30:4 nkjv

And the matter pleased the king and all the assembly.

2 Chronicles 30:4 niv

The plan seemed right both to the king and to the whole assembly.

2 Chronicles 30:4 esv

and the plan seemed right to the king and all the assembly.

2 Chronicles 30:4 nlt

This plan for keeping the Passover seemed right to the king and all the people.

2 Chronicles 30 verses

2 Chronicles 30 4 Meaning

The plan outlined by King Hezekiah to postpone the celebration of the Passover to the second month, as a necessary measure due to the widespread uncleanness of the priests and the unprepared state of the people, received full approval. This verse signifies a moment of critical consensus, indicating that both the king and the entire assembly agreed that this course of action was proper and good. It established a unified front for a significant religious reformation.

2 Chronicles 30 4 Context

Chapter 30 of 2 Chronicles opens with King Hezekiah, who had just undertaken extensive reforms, cleansing the defiled temple, and restoring its services after his idolatrous father, Ahaz. A significant challenge arose: the nation was largely unprepared and unclean for the traditional Passover celebration in the first month. Many priests had not sanctified themselves, and the people were scattered or ritually defiled. To address this, Hezekiah and his leaders decided to utilize a provision from Numbers 9, which allowed for a delayed Passover celebration in the second month for those who were unclean or on a journey. Verse 4 details the crucial moment when this pragmatic and Spirit-led decision garnered the unanimous support of the king, his officials, and the entire assembly in Jerusalem, setting the stage for a grand spiritual revival throughout Israel and Judah.

2 Chronicles 30 4 Word analysis

• The plan (הַדָּבָר, haddāḇār): Literally, "the word," "the matter," or "the thing." This term implies a concrete proposition or course of action that has been carefully considered. It's not a mere idea but a formal decision or resolution regarding the delay of the Passover. This emphasizes the gravity and intention behind Hezekiah's initiative.
• seemed good (וַיִּישַׁר בְּעֵינֵי, wayyīšaR b'einei): This phrase translates to "and it was right/straight in the eyes of" or "it pleased." יָשָׁר (yashar) implies rectitude, being upright, proper, or just, rather than merely agreeable. It suggests that the decision was perceived as morally and religiously sound, aligned with what was permissible under the Law (specifically Num 9). This verb often describes actions approved by God or found pleasing in a righteous sense. Its use here indicates the leaders saw it not just as a practical necessity but as a legitimate and appropriate spiritual measure, even if unconventional.
• to the king (לַמֶּלֶךְ, lammelekh): Refers specifically to King Hezekiah. This highlights his pivotal role as the instigator and spiritual leader of this reformation. His personal approval lent immense authority and conviction to the undertaking, demonstrating his deep commitment to restoring proper worship.
• and to the whole assembly (וּלְכָל־הַקָּהָל, ūlᵉkhāl-haqqāhāl): קָהָל (qāhāl) denotes a gathered congregation, an assembly, often with religious or civic significance, like the "assembly of Israel." This signifies that the decision wasn't just a top-down mandate but gained corporate buy-in. The consensus of the qāhāl was vital for its legitimacy and successful implementation across the land. It implies that the decision resonated with the broader body of believers who were present and eager for revival.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "The plan seemed good": This phrase combines the decisive nature of "the plan" (haddāḇār) with the perception of its "goodness" or "rightness" (wayyīšaR). It reflects both human deliberation and a perceived divine alignment. The act of "seeming good" in the Bible often implies more than mere approval; it frequently carries the sense of aligning with God's will or a standard of righteousness, reflecting discernment of God's ways (e.g., Deut 6:18, Ps 19:14).
• "to the king and to the whole assembly": This dual endorsement underscores unity in leadership and the broad support for spiritual renewal. It highlights effective collaboration between the monarchy and the community, essential for sweeping reforms. The king's authority merged with the assembly's consent, providing a powerful basis for proceeding with the nationwide Passover proclamation. This corporate decision-making ensures widespread participation and mitigates potential dissent or opposition from those who might otherwise cling to rigid adherence to timing over spirit.

2 Chronicles 30 4 Bonus section

The unanimity expressed in this verse ("the whole assembly") is particularly striking given the religious degradation under King Ahaz, Hezekiah's father. It speaks to a powerful work of conviction already at play in Judah. The term qāhāl for assembly highlights a community coming together not just for practical reasons, but often with a covenantal understanding, ready to enter into solemn religious commitments. This decision, though a practical one, was saturated with theological significance, prioritizing the spiritual readiness of the people over a rigid ritualistic timeline. This flexibility within the Law, facilitated by Hezekiah's wise leadership, reveals God's heart for His people's repentance and proper worship, demonstrating that true spiritual alignment often supersedes strict adherence to form when the spirit of the Law is honored. It demonstrates God's grace providing a pathway for national restoration even when the initial commands cannot be strictly met.

2 Chronicles 30 4 Commentary

2 Chronicles 30:4 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Hezekiah's spiritual revival, marking the successful securing of broad support for an innovative, yet biblically sound, decision. The consensus achieved among the king, his officials, and the entire assembly was paramount, allowing the otherwise unprecedented (though allowed by Num 9) delay of the Passover. This act was not seen as a casual compromise but as something "right" and "good," reflecting a deep understanding of God's grace and priorities – that spiritual preparation and inclusion were more crucial than rigid adherence to the calendar. This unity became the foundation for a widespread call to repentance and renewal throughout all Israel, enabling a momentous corporate act of worship and obedience. The verse exemplifies wise spiritual leadership that seeks not just compliance, but willing agreement for collective spiritual restoration.