How does this verse connect with the Passover instructions in Exodus 12? Text of 2 Chronicles 30 : 15 “They slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the second month. The priests and Levites were ashamed, and they consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings to the house of the LORD.” Direct Links to Exodus 12 • Same central act—slaughtering the lamb (Exodus 12 : 6). • Same day—the fourteenth (Exodus 12 : 6); Hezekiah follows the pattern, only shifting to the second month because the people were unprepared in the first (cf. Numbers 9 : 10-11). • Lambs presented for the whole assembly, just as every household in Egypt took a lamb (Exodus 12 : 3-4). • Priestly oversight parallels Moses’ original instructions to handle the blood and offerings before the Lord (Exodus 12 : 7, 22). Key Parallels in Detail 1. Timing – Exodus 12: “You must keep it until the fourteenth day” (v. 6). – 2 Chronicles 30: “They slaughtered… on the fourteenth day.” Hezekiah honors the precise date, affirming God’s calendar even when delayed a month. 2. The Lamb – Exodus 12: a male, year-old, without blemish (v. 5). – 2 Chronicles 30: “the Passover lambs” implies the same standard of perfection set by Moses. 3. Community Participation – Exodus 12:10-11 shows every Israelite family involved. – 2 Chronicles 30:15 says “they” (the whole gathered remnant) did the slaughtering, stressing corporate obedience. 4. Priestly Mediation – Exodus 12: “the whole congregation… shall slaughter it at twilight” yet Moses presides. – 2 Chronicles 30:15 notes priests and Levites finally sanctified, taking their God-given role seriously after conviction (“were ashamed”). 5. Offerings Beyond the Lamb – Exodus 12 introduces the burnt offering concept that later develops in Leviticus. – 2 Chronicles 30:15 records burnt offerings accompanying the Passover lambs, uniting Exodus’ deliverance theme with sacrificial worship. Supporting Verses • Exodus 12 : 3-14 – original Passover directives. • Numbers 9 : 10-11 – allowance for a second-month Passover when first-month observance is impossible. • 2 Chronicles 30 : 1-20 – full narrative of Hezekiah’s reform and nationwide invitation. Why the Connection Matters • Confirms continuity: centuries later, Israel is still bound to God’s foundational redemption event. • Shows Scripture’s precision: day, lamb, and priestly duties match exactly, underscoring the trustworthiness of both accounts. • Illustrates repentance and restoration: even when delayed or previously neglected, obedience to Exodus 12 can be reclaimed, experiencing the same covenant benefits. |
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