2 Chronicles 30:21
The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and priests praised the LORD day after day, accompanied by loud instruments of praise to the LORD.
The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem
This phrase highlights the gathering of the Israelites in Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of the nation. Historically, Jerusalem was the city chosen by God for His temple, making it the focal point of Jewish worship. The gathering of Israelites here signifies a collective return to covenant faithfulness and a desire to seek God’s presence. The Hebrew root for "Israelites" (יִשְׂרָאֵלִים, Yisra'el) reminds us of their identity as God's chosen people, descendants of Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:28).

celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a significant Jewish festival that follows Passover, commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their liberation from slavery. The Hebrew term for "unleavened bread" (מַצּוֹת, matzot) signifies purity and the absence of sin, as leaven often symbolizes corruption in Scripture. This celebration is a call to holiness and remembrance of God's deliverance, encouraging believers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and God's redemptive work in their lives.

for seven days
The number seven in the Bible often represents completeness or perfection, reflecting God's creation week. Celebrating for seven days indicates a complete and wholehearted dedication to worship and remembrance. It underscores the importance of sustained devotion and the fullness of joy found in God's presence. This period of celebration serves as a reminder of the eternal rest and joy promised to believers.

with great rejoicing
The phrase "great rejoicing" emphasizes the profound joy and gratitude experienced by the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "rejoicing" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah) conveys a sense of gladness and delight in the Lord. This joy is not merely emotional but is deeply rooted in the spiritual reality of God's faithfulness and mercy. It challenges believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude and to find joy in God's presence and promises.

while the Levites and priests praised the LORD
The Levites and priests were set apart for the service of the temple, responsible for leading worship and maintaining the spiritual life of the nation. Their role in praising the LORD highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the power of worship in drawing people closer to God. The Hebrew root for "praised" (הָלַל, halal) is the basis for "hallelujah," meaning to boast in or celebrate the LORD, encouraging believers to live lives that glorify God.

day after day
This phrase underscores the consistency and perseverance in worship. It reflects a commitment to daily devotion and the importance of maintaining a continual relationship with God. The repetition of worship "day after day" serves as a model for believers to seek God consistently, not just in times of celebration but as a daily practice.

with loud instruments
The use of "loud instruments" in worship signifies the exuberance and intensity of their praise. Instruments in biblical times, such as trumpets and cymbals, were often used in temple worship to express joy and to call the congregation to attention. This phrase encourages believers to worship God with all their might, using every resource available to honor Him. It also reflects the biblical principle that worship should be both heartfelt and expressive, engaging the whole person in the act of glorifying God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The people of Israel who gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This event marked a significant moment of unity and worship among the tribes.

2. Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the temple was located. It was the spiritual heart of Israel and the site of the festival.

3. Feast of Unleavened Bread
A seven-day festival following Passover, commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their reliance on God. It involved eating unleavened bread and was a time of reflection and celebration.

4. Levites and Priests
The religious leaders responsible for conducting worship and sacrifices. They played a crucial role in leading the people in praise and maintaining the spiritual atmosphere.

5. Loud Instruments
Musical instruments used by the Levites and priests to praise the LORD, emphasizing the joy and exuberance of the celebration.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Corporate Worship
Gathering together as a community to worship God strengthens faith and unity among believers. The Israelites' celebration in Jerusalem serves as a model for the church today.

Joyful Praise as an Expression of Faith
The use of loud instruments and rejoicing highlights the importance of expressing our joy and gratitude to God through worship. Our praise should be vibrant and heartfelt.

The Role of Spiritual Leaders
The Levites and priests led the people in worship, underscoring the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding and nurturing the faith community.

Remembering God's Deliverance
The Feast of Unleavened Bread was a time to remember God's deliverance from Egypt. Similarly, Christians are called to remember and celebrate God's saving acts in their lives.

Unity in Diversity
The gathering of Israelites from different tribes in Jerusalem illustrates the power of unity in diversity. The church today is called to embrace and celebrate its diversity in Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in 2 Chronicles 30:21 inspire us to prioritize corporate worship in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we incorporate joyful praise into our daily worship practices, both individually and as a community?

3. What role do spiritual leaders play in facilitating worship and spiritual growth within the church, and how can we support them?

4. How can we, as modern believers, remember and celebrate God's deliverance in our lives, similar to the Israelites' commemoration of the Exodus?

5. What steps can we take to foster unity within our diverse church communities, drawing inspiration from the gathering of Israelites in Jerusalem?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
Provides the background for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, detailing its institution and significance as part of the Passover celebration.

Psalm 150
Highlights the use of musical instruments in worship, encouraging the use of loud and joyful praise to honor God.

Acts 2
Describes the unity and communal worship of the early church, reflecting the spirit of togetherness seen in 2 Chronicles 30:21.
A National Passover At JerusalemT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 30:13-27
Religious EnthusiasmW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 30:21-27
People
Asher, Dan, David, Hezekiah, Isaac, Issachar, Levites, Manasseh, Solomon, Zebulun
Places
Assyria, Beersheba, Dan, Jerusalem, Kidron
Topics
Accompanied, Bread, Celebrated, Feast, Giving, Gladness, Held, Instruments, Jerusalem, Joy, Kept, Levites, Lord's, Loud, Making, Melody, Praise, Praised, Present, Priests, Rejoicing, Sang, Seven, Singing, Sons, Unleavened
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 30:21

     1653   numbers, 6-10
     7960   singing

2 Chronicles 30:1-27

     8466   reformation

2 Chronicles 30:21-22

     4410   banquets

2 Chronicles 30:21-23

     4975   week
     8288   joy, of Israel

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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