2 Chronicles 30:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 30:15 mean?

2 Chronicles 30:15 describes how the people killed the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the second month, and how the priests and Levites, feeling ashamed, purified themselves and brought burnt offerings into the temple. This verse shows a moment of renewed religious dedication during a special Passover celebration.

The setting is the reign of King Hezekiah, who called for a late Passover because many people were not ready at the usual time. The priests and Levites, who were responsible for temple worship, had not properly prepared themselves, but seeing the people's actions, they felt ashamed and made themselves ritually clean to serve in the temple. This verse highlights a turning point where the leaders respond to the people's faithfulness.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 30:15

• "ashamed" (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word means to feel shame or embarrassment. Here, it shows that the priests and Levites recognized their failure to be ready and were moved to change.
• "sanctified" (קָדַשׁ, qadash): This means to make oneself holy or set apart for God. The priests and Levites took steps to become ritually clean so they could perform their duties.
• "passover" (פֶּסַח, pesach): This is the special sacrifice and meal remembering Israel's deliverance from Egypt. Celebrating it in the second month was unusual, allowed only in special cases (see Numbers 9:10-11), showing flexibility for the sake of worship.

Why 2 Chronicles 30:15 matters

• This verse clears up that the Passover was not always celebrated in the first month; there was a provision for a second-month observance when needed, showing God's understanding and mercy.
• The verse highlights the humility of the religious leaders, who were moved by the people's faith and corrected their own neglect.
• It connects to the wider story of Hezekiah's reforms, showing how genuine worship can inspire even leaders to renew their dedication.