The response to King Hezekiah's invitation is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Chronicles 30. This event highlights the religious reforms initiated by Hezekiah, the king of Judah, and the varied reactions of the people of Israel and Judah to his call for national repentance and worship.

Historical Context

Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, ascended to the throne of Judah during a time of spiritual decline and idolatry. His reign, which began around 715 BC, was marked by a fervent desire to restore the worship of Yahweh and to cleanse the land of idolatrous practices. One of his major reforms was the reinstitution of the Passover, a central feast in the Jewish religious calendar that had been neglected.

The Invitation

In the first year of his reign, Hezekiah sent letters throughout all Israel and Judah, inviting the people to come to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. This invitation extended beyond the borders of Judah to the remnant of the northern kingdom of Israel, which had recently fallen to the Assyrians. The king's message was one of repentance and return to the LORD, urging the people to abandon their idolatrous ways and seek God's favor.

2 Chronicles 30:6-9 records the content of the invitation: "At the king’s command, couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his officials, which read: 'Children of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that He may return to you, the remnant who have escaped the hand of the kings of Assyria. Do not be like your fathers and brothers, who were unfaithful to the LORD, the God of their fathers, so that He made them an object of horror, as you can see. Now do not stiffen your necks as your fathers did. 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. For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and your children will receive compassion in the presence of their captors and will return to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful. He will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.'"

Responses to the Invitation

The response to Hezekiah's invitation was mixed. In Judah, the people generally responded positively, and many gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. However, in the northern territories of Israel, the reaction was more varied. Some mocked and scorned the couriers, refusing to heed the call to repentance. Despite this, a remnant from the tribes of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 30:10-11).

The gathering in Jerusalem was marked by a spirit of unity and repentance. The people removed the altars of false gods, and the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to serve in the temple. The Passover celebration was conducted with great joy and reverence, and it extended for an additional seven days due to the overwhelming enthusiasm of the participants (2 Chronicles 30:21-23).

Theological Significance

Hezekiah's invitation and the subsequent response underscore several key theological themes. First, it highlights the importance of repentance and returning to God as a means of experiencing His grace and mercy. The king's call to forsake idolatry and return to the LORD reflects the biblical principle that true worship requires a heart turned toward God.

Second, the event demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Despite the apostasy and rebellion of both Israel and Judah, God remained willing to forgive and restore those who sought Him with sincerity. The positive response of the remnant from Israel serves as a testament to God's enduring mercy and the hope of restoration for those who repent.

Finally, the celebration of the Passover in Hezekiah's time foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb. The unity and joy experienced by the people of Judah and the remnant of Israel point to the greater unity and joy found in the body of Christ, where believers from all nations are called to worship the one true God.