◄ 2 Chronicles 30:11 ►
Nevertheless, some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.
Study Bible
Nevertheless
This word serves as a pivotal transition, indicating a contrast to what has been previously mentioned. In the context of 2 Chronicles 30, King Hezekiah had sent out an invitation to all Israel and Judah to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Despite widespread resistance and scorn from many, "nevertheless" signifies that there were those who responded positively. This highlights the theme of divine grace and the remnant theology often seen in Scripture, where God preserves a faithful group even amidst widespread unfaithfulness.

Some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun
These tribes were part of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had been largely apostate and had recently suffered conquest by the Assyrians. The mention of these specific tribes is significant because it underscores the inclusivity of Hezekiah's call to worship. Despite the political and spiritual division between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, God's invitation through Hezekiah transcends these barriers. Historically, this reflects the deep-seated divisions within the nation of Israel, yet it also points to the hope of unity and reconciliation under God's covenant.

Humbled themselves
The act of humbling oneself is a recurring biblical theme, often associated with repentance and a return to God. In Hebrew, the root word for "humbled" is "kana," which implies submission and yielding to God's authority. This phrase indicates a spiritual awakening and a willingness to forsake pride and idolatry. It is a powerful reminder of the necessity of humility in approaching God, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that God exalts the humble and resists the proud (James 4:6).

Came to Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds profound theological significance as the center of worship and the location of the Temple. For those from the Northern Kingdom to journey to Jerusalem was not merely a physical act but a spiritual pilgrimage, symbolizing a return to the true worship of Yahweh. This movement towards Jerusalem can be seen as a foreshadowing of the eschatological hope where all nations will stream to the holy city to worship the Lord (Isaiah 2:2-3). It also reflects the historical reality of Jerusalem as the heart of Jewish religious life and the longing for unity among God's people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Asher
One of the tribes of Israel, located in the northern kingdom. Known for its fertile land and olive oil production.

2. Manasseh
Another tribe of Israel, named after one of Joseph's sons. It was divided into two half-tribes, one on each side of the Jordan River.

3. Zebulun
A tribe of Israel situated in the northern part of the kingdom. Known for its maritime activities and trade.

4. Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the temple was located. It was the spiritual and political heart of the nation.

5. Hezekiah's Passover
The event during which King Hezekiah invited all of Israel and Judah to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem, seeking to unify the people in worship and repentance.
Teaching Points
The Power of Humility
Humility is a prerequisite for true worship and reconciliation with God. The tribes of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun demonstrated humility by responding to Hezekiah's call and traveling to Jerusalem.

Unity in Worship
Despite the division of the kingdom, the invitation to worship in Jerusalem was a call to unity. True worship transcends political and geographical boundaries.

Responding to God's Call
The willingness of some from the northern tribes to come to Jerusalem shows the importance of responding to God's call, even when it requires stepping out of one's comfort zone.

The Role of Leadership
Hezekiah's leadership in calling for the Passover celebration highlights the impact of godly leadership in guiding people back to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the response of the tribes of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun teach us about the importance of humility in our relationship with God?

2. How can we apply the principle of unity in worship in our local church communities today?

3. In what ways can we respond to God's call in our lives, even when it requires significant changes or sacrifices?

4. How does Hezekiah's leadership inspire us to lead others towards a deeper relationship with God?

5. What are some modern-day barriers that prevent believers from coming together in worship, and how can they be overcome?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Chronicles 30:6-9
These verses provide context for the invitation sent by Hezekiah to all Israel and Judah, urging them to return to the Lord and celebrate the Passover.

1 Kings 12:25-33
This passage describes the division of the kingdom and the establishment of alternative worship centers by Jeroboam, which led to the spiritual decline of the northern tribes.

James 4:10
This New Testament verse emphasizes the importance of humility before God, which is a key theme in 2 Chronicles 30:11.
Sermons
Letters to Ephraim: GenerosityW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 30:1, 10, 11
Preparations for a Grand National PassoverT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 30:1-12
People
Asher, Dan, David, Hezekiah, Isaac, Issachar, Levites, Manasseh, Solomon, Zebulun
Places
Assyria, Beersheba, Dan, Jerusalem, Kidron
Topics
Asher, Divers, However, Humbled, Jerusalem, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Nevertheless, Pride, Themselves, Zebulun, Zeb'ulun
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 30:11

     8276   humility

2 Chronicles 30:1-20

     7266   tribes of Israel

2 Chronicles 30:1-27

     8466   reformation

2 Chronicles 30:10-11

     7560   Samaritans, the

Library
A Loving Call to Reunion
'And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel. 2. For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month. 3. For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The New Temple and Its Worship
'And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo: and they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 16. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

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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