2 Chronicles 29:20
New International Version
Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials together and went up to the temple of the LORD.

New Living Translation
Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials and went to the Temple of the LORD.

English Standard Version
Then Hezekiah the king rose early and gathered the officials of the city and went up to the house of the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials and went up to the house of the LORD.

Berean Literal Bible
And King Hezekiah rose early and gathered the rulers of the city and went up to the house of YHWH.

King James Bible
Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

New King James Version
Then King Hezekiah rose early, gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
Then King Hezekiah got up early and assembled the princes of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

NASB 1995
Then King Hezekiah arose early and assembled the princes of the city and went up to the house of the LORD.

NASB 1977
Then King Hezekiah arose early and assembled the princes of the city and went up to the house of the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then King Hezekiah arose early and gathered the princes of the city and went up to the house of Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
Then King Hezekiah arose early and assembled the officials of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

Berean Annotated Bible
Early the next morning King Hezekiah (YHWH is my strength) gathered the city officials and went up to the house of the LORD {YHWH}.

Christian Standard Bible
King Hezekiah got up early, gathered the city officials, and went to the LORD’s temple.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
King Hezekiah got up early, gathered the city officials, and went to the LORD’s temple.

American Standard Version
Then Hezekiah the king arose early, and gathered the princes of the city, and went up to the house of Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
At once, Hezekiah called together the officials of Jerusalem, and they went to the temple.

English Revised Version
Then Hezekiah the king arose early, and gathered the princes of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Early in the morning Hezekiah gathered the leaders of the city and went to the LORD's temple.

Good News Translation
Without delay King Hezekiah assembled the leading men of the city, and together they went to the Temple.

International Standard Version
Early the next morning, King Hezekiah got up and assembled the city officials and went up to the LORD's Temple,

NET Bible
Early the next morning King Hezekiah assembled the city officials and went up to the LORD's temple.

New Heart English Bible
Then Hezekiah the king arose early and gathered the officials of the city and went up to the house of the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and convened the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials and went up to the house of the LORD.

World English Bible
Then Hezekiah the king arose early, gathered the princes of the city, and went up to Yahweh’s house.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Hezekiah the king rises early, and gathers the heads of the city, and goes up to the house of YHWH;

Berean Literal Bible
And King Hezekiah rose early and gathered the rulers of the city and went up to the house of YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
And Hezekiah the king riseth early, and gathereth the heads of the city, and goeth up to the house of Jehovah;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Hezekiah the king will rise early and gather the chiefs of the city, and he will go up to the house of Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And king Ezechias rising early, assembled all the rulers of the city, and went up into the house of the Lord:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And rising up at first light, king Hezekiah joined as one all the leaders of the city, and they ascended to the house of the Lord.

New American Bible
Then King Hezekiah hastened to convoke the princes of the city and went up to the LORD’s house.

New Revised Standard Version
Then King Hezekiah rose early, assembled the officials of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Hezekiah the king rose early and gathered the elders of Jerusalem, and went up to the house of the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Hezekiah the King arose early and gathered the Elders of Jerusalem, and he entered the house of LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Hezekiah the king arose early, and gathered the princes of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And kin Ezekias rose early in the morning, and gathered the chief men of the city, and went up to the house of the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hezekiah Restores Temple Worship
20Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials and went up to the house of the LORD. 21They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And the king commanded the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the LORD.…

Cross References
Early the next morning

Genesis 22:3
So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac. He split the wood for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had designated.

Joshua 6:12
Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests took the ark of the LORD.

Exodus 34:4
So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals. He rose early in the morning, and taking the two stone tablets in his hands, he went up Mount Sinai as the LORD had commanded him.
King Hezekiah

2 Kings 18:5-7
Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him. / He remained faithful to the LORD and did not turn from following Him; he kept the commandments that the LORD had given Moses. / And the LORD was with Hezekiah, and he prospered wherever he went. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him.

2 Chronicles 31:20-21
So this is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and upright and true before the LORD his God. / He acted with all his heart in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law and the commandments, in order to seek his God. And so he prospered.

2 Chronicles 30:1-5
Then Hezekiah sent word throughout all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh inviting them to come to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel. / For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to keep the Passover in the second month, / since they had been unable to keep it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem. …
gathered the city officials

2 Chronicles 34:29-31
Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. / And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the Levites—all the people great and small—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. / So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book.

2 Kings 23:1-2
Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. / And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.

Ezra 10:7-8
And a proclamation was issued throughout Judah and Jerusalem that all the exiles should gather at Jerusalem. / Whoever failed to appear within three days would forfeit all his property, according to the counsel of the leaders and elders, and would himself be expelled from the assembly of the exiles.
and went up to the house of the LORD.

2 Kings 19:1
On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD.

2 Kings 23:2
And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.

1 Samuel 1:3
Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD.
2 Kings 18:1-7
In the third year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz became king of Judah. / He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abi, the daughter of Zechariah. / And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. …

2 Chronicles 31:1-21
When all this had ended, the Israelites in attendance went out to the cities of Judah and broke up the sacred pillars, chopped down the Asherah poles, and tore down the high places and altars throughout Judah and Benjamin, as well as in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the Israelites returned to their cities, each to his own property. / Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling. / The king contributed from his own possessions for the regular morning and evening burnt offerings and for the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, as written in the Law of the LORD. …

2 Chronicles 32:1-8
After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself. / When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come to make war against Jerusalem, / he consulted with his leaders and mighty men about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him carry it out. …

2 Kings 20:1-11
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” / Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, / “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. …


Treasury of Scripture

Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

rose

Genesis 22:3
And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

Exodus 24:4
And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Joshua 6:12
And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.

Jump to Previous
Assembled City Convened Early Gathered Gathereth Great Heads Hezekiah Hezeki'ah House Morning Officials Princes Riseth Rose Rulers Together
Jump to Next
Assembled City Convened Early Gathered Gathereth Great Heads Hezekiah Hezeki'ah House Morning Officials Princes Riseth Rose Rulers Together
2 Chronicles 29
1. Hezekiah's good reign.
3. He restores religion
5. He exhorts the Levites
12. They sanctify themselves, and cleanse the house of God
20. Hezekiah offers solemn sacrifices,
24. wherein the Levites are more forward than the priests












Early the next morning
This phrase indicates promptness and urgency in Hezekiah's actions. It reflects a sense of priority and dedication to the task at hand, which is consistent with the biblical principle of seeking God first (Matthew 6:33). The early morning is often associated with devotion and seeking God's guidance, as seen in the practices of other biblical figures like David (Psalm 5:3) and Jesus (Mark 1:35).

King Hezekiah
Hezekiah was the 13th king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to restore proper worship in the kingdom. His reign is detailed in 2 Kings 18-20 and 2 Chronicles 29-32. Hezekiah is often remembered for his religious reforms, which included reopening the temple and reinstating the Passover. His actions are seen as a fulfillment of the covenantal promise that God would bless those who follow His commandments (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

gathered the city officials
This gathering of officials signifies the importance of communal and national involvement in religious reform. It highlights the role of leadership in guiding the people back to God. The officials likely included priests, Levites, and other leaders who had influence over the spiritual and civic life of Judah. This collective action underscores the biblical principle of unity in worship and the importance of leaders setting a godly example (1 Timothy 4:12).

and went up to the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. Going up to the temple signifies an act of reverence and obedience to God's command to worship Him in the designated holy place (Deuteronomy 12:5-7). The temple was not only a physical structure but also a symbol of God's presence among His people. Hezekiah's ascent to the temple can be seen as a type of Christ, who also went up to Jerusalem to fulfill His mission (Luke 9:51).

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Hezekiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms to restore proper worship in the temple. He is known for his faithfulness to God and efforts to lead the nation back to righteousness.

2. City Officials
These are the leaders and elders of Jerusalem who were summoned by Hezekiah to participate in the religious reforms and ceremonies.

3. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, which had been neglected and defiled by previous kings.

4. Early Morning Gathering
This indicates the urgency and priority Hezekiah placed on restoring worship, showing his commitment to God’s commands.

5. Religious Reforms
The broader context of this verse involves Hezekiah's efforts to cleanse the temple and restore proper worship practices, which had been abandoned.
Teaching Points
Priority of Worship
Hezekiah’s early morning action teaches us the importance of prioritizing worship and devotion to God in our daily lives.

Leadership in Faith
As Hezekiah gathered the officials, it shows the role of leaders in guiding others towards spiritual renewal and obedience to God.

Restoration and Renewal
The need for spiritual cleansing and returning to God’s ways is a timeless principle, applicable to both personal and communal faith journeys.

Urgency in Obedience
Hezekiah’s immediate response to restore worship highlights the urgency with which we should respond to God’s call in our lives.

Community Involvement
The involvement of city officials underscores the importance of community in worship and spiritual reforms.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 29:20?

2. How does Hezekiah's leadership in 2 Chronicles 29:20 inspire modern Christian leaders today?

3. What role does early morning worship play in our daily spiritual discipline?

4. How does Hezekiah's example connect with Romans 12:1 about living sacrifices?

5. Why is it important to gather leaders for worship, as Hezekiah did?

6. How can we prioritize worship in our lives like Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 29:20?

7. What significance does 2 Chronicles 29:20 hold in the context of Hezekiah's religious reforms?

8. How does 2 Chronicles 29:20 reflect the importance of leadership in spiritual revival?

9. What does 2 Chronicles 29:20 reveal about the role of priests in ancient Israelite worship?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 29?

11. 2 Chronicles 29:20–24 – Does the concept of animal sacrifice resolving sin stand up to scientific or moral scrutiny in a modern context?

12. 2 Chronicles 29:36 – Could the sudden and unanimous repentance of an entire nation be considered a historical inconsistency when compared to other Biblical accounts of gradual change?

13. 2 Chronicles 29:6-9 - Why are there no secular historical accounts or artifacts corroborating the large-scale purges and reforms Hezekiah allegedly performed?

14. Why does 2 Chronicles 28:19 say God directly punishes an entire nation for one king's actions?
What Does 2 Chronicles 29:20 Mean
Early the next morning

“Early the next morning…” (2 Chron 29:20)

• Hezekiah does not delay obedience. Genuine repentance shows itself in prompt action (Psalm 119:60; Luke 19:5-6).

• The phrase hints at renewed hope; a new day dawns for Judah after years of neglect (Lamentations 3:22-23).

• It reminds us that revival is marked by urgency, not complacency (Romans 13:11-12).


King Hezekiah

“…King Hezekiah…”

• A leader who “did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 18:3-6) sets the tone for national renewal.

• His personal commitment models how spiritual change often begins with those in authority (Joshua 24:15; 1 Timothy 4:12).

• Hezekiah’s title underscores responsibility: kings answer to the true King (Psalm 2:10-12).


Gathered the city officials

“…gathered the city officials…”

• Revival is communal; Hezekiah involves princes and administrators so reforms reach every layer of society (2 Chron 30:12).

• Unity among leaders prevents half-hearted measures (Nehemiah 2:17-18; Acts 6:2-4).

• Their presence testifies publicly that the nation returns to covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).


Went up

“…and went up…”

• The verb pictures an ascent—both geographic and spiritual—toward God’s appointed place (Psalm 24:3-4).

• Movement toward the temple signifies turning away from idolatrous practices recently purged (2 Chron 29:16-18).

• True repentance is active, not merely emotional (James 2:17).


To the house of the LORD

“…to the house of the LORD.”

• The temple is the center of worship, sacrifice, and national identity (1 Kings 8:29-30).

• Returning there means seeking God on His terms—through prescribed offerings soon detailed in verses 21-24 (Leviticus 1–7; Hebrews 9:22).

• The phrase anticipates restored fellowship and blessing (Psalm 122:1; 2 Chron 7:14).


Summary

2 Chronicles 29:20 shows the first concrete step in Hezekiah’s sweeping reform: an eager, leader-led, collective return to God’s dwelling. By rising early, assembling authorities, and ascending to the temple, Hezekiah demonstrates urgent, organized, and God-centered repentance. The verse calls readers to respond likewise—promptly, together, and in accord with God’s ordained place of worship—confident that such obedience opens the door to renewal and blessing.

THE CONSECRATION SACRIFICES (2Chronicles 29:20-30).

(20) Rose early.--Comp. Psalm 5:3 : "Early in the j morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee."

Gathered the rulers of the city.--Hezekiah assembled the chief men of Jerusalem, because there was no time to send out a general summons to the country, as he wished to proceed at once with the sacrifices of expiation.

Went up to the house.--So 2Kings 19:14; 2Chronicles 9:4, and often. . . .

Verse 20. - The rulers of the city are its chief citizens - Hebrew, שָׂרֵי הָעִיר (2 Chronicles 24:17; 2 Chronicles 30:1-4) - who bring contributions of sacrificial victims, the word being generally rendered "princes,"

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Early the next morning
וַיַּשְׁכֵּם֙ (way·yaš·kêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7925: To load up, to start early in the morning

King
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Hezekiah
יְחִזְקִיָּ֣הוּ (yə·ḥiz·qî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2396: Hezekiah -- 'Yah has strengthened', a king of Judah, also several other Israelites

gathered
וַיֶּאֱסֹ֕ף (way·ye·’ĕ·sōp̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove

the city
הָעִ֑יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

officials
שָׂרֵ֣י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

and went
וַיַּ֖עַל (way·ya·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

up to the house
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 29:20 Then Hezekiah the king arose early (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 29:19
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