Friday, December 6 – 2 Chronicles 29 – 30 – Additional reading: Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, Chapter 28, “Hezekiah”

1. Why was it significant for Hezekiah, despite his youth, to open the doors of the house of the Lord and repair them? (2 Chronicles 29:3)

2. What was the meaning of the offerings presented before the Lord? (2 Chronicles 29:10)

3. How can these principles be understood through the perspective of what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross of Calvary in the New Testament? (John 3:16)

Commentary and Reflection:

Hezekiah was only twenty-five years old when he succeeded his father, King Ahaz, who God rejected after burning his own children in the fire and leading the nation of Judah into apostasy. As a result of his actions, God delivered them into the hands of the Syrian and Israelite armies (2 Chronicles 28:1-5).

“Once Hezekiah ascended to the throne, his first mission was to break the cycle perpetuated by his father and restore the sanctuary services. Therefore, in the very first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the temple doors, gathered all the priests and Levites who remained faithful to God, and shared his intention to make a covenant with the Lord (2 Chronicles 29:3-5). To achieve this goal, it was essential to cleanse the temple, which had been closed by his father.” (Andrews Bible Commentary, p. 567)

By doing so, the sanctuary services were restored, and God was once again at the center of His people’s lives. The first lesson we should learn is that God gives us the power to break cycles if we are willing. We don’t have to bear the consequences of our parents’ sins. The Bible says: “for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:5-6, NIV). Because He is such a wonderful and merciful God, He is ready to help us break any generational curses and bless us if we can put Him first like King Hezekiah.

Additionally, the Bible mentions that “Hezekiah and the leaders of Jerusalem offered 7 bulls, 7 rams, and 7 male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, sanctuary, and Judah” (2 Chronicles 29:21-22). Following the rededication, the people brought 70 bulls, 100 rams, and 200 lambs for burnt offerings, and an additional 600 bulls and 3,000 sheep for sacrifice from the congregation (2 Chronicles 29:32-33). During the Feast of Passover, Hezekiah provided 1,000 bulls and 7,000 sheep, and the leaders gave an additional 1,000 bulls and 10,000 sheep (2 Chronicles 30:24).

Total Animals Offered:

• Bulls: 7 + 70 + 600 + 1,000 + 1,000 = 2,677
• Rams: 7 + 100 = 107
• Lambs: 7 + 200 = 207
• Goats: 7
• Sheep: 3,000 + 7,000 + 10,000 = 20,000.00

Estimated Cost in Today’s Terms:

– Bull: Approx. $1,500 each x 2,677

– Ram: Approx. $300 each x 107

– Lamb: Approx. $150 each x 207

– Goat: Approx. $200 each x 7

– Sheep: Approx. $200 each x 20,000.00

Combining everything, the total cost would be around $8,080,050 USD. If this sacrificial system were in place today, an enormous sum would be required for sin offerings like the one on this occasion. This illustrates the radical nature of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. Jesus, the Lamb of God, paid it all by shedding His blood on the cross. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV).

The forgiveness of sins is now freely available to all, regardless of background, status, race, religious affiliation, or gender. As the king interceded for the people, asking the Lord to atone for and pardon those who sincerely sought Him, Jesus now does the same on our behalf, interceding for the remission of our sins. The door to forgiveness is open, and we have direct access to the throne of grace. There is no need for a priest or Levite to intercede on our behalf. The Bible says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, KJV).

As we embark on this journey, let’s remember that we are forgiven, and no matter what our parents did, we can turn things around through the power of the Holy Spirit just like King Hezekiah. Let’s meditate on Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and thank Him for the power over generational curses and the gift of salvation.

Amen!