MPV Commentary

The Assembly Destroys the Altars of Idolatry.

14 As they prepared to celebrate the approaching festival, the people decided to remove the altars that Ahaz had erected in Jerusalem (2Ch 28:24). This was a necessary step to ensure the right observance of the festival. The Hebrews were bound to eradicate all remnants of idolatry, and this voluntary action by the people was a sign of God's Spirit working among them.

15 The priests and Levites felt ashamed because they had been slow to sanctify themselves (2Ch 29:34). The people's eagerness to prepare for the festival stimulated the priests to fulfill their duty.

16-18 The priests received blood from the hands of the Levites, who had slaughtered the paschal victims on behalf of those who were unclean. This was an exception to the usual practice, where family heads would kill the lambs themselves and give the blood to the priests (see 2Ch 35:5). Many Israelites, especially from certain tribes (2Ch 30:18), had not sanctified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, which was against the law (Nu 9:6). However, this exception was allowed due to Hezekiah's prayer.

20 The Lord healed the people as a result of Hezekiah's prayer. In their state of uncleanness, they were at risk of disease and death (Le 15:31).

21-24 The Israelites kept the festival for fourteen days, doubling the usual period of seven days (Ex 12:15; 13:6; Le 23:6). This was made possible by the generosity of King Hezekiah and the princes, who provided materials for additional sacrificial meals. As a result, many priests sanctified themselves, ensuring there were enough hands to perform the extra services.

24 A large number of priests purified themselves so that they could assist with the additional duties required during this extended celebration.