Hezekiah's Reforms

Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, reigned as the king of Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC. His reign is noted for significant religious reforms aimed at restoring the worship of Yahweh and purifying the religious practices of the nation. Hezekiah's reforms are detailed primarily in 2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32, and Isaiah 36-39.

Upon ascending to the throne, Hezekiah inherited a kingdom steeped in idolatry and apostasy, largely due to the policies of his father, Ahaz. Determined to return Judah to the worship of the one true God, Hezekiah initiated a series of reforms. He began by reopening and repairing the doors of the Temple of the LORD, which had been closed during Ahaz's reign (2 Chronicles 29:3). Hezekiah gathered the priests and Levites, urging them to consecrate themselves and the Temple, declaring, "Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us" (2 Chronicles 29:10).

Hezekiah's reforms included the removal of high places, the destruction of sacred pillars, and the cutting down of Asherah poles. He also broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for the Israelites had begun to burn incense to it, calling it Nehushtan (2 Kings 18:4). These actions demonstrated Hezekiah's commitment to eradicating idolatry and centralizing worship in Jerusalem.

The king also reinstated the Levitical priesthood and restored the proper observance of sacrifices and offerings as prescribed in the Law of Moses. Hezekiah's reforms were not limited to the Temple; he also sought to extend his religious revival throughout the land of Judah and even into the northern kingdom of Israel, which had recently fallen to Assyria.

Hezekiah's Passover

One of the most significant aspects of Hezekiah's religious reforms was the celebration of the Passover, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 30. This Passover was notable for its inclusivity and its emphasis on national repentance and unity. Hezekiah sent letters throughout all Israel and Judah, inviting the people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel. The invitation extended even to the remnant of the northern tribes, despite their recent conquest by Assyria.

The king's message urged the people, "Do not be stiff-necked as your fathers were; submit to the LORD and come to His sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that His fierce anger will turn away from you" (2 Chronicles 30:8). Although some mocked the messengers, many from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.

The Passover was celebrated in the second month, rather than the first, due to the lack of consecrated priests and the inability to gather the people in time (2 Chronicles 30:2-3). This decision was in accordance with the provision in the Law for those who were unable to observe the Passover at its appointed time (Numbers 9:10-11).

The celebration was marked by great joy and unity, as the people of Judah and the remnant of Israel came together to worship the LORD. The Levites and priests praised God day and night, and the people offered sacrifices and confessed their sins. The account in 2 Chronicles 30:26 notes, "There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel, nothing like this had happened in Jerusalem" .

Hezekiah's Passover was a pivotal moment in his reign, symbolizing a return to covenant faithfulness and a renewed commitment to the worship of Yahweh. It served as a powerful reminder of God's mercy and the importance of obedience to His commandments.