Search Tools
New Defender's Study Bible Notes
30:1 to keep the passover. The Passover feast, along with the feast of unleavened bread, was supposed to have been observed annually (Exodus 12:14-28), in thankful commemoration of their deliverance from Egypt. It was apparently observed faithfully during the days of Moses and then at least intermittently in the period of the judges (II Kings 23:21-23), and on to the times of Solomon (II Chronicles 30:26). But it had apparently been only partially observed, if at all, after that. At least, no mention is ever made of its observance once the kingdom was divided. No doubt, one of Hezekiah’s hopes was that its reestablishment might help reunify Israel and Judah.
30:2 in the second month. Although the Passover was supposed to be offered on the fourteenth day of the first month of the religious year (Exodus 12:2,3,6), provision had been made to defer it for one month if necessary (Numbers 9:9-11).
30:6 all Israel and Judah. Even though many in Israel had been either slain or deported by the Assyrians by this time, there was still a significant “remnant” left in the land. It was to these that Hezekiah sent his invitation, reminding them that God’s covenant with “Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” still applied to all the tribes.
30:11 divers of Asher. Here is further evidence that a remnant out of the northern kingdom still followed the true worship of God. In addition to Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun, the tribes of Ephraim and Issachar are mentioned in II Chronicles 30:18. Simeon also is mentioned in II Chronicles 15:9. In fact, Hezekiah made a special point of inviting all the tribes of Israel to keep the Passover in Jerusalem (II Chronicles 30:5), and it is at least possible that some came from every tribe (see II Chronicles 30:25-27).
30:18 had not cleansed themselves. The specific ways in which these Israelites had not cleansed themselves in preparation for the Passover are not mentioned. Possibly, because of the idolatries of their parents under King Ahaz, they had not been circumcised (Exodus 12:43-49) and were thus considered “strangers” and therefore not under the covenant (Genesis 17:10-14). Nevertheless, God regarded obedience of the heart as more important than ritual (I Samuel 15:22), and accepted them when the king prayed.