2 Chronicles 29:19
Moreover, we have prepared and consecrated all the articles that King Ahaz in his unfaithfulness cast aside during his reign. They are now in front of the altar of the LORD."
Moreover, we have prepared
This phrase indicates a proactive and deliberate action taken by the Levites and priests under King Hezekiah's reforms. The Hebrew root for "prepared" is "כּוּן" (kun), which implies establishing or making firm. This preparation was not merely physical but also spiritual, signifying a return to proper worship and reverence for God. It reflects a commitment to restore what was lost and to ensure that the worship of Yahweh was conducted with the utmost care and respect.

and consecrated
The act of consecration, from the Hebrew "קָדַשׁ" (qadash), means to set apart as holy. This was a necessary step to restore the sanctity of the temple articles. In a broader spiritual context, it signifies the need for purity and dedication in service to God. The consecration of these items symbolizes the renewal of the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the importance of holiness in worship.

all the articles
The "articles" refer to the sacred objects used in temple worship, such as utensils, vessels, and other items necessary for the rituals prescribed in the Law of Moses. These items were essential for the proper conduct of worship and sacrifices. Historically, these articles were crafted with great care and often made of precious materials, underscoring their importance in the religious life of Israel.

that King Ahaz in his unfaithfulness had discarded
King Ahaz's reign was marked by idolatry and apostasy, as he abandoned the worship of Yahweh and introduced pagan practices. The Hebrew word for "unfaithfulness" is "מַעַל" (ma'al), which conveys a sense of treachery or betrayal. Ahaz's actions led to the desecration of the temple and the neglect of true worship. This phrase highlights the contrast between Ahaz's unfaithfulness and Hezekiah's faithfulness in restoring the temple.

during his reign
This phrase situates the events within the historical context of Ahaz's rule, a time of spiritual decline for Judah. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the impact of leadership on the spiritual health of a nation. The reign of Ahaz is a cautionary tale of how far a nation can stray when its leaders forsake God's commandments.

They are now in front of the altar of the LORD
The placement of the consecrated articles "in front of the altar of the LORD" signifies their readiness for use in worship and the restoration of proper temple service. The altar, central to the sacrificial system, represents the place of atonement and communion with God. This phrase underscores the return to rightful worship and the reestablishment of the covenant relationship with God. It is a powerful image of renewal and dedication, symbolizing the nation's return to faithfulness and the hope of divine favor.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Hezekiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms and sought to restore proper worship in the temple.

2. King Ahaz
Hezekiah's father, known for his unfaithfulness and idolatry, which led to the desecration of the temple.

3. Levites and Priests
The religious leaders responsible for the cleansing and consecration of the temple and its articles.

4. Temple of the LORD
The central place of worship in Jerusalem, which had been neglected and defiled under Ahaz's reign.

5. Consecration
The act of making something sacred or dedicating it to the service of God, which was necessary for the temple articles.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Consecration
Just as the temple articles were consecrated for God's service, believers are called to consecrate their lives to God, setting themselves apart for His purposes.

Restoration and Renewal
Hezekiah's actions demonstrate the possibility of spiritual renewal and restoration, even after a period of unfaithfulness. This encourages believers to seek God's forgiveness and renewal in their own lives.

Leadership and Influence
Hezekiah's leadership shows the impact a godly leader can have on a nation. Believers are encouraged to lead by example in their communities, promoting faithfulness to God.

Faithfulness vs. Unfaithfulness
The contrast between Ahaz and Hezekiah highlights the consequences of unfaithfulness and the blessings of returning to God. Believers are reminded to remain faithful in their walk with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What steps did Hezekiah take to restore proper worship in the temple, and how can we apply similar principles to restore areas of our lives that have been neglected spiritually?

2. How does the consecration of the temple articles relate to the New Testament call for believers to be living sacrifices?

3. In what ways can we, like Hezekiah, influence our communities towards faithfulness to God?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced spiritual renewal. What actions or decisions led to that renewal, and how can you maintain it?

5. How does the account of Hezekiah and Ahaz challenge us to evaluate our own faithfulness to God, and what steps can we take to ensure we remain faithful?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 16
Provides background on King Ahaz's reign and his idolatrous practices, which led to the defilement of the temple.

2 Chronicles 28
Details the unfaithfulness of Ahaz and the resulting spiritual decline in Judah.

Leviticus 8
Describes the consecration of the priests and the tabernacle, highlighting the importance of holiness in worship.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, drawing a parallel to the consecration of the temple articles.
The Purification of the TempleT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 29:3-19
Doing DutyW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 29:12-19
People
Aaron, Abdi, Abijah, Ahaz, Amasai, Asaph, Azariah, David, Elizaphan, Esther, Gad, Gershonites, Heman, Hezekiah, Jeduthun, Jehalelel, Jehiel, Jeiel, Jeuel, Joah, Joel, Kish, Kohathites, Levites, Mahath, Mattaniah, Merari, Merarites, Nathan, Shemaiah, Shimei, Shimri, Uzziel, Zechariah, Zimmah
Places
Holy Place, Jerusalem, Kidron
Topics
Acted, Ahaz, Altar, Articles, Behold, Cast, Consecrated, Discarded, During, Faithless, Front, Hallowed, Holy, Lord's, Moreover, Order, Places, Prepared, Ready, Reign, Removed, Sanctified, Sin, Transgression, Treacherously, Trespass, Trespassed, Unfaithfulness, Utensils, Vessels
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 29:19

     8840   unfaithfulness, to God

2 Chronicles 29:3-36

     7390   Levites

2 Chronicles 29:15-19

     7416   purification

2 Chronicles 29:15-31

     8271   holiness, purpose

2 Chronicles 29:17-19

     8218   consecration

2 Chronicles 29:18-19

     7467   temple, Solomon's

Library
A Godly Reformation
'Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. 2. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. 3. He in the first year of his reign, in the first mouth, opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and repaired them. 4. And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Sacrifice Renewed
'Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have cleansed all the house of the Lord, and the altar of burnt-offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the shew-bread table, with all the vessels thereof. 19. Moreover, all the vessels, which king Ahaz in his reign did cast away in his transgression, have we prepared and sanctified, and, behold, they are before the altar of the Lord. 20. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 Cor. vii. 1. That holiness is more than cleansing, and must be preceded by it, is taught us in more than one passage of the New Testament. 'Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.' 'If a man cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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