What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 30:20? And • The conjunction links directly back to 2 Chronicles 30:18-19, where many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had eaten the Passover “not according to what was written,” and Hezekiah prayed, “May the good LORD pardon everyone.” • Scripture often places God’s gracious action immediately after a believing plea (see “Then” in 2 Chronicles 7:14). The “And” signals that the narrative of prayer and response is inseparable and continuous. the LORD • “LORD” represents Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God who revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:14). • Covenant faithfulness is the backdrop: He promised healing for obedience in Exodus 15:26 and had just affirmed in 2 Chronicles 30:9 that “the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate.” • The verse reminds readers that ultimate authority and mercy reside with God alone; no priestly ritual or royal decree substitutes for His sovereign decision. heard • God’s hearing is personal and active, not passive. Psalm 34:17: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears.” • The verb stresses relational assurance—He listens to those who seek Him (1 John 5:14). • In 2 Chronicles, every major revival records that God “heard” (29:20; 30:27), underscoring a theme: repentance opens divine ears. Hezekiah • A reforming king (2 Kings 18:5) who “trusted in the LORD… there was none like him.” • His intercession models spiritual leadership: he acknowledges the people’s shortcomings yet appeals to God’s goodness (30:18-19). • The episode parallels Moses’ mediating prayer in Numbers 12:13 and Samuel’s in 1 Samuel 7:8-9—illustrating that godly leaders stand between a needy people and a merciful God. and healed • Healing here is both physical and ceremonial: the people were ritually unclean, risking judgment (Leviticus 15:31), yet God removed the consequence. • Psalm 103:2-3 pairs forgiveness with healing, showing they often occur together. • James 5:15 echoes the pattern centuries later: “the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” • The act confirms Exodus 15:26—He is “the LORD who heals you.” the people • Not just select individuals but the assembled community (2 Chronicles 30:13). • Corporate blessing follows corporate humility (2 Chronicles 7:14). • The scene anticipates New-Covenant gatherings where entire crowds experience God’s restorative work (Acts 2:41-47). • God’s concern for “the people” underscores His redemptive purpose to create a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). summary 2 Chronicles 30:20 shows the seamless link between humble intercession and divine response. The covenant LORD personally listened to His servant king, responded in grace, and restored an entire nation. The verse assures modern believers that God still hears, still heals, and still delights to bless a repentant people who trust His Word. |
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