May 3, 2026 - 2 Chronicles 29-31

Hezekiah’s reign in Jerusalem came at a critical time and played a huge role in the people’s history.  Ahaz had just been punished for his idolatry, and Assyria was pressing hard against Judah.  The temple and everything associated with it was in disarray, and the people were not worshiping and following God as they should.  “In the first year of [Hezekiah’s] reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the LORD and repaired them” (29:3).  Furthermore, he declared to the religious leaders, “Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, in order that his fierce anger may turn away from us” (29:10).  And so, temple worship was restored and the nation celebrated the Passover.  The Chronicler summarizes:  “Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God.  And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered” (31:20-21).  An invasion from Assyria was imminent, and Hezekiah’s faithfulness and trust in the Lord was about to be tested.  For now, though, the people could come to the temple, thanking the Lord for his goodness and for a good king.

Come, ye thankful people, come,

Raise the song of harvest home!

All is safely gathered in

Ere the winter storms begin.

God, our Maker, doth provide

For our wants to be supplied.

Come to God's own temple, come,

Raise the song of harvest home.   --Henry Alford (1844)