The recent history under his father had been one of war with their northern brothers, the Israelites. It was so bloody and awful that the Lord had to rebuke northern Israel for the horror they inflicted on Judah. It had been beyond what was necessary in battle.
One would think Hezekiah would grow up under this with bitterness and revenge, but King Hezekiah was nothing like his father. His father was evil. But Hezekiah pursued righteousness.
After cleansing the temple and city of much of the idols, he then called for a celebration of the Passover. The original date had passed, but they had decided to have it anyway at a later day. And then Hezekiah did something shocking. He invited the northern kingdom of Israel, their brothers and enemies. He invited to celebrate and worship with them, and to turn to the Lord.
Some of the people of the land laughed and mocked Hezekiah at his “ridiculous” gesture (2 Chr 30:10), but others came anyway. They came from far away and celebrated the Lord with great joy.
One challenge was that when they came, many of the people had not consecrated themselves unto the LORD. Because of it sickness had broken out, but Hezekiah interceded for them and the LORD showed them mercy.
At this point the priests and Levites who were skilled in musical instruments and song praised and worshiped the LORD day after day. Hezekiah encouraged them (2 Chr 30:22) and the joy increased. So much so that they decided to keep going for another 7 days.
“There was great rejoicing in Jerusalem, for nothing like this was known since the days of Solomon son of David, the king of Israel” (2 Chr 30:26).
It was a new day for Israel. Righteousness had returned to the land. Brothers were beginning to be reunited around following the Lord. And the Lord was blessing it.
All because a leader said yes to the Lord wholeheartedly, and the people responded joyfully.
