And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
Ver. 22. And kept the feast of unleavened bread] See 1Co 7:8 Exodus 12:35, with the notes.
Seven days] This began on the fifteenth day, and lasted till the one and twentieth day, Num 28:16-17 Exodus 34:25 .
With joy] See Trapp on " Ezr 6:16 "
For the Lord had made them joyful] Given them cause of joy, and a heart enlarged accordingly, a mind right set for the purpose. St James's word, ευθυμειν, James 5:13, shows that all true mirth is from the rectitude of a man's mind, which God only giveth.
And turned the heart of the king] It is he alone that gives favour, that frameth men's opinions and affections, that maketh a good man's enemies to be at peace with him.
To strengthen their hands] As Ezra 6:8. And this did more ennoble him than all his warlike achievements.