King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 30:2 Mean?

“For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.”

Context

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.

For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.

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.

And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation. pleased: Heb. was right in the eyes of the king

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **For the king had taken counsel.**—*And the king determined* (2Chronicles 25:17). The resolution was taken by the king in council with his grandees and the popular representatives; apparently before the 14th of Nisan, which was the proper time for keeping the feast. **In the second month.**—And not in the *first* month of the sacred year, as the law prescribes (Numbers 9:1-5). The grounds of the postponement are assigned in the next verse, viz., the legal impurity of many of the priests, and the non-arrival of the people at the proper time. The law permits postponement to the second month in such cases (Numbers 9:6-11). The first month was Nisan; Assyr., *Nisdnu*; the second, Iyyar; Assyr., *Āru.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 30:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.