Now they began on the first day of the first month
A new year in Jerusalem
Let us consider--
I. The work done (2 Chronicles 29:18-19). What a grand work of an analogous character is thereby suggested--as a work, that may possibly be accomplished in the beginning of this year (1 Corinthians 3:16).
II. How it came to pass that it was done, and “done suddenly”.
1. “God has prepared the people” (2 Chronicles 29:29).
2. In so doing He had rendered the priests and Levites greatly useful (2 Chronicles 29:12-16).
3. King Hezekiah greatly influenced the spirit of the priests, the Levites, and the people, as evident from the character of his address (2 Chronicles 29:5-11). But “there is another king, one Jesus,” who builds the temple of the Lord, and cleanses it, to whom we are all invited to look, and who “shall bear the glory.”
III. Some immediate results.
1. A great impulse given to the spirit of worship (2 Chronicles 29:28-30).
2. Extension of a spirit of liberality in connection with the worship and service of the Lord (verse35).
3. Great joy. And that how valuable!
(1) In itself.
(2) In relation to moral improvement--for “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
(3) In relation to trials (Hebrews 3:17-18).
(4) In relation to usefulness (Psalms 51:12-13).