The concept of the "Restorer of Worship" in the Bible refers to individuals or movements that have played a pivotal role in returning the people of God to proper worship and adherence to His commandments. Throughout biblical history, there have been several key figures and events that have served to restore true worship among the Israelites and the early Christian church.

Old Testament Examples

1. King Hezekiah: One of the most notable restorers of worship in the Old Testament is King Hezekiah of Judah. He is renowned for his religious reforms, which included the purification of the Temple and the reestablishment of the Passover. In 2 Chronicles 29:3-5 , it is recorded, "In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the house of the LORD and repaired them. Then he brought in the priests and Levites, gathered them in the square on the east side, and said to them, 'Listen to me, Levites! Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove all defilement from the sanctuary.'"

2. King Josiah: Another significant restorer was King Josiah, who initiated a major religious reform after the Book of the Law was found in the Temple. His actions are detailed in 2 Kings 23:25 : "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses."

3. Ezra and Nehemiah: After the Babylonian exile, Ezra and Nehemiah played crucial roles in restoring worship in Jerusalem. Ezra, a scribe and priest, led the people in renewing their covenant with God, as seen in Nehemiah 8:5-6 : "Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people. And as he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted, all the people said, 'Amen, Amen!' Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground."

New Testament Context

1. Jesus Christ: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate restorer of worship. He emphasized worship in spirit and truth, as highlighted in John 4:23-24 : "But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth."

2. The Apostles: The apostles, particularly Peter and Paul, were instrumental in establishing the early church and guiding believers in proper worship. Acts 2:42 describes the early church's devotion: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

Themes and Significance

The restoration of worship is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of returning to God’s prescribed ways of worship. It often involves repentance, renewal of covenant, and a return to the Scriptures. The restorers of worship serve as examples of faithfulness and obedience, demonstrating the necessity of aligning worship practices with God’s commands. These restorations often occur during times of spiritual decline, highlighting God's desire for His people to worship Him rightly and wholeheartedly.