Topical Encyclopedia The Passover, a pivotal feast in the Jewish calendar, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage as described in the Book of Exodus. This annual observance, instituted by God through Moses, is marked by the sacrifice of a lamb and the eating of unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt. Over time, the observance of Passover had waned, particularly during periods of spiritual decline in the history of Judah. However, a significant renewal of the Passover celebration occurred during the reign of King Hezekiah, as recorded in the Old Testament.Historical Context Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, ascended to the throne of Judah around 715 BC. His reign is noted for a series of religious reforms aimed at restoring the worship of Yahweh and purifying the temple in Jerusalem. Hezekiah's commitment to spiritual renewal is evident in his efforts to reinstate the Passover, which had not been observed according to the prescribed manner for many years. Renewal of Passover by Hezekiah The account of Hezekiah's renewal of the Passover is detailed in 2 Chronicles 30. Upon purifying the temple and reestablishing the priesthood, Hezekiah sent letters throughout Israel and Judah, inviting the people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. This invitation extended even to the remnants of the northern kingdom of Israel, which had been devastated by Assyrian conquest. 2 Chronicles 30:1-5 states: "Then Hezekiah sent word throughout all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, inviting them to come to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel. For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to celebrate the Passover in the second month, since they had been unable to celebrate it at the regular time because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not gathered in Jerusalem." The decision to hold the Passover in the second month, rather than the first, was in accordance with the provision in the Law of Moses for those who were ceremonially unclean or on a distant journey (Numbers 9:10-11). This flexibility demonstrated Hezekiah's desire to include as many participants as possible in this significant act of worship. The Celebration The celebration of Passover under Hezekiah was marked by a spirit of unity and repentance. Despite initial resistance from some in the northern tribes, many responded to Hezekiah's call, traveling to Jerusalem to partake in the feast. The event was characterized by a renewed commitment to the covenant with God, as the people sought to return to the ways of their forefathers. 2 Chronicles 30:21-22 describes the joyous occasion: "The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests praised the LORD day after day with loud instruments. Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites who showed good understanding of the service of the LORD. For seven days they ate their assigned portion and offered fellowship offerings and praised the LORD, the God of their fathers." Significance Hezekiah's renewal of the Passover was a profound moment of spiritual revival in Judah. It underscored the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the centrality of worship in the life of the nation. The event also served as a unifying force, drawing together people from both Judah and the remnants of Israel in a shared act of devotion. The observance of Passover during Hezekiah's reign is a testament to the enduring significance of this feast in the religious life of Israel and its role in fostering a collective identity centered on the worship of Yahweh. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 30:1And 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 to the LORD God of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Library A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! Light for them that Sit in Darkness; The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Mystery The Desire of the Righteous Granted; An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources If Jesus was crucified on the Day of Preparation, why had He already eaten the Passover meal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Passover? | GotQuestions.org If Jesus is our atonement, why did He die at Passover instead of the Day of Atonement? | GotQuestions.org Passover: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Passover: Christ Called "Our Passover" Passover: Jesus Crucified at the Time of Passover: Jesus in the Temple Courtyard at the Time of Passover: Observation of, Renewed by Hezekiah Passover: Observation of, Renewed by Josiah Passover: Observation of, Renewed by the Israelites Upon Entering Canaan Passover: Observation of, Renewed: After the Return from Babylonian Captivity Passover: Observed at the Place Designated by God Passover: Observed With Unleavened Bread (No Yeast) Passover: Penalty for Neglecting to Observe Passover: Peter Imprisoned at the Time of Passover: Prisoner Released At, by the Romans Passover: Re-Instituted by Ezekiel Passover: Strangers Authorized to Celebrate Passover: The Lamb Killed by Levites, for Those Who Were Ceremonially Unclean Passover: The Lamb of, a Type of Christ Passover: The Lord's Supper Ordained At Related Terms Passover-offering (7 Occurrences) Passover-offerings (4 Occurrences) |
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