And all the people, that God had prepared the people— And all the people, because that the Lord had raised their hearts. Houbigant.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, No sooner has the crown devolved to Hezekiah, than with unremitting zeal he sets himself to repair the late desolations of God's house, and recover the people from their dreadful apostacy. His heart was as right with God as David's, and religion his first and great concern. Happy the land that has such a king!
1. He opens and repairs the doors of God's house, wherein of late had neither been incense nor offering. Probably, though no public service had been maintained there, the sacred fire was still preserved.
2. He convokes the priests and Levites, who seem to have too much corresponded with the sad changes of the last reign, and to have testified little zeal for a reformation. In this august assembly, he laments the evils of their fathers, their neglect of God and his service; and justly ascribes thereto all the miseries that they had suffered, and under which they still groaned. He declares his oven intention to join himself solemnly in covenant with God; and admonishes them heartily to assist him in the restoration of God's worship, and the reformation of the people. As priests and Levites, they were especially obliged to purify their own souls, and show zeal and diligence for others; the honour that God had put on them, should quicken them in his service; and, as the father of his people, he addresses them as sons; by every endearing entreaty engaging them to that which was so evidently their duty. Note; (1.) They who neglect God's ordinances, declare thereby their apostacy from him. The persons, or family, who neglect the lamp of God's word, and offer no daily incense of prayer and praise, cannot but be in a terrible state of guilt. (2.) There is no way of averting God's fierce anger, but by a penitent return to him in his instituted way. (3.) When through grace our heart is desirous to return, then there is hope. (4.) It is in vain to attempt reforming others, till we have first begun with our own souls. (5.) A negligent minister is a most criminal character.
2nd, The first service necessary was, the thorough cleansing of the house of the Lord, which had been so long neglected; and to this the principal Levites then addressed themselves with diligence and earnestness, according to the commandment of the king, and agreeably to God's will, assembling their brethren, and uniting in the same work: many hands, and zeal for the cause, made great dispatch. In eight days they had thoroughly purged the house, and brightened the vessels of service; and in eight more the courts were cleansed. Thus began the happy year; and Hezekiah with pleasure heard that all things were ready for renewing the interrupted worship of God. Note; (1.) Much may be done in a short time, when we are truly engaged in the work. (2.) When zealous ministers lead the way, they provoke their brethren to jealousy. (3.) If they were so careful to purge the temple from filth, how much more so should we be, who are consecrated priests unto God, to cleanse the temple of our hearts from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, that God alone may be exalted there?
3rdly, No sooner is the house ready, than Hezekiah is eager to be there. Early the next morning he arose, summoned the rulers to attend him, and went up to the courts of God's sanctuary.
1. He opened the service with sacrifices of atonement for the people in general; all ranks and degrees having been great offenders, and priests and people alike culpable. One goat only was appointed; but, with a consciousness of their great transgressions, and their long neglect of sacrifices, they offered seven, the king and people solemnly confessing their iniquities, and laying their hands on the heads of their sacrifices. Note; (1.) There is no returning to God without the atoning blood of Jesus; repentance, without that, could profit us nothing. (2.) They who by faith lay their hands on their Redeemer, shall find him a Saviour to the uttermost.
2. Burnt-offerings of thanksgiving accompanied the sacrifices of atonement. When God is reconciled, praise and thankfulness are our bounden duty.
3. While the offerings were burning, the Levites were, according to the disposition of David, praising God with instruments of music; and the king and people, now emboldened to draw near the throne of grace, repeatedly bowed the head and worshipped. Note; All our praises and prayers are then acceptable, when they ascend in the name of Jesus Christ, and in the virtue of his one oblation once offered.
4. As the ministrations were renewed, Hezekiah exhorts the people to supply God's altar liberally, and to draw near to him as his reconciled people: nor were they backward to receive the exhortation; but willingly, according to their abilities, they brought, the more generous, burnt-offerings which were wholly consumed, and others, peace-offerings in abundance, on part of which themselves feasted. Note; (1.) They who love God's altar will delight to support the service. (2.) Past neglect should quicken us to more abundant diligence.
5. The priests were not sufficient in number to offer the sacrifices; many of them had been defiled with idols, and might be suspended from their office; others wanted zeal for the service, and neglected to sanctify themselves. The Levites, in general, had been more upright, and many of them were now employed in helping to slay the sacrifices, for want of more priests to whom that office properly belonged: and this, though not according to the law, was, from the necessity of the case, dispensed with. Note; (1.) They who should be the first to encourage the revival of godliness are, to their shame, often the last. (2.) When the heart is upright and zealous for God, and they whose duty it is to labour in the ministry are negligent, God will not blame what men may call irregularity in the service.
6. It was matter of universal joy to see the blessed change. The king and people could not but observe the hand of God, preparing and disposing them so readily to join in the service: and the expedition and ease with which the work was done, was a farther manifestation of the divine blessing upon them. Note; They who set about God's work, though at first the difficulties seem arduous and insurmountable, will often find the mountain before Zerubbabel become a plain. God has men's hearts in his hand, and can bow the most stubborn to ready compliance.