The temple had again fallen into disuse and disrepair, but as soon as Hezekiah became king, he began the work of restoring the worship of Yahweh, ordering the Levites to cleanse and sanctify the temple (II Chronicles 29:3-19).

Then they gathered for worship once more. “Then Hezekiah commanded that the burnt offering be offered on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song to the Lord began also, and the trumpets, accompanied by the instruments of King David of Israel. The whole assembly worshiped, the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded; all this continued until the burnt offering was finished” (29:27-28). Professional worship leaders, the common people, and the royalty as well: “When the offering was finished, the king and all who were present with him bowed down and worshiped” (29:30).

The Passover had not been celebrated for a considerable period of time (30:5, 26), and Hezekiah sent messengers to invite all Israel, not just the people of Judah, to come to Jerusalem to take part; but most of the people from the northern tribes mocked and scorned these messengers (30:10-11). Still, some did come from the north, and many came from Judah – yet they had failed to sanctify themselves and were not eligible to take part (30:17-18).

King Hezekiah prayed for them: “The good Lord pardon all who set their hearts to seek God, the Lord the God of their ancestors, even though not in accordance with the sanctuary’s rules of cleanness” (30:18-19). And God heard that prayer, and healed the people (30:20).

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You are so very ready to heal and restore us, O Lord, if only we will turn to you. We are not prepared; we are not sanctified; we have not followed the rules for cleanness: yet in your mercy, help us, cleanse us, and heal us.