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Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy and not sacrifice;
and the knowledge of God more than your burnt offerings.
Bible Chapter Studies
1A0II CHRONICLES CHAPTER 29
Welcome to the early years of seventh century B.C., the year is 616B.C., and we find the Nation of the House of Israel divided into two separate Nations: The Nation of the House of Israel consisting of ten Tribes—Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Ephraim and Manasseh—occupying the Northern territories; and the House of Judah which comprises two Tribes—Judah and Benjamin—and occupying the southern territories. At present, the House of Israel has as it’s king, king Hoshea, and the House of Judah has as it’s king, king Hezekiah, who is just beginning his reign and rule. As we are reading in the The Books of the Chronicles, we are reading things in the Esoteric, meaning, we are reading things from Father’s point of view or perspective, or in other words, events viewed from the Divine standpoint, and as seen and understood by the spiritual mind, to take that further, you could say, from the moral aspect, and you could go even further and say, for those with the “eyes to see.” The reason Father split the Nation into two separate Nations was because of the actions of Israel’s third man-king, David’s son, Solomon—as can be read in I Kings 11:1-11—taking unto himself many foreign wives, served their false gods and idols, built altars for those false gods and idols on Father’s Holy mountain, turned his back on Father, which angered Father and caused Father to tell him that He was splitting the Nation into two separate Nations, but not until Solomon returned Home to Him and his son Rehoboam took over the reign and rule of the Nation.
II Chronicles 28 brought us 20 year old king Ahaz taking over the throne and beginning his reign and rule over the Nation. Ahaz was one of the most evil, unrighteous and vile kings to ever rule over the Nation, as he not only didn’t serve Father YHVH—he even went so far as to katy-bar and lock the doors to Father’s House and prevented every one in the Nation from serving and worshipping Father YHVH—he served every man-made false god under the sun, and he even worshipped the sun itself. As the old saying goes, so goeth the king, so goeth the Nation; meaning, that because of Ahaz serving and worshipping every false god known to man at this point in Father’s Word and history, everyone else under him in the Nation was required to do the same, thereby bringing Father’s wrath upon himself and the Nation. In order to try and get his attention and return his heart back to Father, Father had sent king Pekah of the House of Israel, and Rezin, king of Syria against him. Pekah’s army had slaughtered Judah’s army. We read in II Chronicles 28:9 just how bad this slaughter was. Let’s turn there and read it for ourselves: II Chronicles 28:9 But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, “Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, He hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven. —> …ye have slain them in a rage…=Check out this word slain in your Strong’s Concordance brethren, when we do, we find that it is Hebrew word number: H2026, - הָרַג, - hârag, pronounced - haw-ragי, and means: a primitive root; to smite with deadly intent: - destroy, out of hand, kill, murder (-er), put to [death], make [slaughter], slay (-er), X surely. Total KJV occurrences: 166.. So, as we see, they didn’t just kill the Judah war-fighters for engaging them in battle, no, they went in and massacred them, they had deadly intent in their hearts. The rest of the statement—…in a rage…—proves this out. The Israelite army then carried away 200,000 widows, their daughters and their sons. Their intent was to make wives or prostitutes out of the widows and elder daughters, and slaves out of the younger daughters and sons. Fortunately, there were a few courageous men and Prophets there who prevented this from coming to pass. They put a stop to the madness, cleaned up and clothed the women and their children, and then they took them to a safe place where they could later return to Judah.
After this, the Edomites and the Philistines came against Ahaz and Judah and instead of Ahaz turning to Father, repenting and asking His forgiveness for his past transgressions, and then seeking His assistance in combatting the Edomites and the Philistines, Ahaz instead turned to a man: Tilgath-pilneser, the king of Assyria. Tilgath-pilneser’s price was high, but Ahaz was willing to pay. He did so by stealing from Father’s treasuries, the kingdom’s treasuries and also paying him from his own personal wealth. Tilgath still refused to help and later demanded more tribute from Ahaz, this time he gathered more of the vessels from the House of God, cut them in pieces to give to Tilgath and then he closed the doors to Father’s House. Tilgath went and slaughtered the Syrian army and while there, he summoned Ahaz to Damascus. Upon arriving in Damascus, Ahaz saw the altar of the Syrians and decided he wanted one just like it. So, he sent a messenger with instructions on how to fashion it to one of his priests—Uriah—and told him to have it made by the time he arrived back in Jerusalem. Uriah did as his king commanded, and when Ahaz arrived back home, he immediately started worshipping at that altar and offering his offerings on it. This brought upon him the anger of Father and Father not to long after, called him Home to Him.
This then brings us to our current Chapter where we find that Ahaz’s son Hezekiah begins his reign and rule over the Nation of the House of Judah. How will Hezekiah fare as a king and a man? As we are in the year 2022A.D. and have the fortunate ability to see back into history, we know that Hezekiah was one of the more moral and righteous kings to rule the Nation. As we often find in Father’s Word and our history, it seemed that the righteousness of the kings alternated back and forth, meaning, our forefathers no sooner had a righteous king and when he died and returned Home to Father, his son following him was an unmoral and unrighteous king, then when he died and returned Home to Father, his son after him was moral and righteous. Ahaz was unmoral and unrighteous and his son Hezekiah was both moral and righteous, as I already stated, he was one of most moral to rule the Nation. Hezekiah will usher in a Religious reformation like has not been seen in many, many years. As I also stated in my opening paragraph, in the The Books of the CHRONICLES, we are reading things in the Esoteric, meaning, we are reading things from Father’s point of view or perspective; whereas, the The Books of I & II SAMUEL and The Books of I & II KINGS are in the Exoteric, meaning, from man’s point of view. What I’m getting at, is that here in II CHRONICLES, the Religious reformation of Hezekiah covers three Chapters, but in II Kings 18, only three Verses are dedicated to it.
With that introduction being said, let’s go to Father and ask Him for His Blessings on our Study of His Word: “ Father, I come to You right now and ask that You Oh LORD Lead me and Guide me as I try and teach Your Word, don’t allow me to mis-teach or mis-lead Your Children. We, Father, also come to You as a group who desire to Learn Your Word, to thank You for inviting us to Your table in order that we might be able to partake of and receive Your Spiritual Meat, and Father, as we prepare to dine on the sustenance which sustains our inner man, we ask that You Oh LORD open our ears and eyes, that we might be able to hear and see your Truths, open our hearts and minds and prepare us in order that we may receive Your Truth. We Pray for Your Understanding of Your Word, we seek Your Knowledge in Your Word, and most importantly Father, we Pray for and desire Your Wisdom from Your Word, in Jesus’ Precious name we Pray, thank You Father, Amen.”
I Chronicles 10:1-II Chronicles 36:21
HISTORY (UP TO THE CAPTIVITY.)
(Division.)
11:1-II Chronicles 36:21 THE HOUSE
of DAVID. ESTABLISHED. (Division.)
29:1-32:33 HEZEKIAH. (Introversions.)
29:1 Introduction.
29:1 Accession.
1A1
II Chronicles 29:1 Hezekiah (the strength of YAH; and, the might of YHVH) (yekh-iz-kee-yawי) began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem (founded peaceful; and, the habitation of peace) (Yer-oo-shaw-lahי-im). And his mother’s name was Abijah (Father (that is worshipper) of YAH); and, my Father is YHVH) (ab-ee-yawי-hoo), the daughter of Zechariah (YAH has remembered; and, YHVH is renowned or remembered) (zek-ar-yawי-hoo). —> Though the verse is true on it’s face, Hezekiah actually began his reign and rule during the last year of his Father’s reign and rule. So, Hezekiah has been on the throne for roughly a year, he took sole possession of the Nation when he was 25 years old, in the year 616B.C.. He’ll reign and rule for 29 years, which means, that he’ll reign until he is 54 years old, and his reign will end in the year 588B.C.. His mother’s name was Abijah, or the shortened version — Abi, as we read II Kings 18:2.
We read in II Kings 18:1, that Hezekiah began his reign and rule during the third year of king Hoshea’s reign and rule over the Nation of the House of Israel, which is five years before the House of Israel goes into captivity to the Assyrians and the kingdom ends.
Hezekiah=For a detailed description of Hezekiah, including his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
Jerusalem=For a detailed description of Jerusalem, including the Nations history, the etymology of the name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of the name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
Abijah
Abijah=Abijah was the wife of Ahaz, king of the Nation of the House of Judah—632-616B.C.—and the mother of Hezekiah, the 15th king of the Nation of the House of Judah—616-588B.C.. She is only mentioned twice in Father’s Word—II Kings 18:2 and II Chronicles 29:1—and both times, only as being Hezekiah’s mother, and wife of a man named Zechariah;other than this, we know nothing of the woman. We don’t know what Tribe she was from, nor how long she lived. † For the etymology of the name Abijah, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Abijah consists of two elements. The first element is the common word אב ss(יab), meaning father: The central yod may be considered a remnant of the possessive yod of the compound אבי meaning my father, or father of. If so, then it overlaps with the yod of the second part of the name Abijah. That second part, namely, is the appellative יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton יהוה, YHVH, or Yahveh. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary allows the yod to be possessive, and reads Yah Is (My) Father. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names does too, and reads Father Of The Lord (which is theologically only possible if the father denotes a figure of authority, who’s been placed in office by the Lord — a rather inelegant translation). New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List thinks the yod is not possessive but part of יה, and reads Yahveh Is Father.” † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H29, - אֲבִיָּה, or אֲבִיָּהוּ, - 'ăbı̂yâh, or 'ăbı̂yâhû, - pronounced: ab-ee-yawי, or ab-ee-yawי-hoo and means From H1 and H3050; father (that is worshipper) of Jah; Abijah, the name of several Israelite men and two Israelitesses: - Abiah, Abijah. Total KJV occurrences: 25.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “father (i.e., “possessor or worshipper”) of YHVH. Mother of King Hezekiah, II Kings 18:2; written Abijah in II Chronicles 29:1.”.
Zechariah
Zechariah=Zechariah was the father of Abijah, who was the wife of Ahaz, king of the Nation of the House of Judah—632-616B.C.—and mother of king Hezekiah—617-588B.C.. He is only mentioned twice in Father’s Word—II Kings 18:2 and II Chronicles 29:1—and both times, only as being Abijah’s father; other than this, we know nothing of the man. We don’t know what Tribe he was from, nor how long he lived. † For the etymology of the name Zechariah, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Zechariah consists of two parts. The final bit is יה, the abbreviated form of the Name of the Lord: יהוה (YHVH). The first segment of the name Zechariah comes from the verb זכר (zakar), meaning to think about or meditate upon: The name Zechariah literally means Yah Remembers or Remembrance of Yah or even Pondering Yahveh. For a meaning of the name Zechariah, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Yahveh Remembers and Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names has Remembered Of The Lord. But following zakar’s meaning of male, we find for the name Zechariah a secondary meaning of Yah’s Male. And that isn’t all that weird considering that the name of the archangel Gabriel means God’s Guy.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H2148, - זְכַרְיָה,ss or זְכַרְיָהוּ, - zekaryâh or zekaryâhû, pronounced - zek-ar-yawי or zek-ar-yawי-hoo, and means: From H2142 and H3050; YAH has remembered; Zecarjah, the name of twenty nine Israelites: - Zachariah, Zechariah. Total KJV occurrences: 43.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “YAH is renowned or YAH is remembered. The father of Abijah or Abi, Hezekiah’s mother, II Chronicles 29:1.”.
29:2 Personal. Well-doing.
1A2
II Chronicles 29:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David (loving; and, well-beloved) (Daw-veedי) his father had done. —> II Kings 18:3 adds in the caveat, “according to all that David his father did”. Obviously David was not Hezekiah’s father; but, he was his grand-father to the 14th generation. In other words, Hezekiah is in the seedline\bloodline of David; or, put another way, he is descended from David. It is also interesting to note, that 14 in Biblical numerics denotes Salvation and Deliverance. Dr. Bullinger notes in his Book Number in Scripture the following: “Being a multiple of 7, 14 partakes of its importance and significance; and, being double that number, it implies a double measure of spiritual perfection. The number two with which it is combined (2x7) may; however, bring its own significance into its meaning, as it does in Matthew 1, where the genealogy of Jesus Christ is divided up and given in sets of 14 (2x7) generations, two being associated with incarnation. The same principle may be applied to other multiples of seven, and Bible students can find their own illustrations. How is the number fourteen linked with Jesus’ ancestors? There are three sets of 14 generations between (and including Abraham to Joseph (husband of Mary). Abraham to Isaac, to Jacob, to Judah, to Perez, to Hezron, to Ram, to Amminadab, to Nahshon, to Salmon, to Boaz, to Obed, to Jesse, to King David, to Solomon, to Rehoboam, to Abijah, to Asa, to Jehoshaphat, to Joram, to Uzziah, to Jotham, to Ahaz, to Hezekiah, to Manasseh, to Amon, to Josiah (captivity), to Azor, to Zadok, to Achim, to Eliud, to Eleazar, to Matthan, to Jacob, to Joseph. “So all the generations from Abraham to David are FOURTEEN generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are FOURTEEN generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are FOURTEEN generations.” (Matthew 1:1-17, KJV) The number 14 and the fear of the Lord. In Book of Proverbs the expression “the fear of the Lord” occurs 14 times: Proverbs 1:7,29; 2:5; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26,27; 15:16,33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; and 23:17.”. Additional commentary on the Biblical Meaning of 14=The number 14 represents deliverance and\or salvation and is used twenty-two times in the Bible. The term “14th” is found 24 times in scriptures. The fourteenth day of the first month is the Passover, when God delivered the firstborn of Israel from death. Some 430 years earlier, on the night of the 14th day of the first month, God made two covenant promises to Abraham — one of the physical seed, Isaac, and his descendants, and one of the spiritual seed, Jesus Christ, and the sons of God who would come through Him, who would shine like the stars of heaven (Matthew 13:43). On the day portion of the 14th, God confirmed the promises with a special covenant sacrifice. “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’ But Abram said, ‘Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’ . . . “And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.’ Then He brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ “Then He said to him, ‘I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.’ And he said, ‘Lord GOD, how shall I know that I will inherit it?’ So He said to him, ‘Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon. . . . ’i” (Genesis 15:1-2; 4-5; 7-9 KJV). On the 14th day of the first month in 30 A.D. Jesus Christ, God manifested in the flesh, the only begotten Son of God the Father, and the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world, was crucified as the perfect sacrifice to save mankind from sin. Jesus’ death on Passover completed His ministry in the flesh. Seven represents completion - thus 7 + 7 = 14, indicating a double completion: Jesus’ ministry in the flesh was completed. Jesus’ sacrifice ended or fulfilled the need for animal sacrifices.”.
In any case, like David was a righteous king—yes, David sinned like we all do; however, David never worshiped any false gods, he only Honored, Served, and Worshiped Father YHVH—so is, as we’re reading here in this verse and we’ll see throughout the next couple of Chapters, Hezekiah. As a matter of fact, Hezekiah is so righteous, Loves and trusts Father so much, that we read the following in II Kings 18:5-7: II Kings 18:5 He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. [18:6] For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. [18:7] And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: ….
The LORD=This Title of Father as used here in this verse, is Father in His Role of יְהֹוָה, YHVH—from Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible Appendices: YHVH, YAHVEH, or YEHOVAH—the sacred and personal name of Father. While Elohim is God as the Creator of all things, YEHOVAH is the same God in covenant relation to those whom He has created (compare II Chronicles 18:31). YEHOVAH means the Eternal, the Immutable One, He Who WAS, and IS, and IS TO COME. The Divine definition is given in Genesis 21:33. He is especially, therefore, the God of Israel; and the God of those who are redeemed, and are thus now “in Christ”. We can say “My God,” but not “My YEHOVAH,” for YEHOVAH is “MY God.”.
David=For a detailed description of David, including his birth, history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
29:3-31:21 Events. Reformation.
29:3-31:21 EVENTS. REFORMATION.
(Double Introversion.)
29:3 House of YHVH. Reformation.
1A3
II Chronicles 29:3 He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them. —> …the first month…=That makes this which month brethren? The month of Abib—green ears, later changed to the Arabic Nisan—the month in which Father established His Passover.
…the first year of his reign, in the first month…=Hezekiah didn’t waste any time trying to restore righteousness in Judah, he immediately went to work cutting the locks and re-opening the doors to Father’s House and trying to get the Nation back into the practice of Honoring, Serving and Worshipping Father YHVH.
House of the LORD=The House of Father YHVH. This was Hezekiah’s constant care, desire, and thought. It filled his heart. He began his reign by “opening it’s doors,” and cleansing it as can be read in II Chronicles 29-31 where it is mentioned 17 times. Hezekiah spread out Sennacherib’s letter there before Father, as read in Isaiah 37:14. It was where Hezekiah ran and sought Father, when Father had told him through His Prophet Isaiah, that he was to “set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live” in II Kings 20:1, he also received his answer there in the same Chapter, where Father told him that He would extend his life by 15 years. Hezekiah’s songs were sung in Father’s House as can be read in Isaiah 38:10-22.
The Books of the CHRONICLES completely differs from The Books of the KINGS beginning with this verse brethren, The Books of the KINGS only dedicates 3 verses to what transpires here; whereas, The Books of the CHRONICLES, will take 3 Chapters to cover what Hezekiah will do next.
29:4-36 Restoration of Worship.
29:4-36 RESTORATION OF WORSHIP.
(Extended Alternation.)
29:4 Assemblage of the Priests and
the Levites.
29:4 The place, the East Street.
1A4
II Chronicles 29:4 And he brought in the priests and the Levites (patronymic from H3878, attached, a Leviite or descendant of Levi; or, descendants of Levi) (lay-veeי), and gathered them together into the east street, —> After having the locks on the doors to Father’s House cut and removed; Hezekiah next called all the Priests and the Levites—both the Priests and the non-Priests, every Priest was a Levite; but, not every Levite could be a Priest, that was reserved for the sons of Aaron who was a grandson of Kohath—to a large open area on the east where he could speak to them and give them their instructions for first sanctifying themselves and making themselves clean—Reformation must begin with the Ministry, what does Peter teach us in I Peter 4? I Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?—then cleaning up Father’s House and get it ready for reopening.
Levites=For a detailed description of the Levites, including their history, the etymology of the name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
29:5-11 The sanctification of the
priests and the Levites.
29:5-11 THE SANCTIFICATION OF
THE PRIESTS AND THE LEVITES.
(Introversion.)
29:5 Sanctification.
1A5
II Chronicles 29:5 And said unto them, “Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place. —> …Sanctify…yourselves…sanctify the house of the LORD…=Let’s check out this word “sanctify” in our Strong’s Concordance brethren, when we do, we find that it is Hebrew word number: H6942, - קָדַשׁ, - qâdash, - pronounced: kaw-dashי, and means: A primitive root; to be (causatively make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally): - appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy (-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify (-ied one, self), X wholly. Total KJV occurrences: 171.. So, we see that the word sanctify as used here in this verse means to purify either oneself or an item; and in this case, Hezekiah is telling the Priests and the Levites to first cleanse and purify themselves, so that they can then enter into and cleanse and purify Father’s House by first removing all the unclean and unholy things which had been put into it and polluted by Hezekiah’s father Ahaz.
God=As used in this verse, this is אלהים, ELOHIM—from Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible Appendices,: ELOHIM—the genus God, in other words, Father in His role of Creator of all things. From Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible, Appendix 4: “ELOHIM occurs 2,700 times. Its first occurrence connects it with creation, and gives it its essential meaning as the Creator. It indicates His relation to mankind as His creatures (see note on II Chronicles 18:31, where it stands in contrast with YEHOVAH as indicating covenant relationship). ELOHIM is God the Son, the living “WORD” with creature form to create (John 1:1; Colossians 1:15-17; Revelation 3:14); and later, with human form to redeem (John 1:14). “Begotten of His Father before all worlds; born of His mother, in the world.” In this creature form He appeared to the Patriarchs, a form not temporarily assumed.”. Dr. Bullinger further notes in his Companion notes to this verse, that “(with Art.) = the [true] God.”.
29:6-9 Reasons.
1A6
II Chronicles 29:6 For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD our God, and have forsaken Him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs. —> Hezekiah isn’t holding back calling out the vile actions which his father instituted. Because of Ahaz, the Nation acted unfaithfully against Father and they collectively turned their backs to Him and His dwelling Place. This is the lesson of The Books of the CHRONICLES brethren, turn your back on Father and He in turn will turn His back to you; forsake Him and He will forsake you.
And=Did you notice the four “and(s)” in this verse brethren? The use of multiple and(s) in Father’s Word indicates a polysyndeton. These consecutive or multiple uses of the word and, are used to highlight and emphasize each detail and point.
1A7
II Chronicles 29:7 Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel. —> …shut up the doors…=We read in our last Chapter—II Chronicles 28:24—when Ahaz did this brethren. He not only closed the doors; but, he also gathered together all the vessels, cut them in pieces, and then he made altars—to every false, man-made god his was serving—in every corner of Jerusalem. Do you remember reading of the altar he patterned after the false gods of the Syrians when we read II Chronicles 28:23? We turned to and read II Kings 16:10-18, which reads: II Kings 16:10 And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof. [16:11] And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus. [16:12] And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon. [16:13] And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the altar. [16:14] And he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the LORD, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the LORD, and put it on the north side of the altar. [16:15] And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, “Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king’s burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the People of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by.” [16:16] Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded. [16:17] And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones. [16:18] And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king’s entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria..
…the porch…=In other words, the entrance to Father’s House.
…burned incense and burnt offerings…=Oh Ahaz burned incense and offered up burnt offerings, only it wasn’t to Father YHVH, it was to the false gods and idols he was serving and worshipping.
1A8
II Chronicles 29:8 Wherefore the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah (celebrated; and, praised, celebrated) (yeh-hoo-dawי) and Jerusalem, and He hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye see with your eyes. —> …the wrath of the LORD was upon Judah…=Again, Hezekiah knew where the trouble which was confronting Judah came from, He knew it was from Father, he also knew why Father was angry, and he knew what changes needed to be made to take Father’s anger away.
…as ye see with your eyes=Hezekiah is telling the Priests and the Levites that they saw with their own eyes the defeat by the Syrians, the House of Israel, the Edomites and the Philistines while his father Ahaz was king. Now it is time to bring the Honoring, Serving and Worshipping of Father back into the Nation and restore His Blessings.
…He hath delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing=During the reign and rule of Solomon, right after he head finished the building of Father’s Temple, Father appeared to Solomon a second time, and we read in I Kings 9, the following: I Kings 9:6 But if ye shall at all turn from following Me, ye or your children, and will not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: [9:7] Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for My name, will I cast out of My sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: [9:8] And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, ‘Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?’ [9:9] And they shall answer, ‘Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.’i” —> Hezekiah is reminding the Priests and the Levites that this has come to pass, and now is the time to change it by restoring Father YHVH as the GOD of Judah.
Judah=For a detailed description of Judah, including the Territories history, the etymology of the name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of the name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
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II Chronicles 29:9 For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this. —> …for this=For the sins which the Nation of the House of Judah had committed while under the reign and rule of Ahaz, as we read in verses 29:6-7 above.
…our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity…=We read back in II Chronicles 28:17-18, that the Syrians, the House of Israel, and the Edomites had captured many of the People and moved them out of Judah, also the Philistines had sacked the low country of Judah and moved their families into the People’s homes.
29:10 Object.
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II Chronicles 29:10 Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel Israel (he will rule as YAH; or, the prince that prevails with YAH) (Yis-raw-aleי) (secondary map), that his fierce wrath may turn away from us. —> …it is in mine heart…=This feeling in Hezekiah’s heart didn’t come from Hezekiah himself, no, this feeling came from Father Who put it in Hezekiah. Sort of like when a person today when they deceide to come onto Father’s Path, that feeling and decision didn’t just come about by that individual, that came from Father, it was His calling to that person.
Hezekiah has it correct though, he is restoring the relationship Judah has with Father. See, it wasn’t Father who changed, it was man. Father didn’t break the covenant, man did. Father is the same every day, He never changes, man does. Our forefathers turned their backs on Father, they forsook Him, and when they did, He in-turn forsook them. It is the same today brethren, your relationship with Father does not depend on Father, it is up to you to have a relationship with your Creator, He is always available and desires you to have a relationship with Him.
…covenant…=Hezekiah is about to restore the Covenant between Father and His chosen People; he will do this by restoring the Honoring, Serving and Worshipping of Father YHVH throughout Judah. This Covenant was not begun by man, it was Father Who first started this Covenant with His People. This Covenant was started with Abram, whom Father later changed his name to Abram, and He started it with Abraham somewhere between 1946-1921B.C.. Which covenant is Hezekiah about to restore? Do you know? Do you know the covenants of Father YHVH brethren? His first covenant with man, was with Noah and his sons and can be read of in Genesis 6:18 and resumed in Genesis 9:9-17. This covenant was that Father would never again flood His earth with water. He sealed that covenant with the rainbow, meaning that when He looks in the sky sees the rainbow, He will remember His covenant He made with man, and when we look to the sky and see the rainbow, we too can remember the covenant He made with us. But, that is not the same covenant He made with Abram, that covenant began in Genesis 15:18 and resumed in Genesis 17:2-21. Let’s review this covenant: Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, “I am the Almighty GOD; walk before Me, and be thou perfect. —> This is not the first time Father appeared to Abram, He has appeared to him and spoken with him prior to this; but, something major is about to change for Abram—and for us too brethren. ALMIGHTY GOD…Almighty GOD…=This is Father in His role of EL SHADDAI. From Dr. Billinger’s Companion Bible Appendix 4: “EL is essentially the Almighty, though the word is never so rendered (see below, “SHADDAI”). EL is ELOHIM in all His strength and power. It is rendered “God” as ELOHIM is, but EL is God the Omnipotent. ELOHIM is God the Creator putting His omnipotence into operation. ELOAH is God Who wills and orders all, and Who is to be the one object of the worship of His people. EL is the God Who knows all (first occ. Genesis 14:18,22) and sees all (Genesis 16:13) and that performeth all things for His people (Psalms 57:2); and in Whom all the Divine attributes are concentrated.”. Now let’s see what Dr. Bullinger says concerning “SHADDAI”: “SHADDAI is in every instance translated “Almighty”, and is indicated by small capital letters (“ALMIGHTY”). It is God (EL), not as the source of strength, but of grace; not as Creator, but as the Giver. SHADDAI is the All-bountiful. This title does not refer to His creative power, but to His power to supply all the needs of His people. Its first occurrence is in Genesis 17:1, and is used to show Abraham that He Who called him out to walk alone before Him could supply all his need. Even so it is the title used in II Corinthians 6:18, where we are called or led to “come out” in separation from the world. It is always used in connection with EL (see above).”. Now let’s read from Hebrew 4 Christians: “EL SHADDAI = The All Sufficient God. Shad means “breast” in Hebrew (Genesis 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; 43:14; 48:3; 49:25; Exodus 6:3; Numbers 24:6; Ruth 1:20; Job (various references); Psalms 22:10; 68:15; 91:1; Ezekial 1:24; 10:5; 23:21 ect.). occurs 48 Times in the Tanakh. In Genesis 17:1, YHVH said to Abram: “I am EL SHADDAI. Walk before Me and be perfect.” So why did the LORD choose Himself using this distinctive name to Abram? Most English translations render EL SHADDAI as God Almighty,” probably because the Translators of the Septuagint (i.e., the Greek translation of the Old Testament) thought SHADDAI came from a root verb (SHADAD) that means “to overpower” or “to destroy.” The Latin Vulgate likewise translated SHADDAI as “Omnipotens” (from which we get our English word omnipotent). God is so over powering that He is considered “Almighty.” According to some of the sages, SHADDAI is a contraction of the phrase “I said to the world, dai (enough)” (as in the famous word used in the Passover Haggadah, dayeinu — “it would have been sufficient”). God created the world but “stopped” at a certain point. He left creation “unfinished” because He wanted us to complete the job by means of exercising chesed (love) in repair of the world (tikkun olam). Jacob’s blessing given in Genesis 49:25, however, indicated that SHADDAI might be related to the word breasts (shadaim), indicating sufficiency and nourishment (i.e., “blessings of the breasts and of the womb” (רַחַם i שַׁד iבְּרָכָה)). In this case, the Name might derive from the contraction of sha (“who”) and dai (“enough”_ to indicate God’s complete sufficiency to nurture the fledgling nation into fruitfulness. Indeed, God first uses this Name when He refers to multiplying Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 17:2). EL SHADDAI is used almost exclusively to the three great patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and (according to Exodus 6:2-3) was the primary name by which God was known to the founders of Israel (the name YHVH given to Moses suggests God’s absolute self-sufficiency). The word “SHADDAI” (by itself) was used later by the prophets (e.g., Numbers 24:4; Isaiah 13:6; Ezekiel 1:24) as well as in the Books of Job, Ruth, and in the Psalms. In modern Judaism, SHADDAI is also thought to be an acronym for the phrase Shomer daltot Yisrael — “Guardian of the doors of Israel” — abbreviated as the letter Shin on most mezuzot:”. …walk before Me, and be thou perfect=Father is telling Abram to mature and be sincere in his daily walk with Father. [17:2] And I will make My covenant between Me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.” —> Here, Father has just established His Covenant with Abram. Notice it is Father Who establishes it. Father has also just told Abram that He will Bless Abram with many offspring. Abram himself will not have many children; however, his child Isaac, then his child Jacob—whom Father will rename Israel—will have offspring which will number as many as the stars of heaven and the sand in the seas. Abram’s son with Sarai’s hand-maid Hagar will also have many offspring. But, as she was of Egyptian genealogy, her son will not be included in the Covenant Father is establishing with Abram, that son—Ishmael—will receive a separate promise and agreement. [17:3] And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, [17:4] “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. —> This Covenant Father has kept to this day in the year 2022. Look around you today, how many Nations are in the world, most of them have come from Abram’s offspring, this is well documented and you can read of it here. [17:5] Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. —> Father just changed Abram’s name to Abraham. Father added the letter “H, ה” to Abram’s name, and He put it in the center of his name. Vowels do not exist in the Hebrew alphabet, they are added in the English language. The letter ה is the fifth letter in the Hebrew alphabet, and the number five (5) denotes Grace. It shall be through this seed of Abraham that Grace from Father shall come, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace, and through Him, forgiveness of sins is made possible upon repentance of your sins. Abram translated means high father, Abraham which translated means: father of a multitude or as Father states in the last verse and the reason in this verse: father of many nations. [17:6] And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. —> exceeding fruitful=Father will fulfill this Promise of His to Abraham. Abraham had already bear Ishmael—with Hagar, the Egyptian—his wife Sarah—whom Father will change from Sarai—will bear him Isaac—the son who will be the receiver of the Blessing and the Promise, who will bear Jacob—who Father will change his name to Israel, and will be the bearer of the twelve patriarchs of Israel—the seed-line through which our Lord Jesus Christ will come. After Sarah dies and returns Home to Father, Abraham will marry Keturah who will bear him: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian—his offspring will later be known as the Midianites who will team up with their half-brothers the Ishmaelites, who Joseph’s brothers will sell him to and he will be taken down into Egypt—Ishbak, and Shuah; Abraham will also bear other sons—un-named in Father’s Word—with his concubines. …kings shall come out of thee=Kings did indeed springforth out of the loins of Abraham, though this did not come to pass until many centuries after he returned Home to Father. The king line will come through his great grandson Judah, Judah himself will not be king, but the line will still come through his loins. Likewise also, the line to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will come through Judah’s loins; but, there is a split that we must pay attention to. David will bear two sons in the lineage, one—Solomon, the king line—which leads to Joseph, the husband of Mary—this line will actually have nothing to do with the birth of Christ—and the second—Nathan—the line which directly goes to Mary and the birth of Christ. The line of Solomon will always sit upon the throne, it sits upon the throne to this day in the year 2022. Where you might ask? Over in England, the Queen and her offspring are of the lineage of David, and they will control that throne until the Return of our Lord Jesus Christ. To some, this may be controversial, but it should not be. What sat under the throne for many years? The Stone of Scone. What is the Stone of Scone you ask? None other than the stone which Jacob laid his head upon the night that he dreamed a dream and saw a ladder set upon the earth reaching to heaven and the angels ascending and descending upon it and Father standing above it and Father telling him that He would Bless him with many children and give to him and his descendants, the land upon which he lay. The next morning Jacob built an altar to Father with that stone, when he left where he dreamed his dream, he carried that stone with him and again later built another altar to Father with that stone. Jacob carried that stone with him where ever he went, his descendants also carried that stone with them. That stone, many centuries later went with Zedekiah’s daughters to Scotland and became known as the Stone of Scone. If you have never watched the coronation of the queen, you have missed out on a beautiful coronation ceremony, but, more importantly you missed out on what transpires during the ceremony, the charge that the first duty of the crown, is to be the Protector of the Faith of Christianity. [17:7] And I will establish My covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. —> …My covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee…for an everlasting covenant…=This is an Eternal Covenant from Father to His Children and it is unbreakable by Father, though man can break it; however, it can be re-established between man and Father again when man repents and asks for Father’s forgiveness for his breaking it. This is the Grace which Father gave us when He added the letter “H, ה” to Abram’s name. This Covenant is a legal document, which upon repentance of our sins in Jesus name, we have an legal right before Almighty God to be an “heir” to the inheritance of Father’s kingdom. These things are ours by simply claiming them, on the authority of God the Father, Himself; in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ. …thy seed after thee=We will read this phrase in three more verses below; but, here, the collective noun—“seed,” zera‛ in the Hebrew tongue—is shown to be plural by the words “after thee”—compare with verses v17:8,9, and 10 below—and by the plural noun “their generations”—again, compare with verses v7,9. This is not the verse referred to in Galations 3:16, but Genesis 21:12, Which reads: Genesis 21:12 And God said unto Abraham, “Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. —> …Isaac…thy seed…=Here, the word “seed” must be in the singular sense, because of the word “Isaac,” and because of the singular verb “it shall be called.” Seed “zera‛” is a collective noun—like our word sheep—but, the context must determine whether it is in the singular or the plural. Galatians 3:16 refers here to Genesis 21:12; not to Genesis 17:7 where the verb and the pronouns show it is plural. “Thy seed” therefore, refers to our Lord Jesus Christ. [17:8] And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” —> Father had already Promised this land to Abraham; here, He is re-enforcing to Abraham His Promise, and He is telling Abraham that He will be present—YHVH SHAMMAH—with his descendants in this land which He has given them. He will not only be there with them, but He will also watchover them, and He will protect them. But, they must meet the conditions, they must remain faithful to and Serve Father, or He likewise will forsake them, as we today know He did because of their unfaithfulness. But, all is not lost brethren, because of His Grace, all we have to do is repent and accept His Grace and Promise, and we are forgiven brought back into His Good Graces. [17:9] And God said unto Abraham, “Thou shalt keep My covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. —> Thou shalt keep My covenant=Here is the condition, Abraham and his descendants must keep Father’s covenant, and if they do, then, it is an unbreakable, unchangeable, everlasting Covenant. Isaac’s younger son, Jacob, claimed the Promise of the Covenant and received it; however, his elder son, Esau, didn’t care anything for Father’s Covenant, he didn’t care anything for his heritage and sold it to his younger brother Jacob for a bowl of pottage, therefore he lost out on the Promise of the Covenant. What about you brethren? Do you claim the Promise of Father’s Covenant? If you do not, then Father is saying you will become as a stranger, alienated from His family, and you will have no part in the inheritance. You must give the importance to this covenant, and claim it, as you would a will or deed, before the Heavenly Father. We keep that covenant by showing our love for Father, and telling Him that we do, and studying His word to know more about Him. It is what He expects of each of us—Hosea 6:6, which reads: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.. Part of keeping the covenant is thanking Father for what He has Blessed you with, and the many ways which He has given us His protection. [17:10] This is My covenant, which ye shall keep, between Me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. —> …circumcised=This circumcision of the flesh is of the law during the times of the Old Testament; it was one of the ordinances which was done away with when Jesus paid the price on the cross. Today, we no-longer need to circumcise the flesh, our circumcision is of the heart and mind, meaning, to believe on Him and to accept and claim the promises as your own, then you become part of the inheritance. We can read Paul’s instruction on this in Colossians 2:6-14 which reads: Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: [2:7] Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. [2:8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. [2:9] For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. [2:10] And ye are complete in Him, Which is the head of all principality and power: [2:11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: [2:12] Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. [2:13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; [2:14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross;. [17:11] And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt Me and you. —> As noted in my commentary in the last verse, circumcision of the male’s foreskin was the Law of the Old Testament and is no longer required today. But at the time, it proved to Father that the man was serious in his desire to be a part of the covenant with Father. [17:12] And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. —> Notice brethren, in the covenant during Old Testament days, even those who were a foreigner, or a stranger, i.e., those of a different race who was in the company of Abraham, could become part of Father’s covenant with Abraham, by their agreeing to being circumcised. Under the New Covenant—paid for when Jesus shed His blood on the cross—it is also the same; meaning, that by the circumcision of the heart—the repentance of your sins and the acceptance of Jesus Christ into your heart—the New Covenant and inheritance is offered to each and every one of Father’s Children, this includes the Kenite—satan’s offspring—for that person will no longer be a Kenite—a child of satan—but a Child of the Living God. …eight…=The number eight in Biblical numberics denotes: New Beginnings. From Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible Appendix 10: “Denotes resurrection, regeneration; a new beginning or commencement. The eighth is a new first. Hence the octave in music, color, days of the week, etc.. It is the number which has to do with the LORD, Who rose on the eighth, or new “first-day”. This is, therefore, the Dominical number. By Gematria ((i.e., the addition of the numerical value of the letters together)), ‘JJjjIhsous’ (Jesus) makes the number 888. It, or its multiple is impressed on all that has to do with the Lord’s Names, the Lord’s People, the Lord’s works.”. From Dr. Bullinger’s Number in Scripture we read the following: “In Hebrew, the number eight is שְׁמֹנֶה hnm# (Shיmoneh), from the root שָׁמֵן Nm# (Shahיmeyn), “to make fat,” “cover with fat,” “to super-abound.” As a participle it means “one who abounds in strength,” etc.. As a noun it is “superabundant fertility,” “oil,” etc.. So that as a numeral it is the superabundant number. As seven was so called because the seventh day was the day of completion and rest, so eight, as the eighth day, was over and above this perfect completion, and was indeed the first of a new series, as well as being the eighth. Thus it already represents two numbers in one, the first and eighth.”. [17:13] He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. —> Again, this was fulfilled when Jesus went to the Cross, as Paul tells us in Colossians 2:6-14; though many people of the world today still continue the practice of circumcision. But, I remind you brethren, it is no longer necessary or required; but, if you desire to do this to the males for health reasons, that is acceptable and fine. Sadly, there is another religion which practices this on females—female mutilization is what it is—which was never required by Father This practice is a male ego, dominance practice, where the men decide that the women of that particular religion should derive no pleasure from sex. [17:14] And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken My covenant.” —> Today, those who reject Father’s Savior, Jesus Christ, is the same as rejecting this circumcision. Sadly, this country—the United States of America, or at least, the Government and many of the people—and many of the people of the world over too—is doing just that, rejecting our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in favor of huminism; this is why we are witnessing Father removing His Blessing from this Nation. Oh, not from the People who still Serve and Worship Him, and do not fall for the shenanigans which are being perpetuated across the globe, individually, they still receive His Blessings. [17:15] And God said unto Abraham, “As for Sarai (my princess; and, my princess) (saw-rahיee) thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah (princess; and, princess) (saw-rahי) shall her name be. —> Again, like as when Father added the letter “H, ה”—the 5th letter in the Hebrew alphabet—to the name Abram, we see that He just did the same with the name Sarai, and in doing so, He changed the meaning from “my princess” to “princess.” Sarah will become the “princess mother;” meaning, that, through her will come the lineage to the only begotten Son of the one and only True Living God. The sacrifice for all sin, and also through her will be grace which is offered to all mankind. [17:16] And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.” —> Brethren, think of the Blessing and Honor which Father has just bestowed upon both Abraham and Sarah here. Abraham, who is 99 years old; and Sarah, who at this time is 89 years old. Sarah, who has up to this point in her age, been childless, has now just been Blessed to be the mother of many Nations and also the mother of kings; and, when you get right down to it, the Mother of the KING of kings, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [17:17] Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?” —> …fell upon his face, and laughed…=This laughter brethren, is not a mocking laughter at Father, as Abraham knew the many Promises Father had already made to him and also fulfilled for him; so, this laughter was a joyful laughter, joyful for the knowledge that he would now become a father with his wife Sarah who had been baren up to this point in her life. [17:18] And Abraham said unto God, “O that Ishmael might live before thee!” —> However, after hearing of the Promise of a son through Sarah, Abraham now feared that his son Ishmael either would not be allowed to partake of the Promised Covenant, or that Father would call Ishmael Home to Him. [17:19] And God said, “Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac (laughter (that is, mockery); and, laughter) (yits-khawkי): and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. —> …shall bear thee a son…=Leaving zero doubt that Sarah would bear Abraham a son. …Isaac…=Whose name in the Hebrew language—as I pointed out in the verse—means “laughter.” Why did Father call this son Isaac? Because as we read in the last verse, “Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed;” and, we also read in Genesis 18:12, that when Sarah hears that she is to bear a son in her old age, she also laughs, though she doesn’t fall onto her face as Abraham had. …I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him=Father made the Promise to Abraham, and here, He is Promising to fulfill it with Abraham’s Promised son, Isaac, and then in all his descendants after him. Through this son Isaac will come the twelve Patriarchs who will beomce known as the twelve Tribes of the House of Israel; through this son Isaac will come the Only Begotten Son of Father Himself, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. This Promise holds true even to this day in the year 2022A.D., for all of Father’s Children who Believe and have Faith. [17:20] And as for Ishmael (YAH will hear; and, whom YAH hears) (yish-maw-aleי), I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. —> It will be through his son Ishmael that the twelve tribes of the Arab and Islamic nations which we have to this day will spring forth. Like as Father named Isaac, this son of Abraham’s was also named by Father. Father also made a promise to Hagar as we read in Genesis 16:6-15, which reads: Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, “Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee.” And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face. —> Sarah had felt that Hagar had been mocking her since she had become pregnant—even though it was Sarah who told Abraham to lay with Hagar because she herself was unable to this point in time bear Abraham a child—so now, she desires Hagar no-longer be wih her and Abraham; so, Abraham tells Sarah that she may do as she wishes with her hand-maid. Rightly or wrongly, Sarah starts to deal “hardly” or harshly—meaning, she started browbeating or looking down—with Hagar, so Hagar fled. [16:7] And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. [16:8] And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go?” And she said, “I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.” [16:9] And the angel of the LORD said unto her, “ Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.” [16:10] And the angel of the LORD said unto her, “I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.” [16:11] And the angel of the LORD said unto her, “Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. [16:12] And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” —> Again, this holds true to this day in the year 2022A.D., as we witness to this day, the conflict between the Arab and Islamic nations and Israel. We have the twelve sons of Jacob comprising the whole of Israel; we have twelve princes of Ishmael, which are the heads of the nations of the Abrabic people. They know their inheritance and their parentage; however, the offspring of the ten tribes, “House of Israel,” in ignorance, denies their lineage to father Abraham, because they have allowed the kenites to convince them that they are Gentile, and they have made that of Father, be of satan. But, good-news brethren, look what happened in the state of Georgia just yesterday—July 6th, 2022—the “monument to the devil” was destroyed—to read the article, click here. [16:13] And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou GOD seest me: for she said, “Have I also here looked after Him That seeth me?” —> …GOD…=Though Egyptian born and raised and never having been taught of The One and Only True Living God, our Creator, Hagar knows and understands full well with Whom she is speaking, as she uses the Role/Tile אֵל, EL,—see ALMIGHTY GOD above—while addressing and speaking with Him. …said…=Translate: “Do I see, here, even after the vision?” i.e., “Do I live, after seen God?”. [16:14] Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. [16:15] And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael. Let’s return now to Genesis 17:21, and then return to II Chronicles 29:10: [17:21] But My covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.” —> Ishmael received his Promise; but, Father’s Covenant was with Isaac. Father was not rejecting Ishmael; but, he was not part of the Covenant, nor the Blessing. The offspring of Ishmael are prosperous to this day, they have their blessing, but again, they are not part of The Covenant. We read in I Chronicles 16, that, during David’s “Song of Thanks” to Father, he mentions this Covenant. Let’s review: I Chronicles 16:15 Be ye mindful always of His covenant; The word which he commanded to a thousand generations; [16:16] Even of the covenant which He made with Abraham, And of His oath unto Isaac; [16:17] And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, And to Israel for an everlasting covenant, [16:18] Saying, “Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, The lot of your inheritance;”.
Israel=For a detailed description of Israel, including his birth, his and the Nation’s history, the etymology of the name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of the name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
Let’s return now to II Chronicles 29, where we’ll pick it up and read of Hezekiah directing his attention to the Levites and the Priests.
29:11 Sanctification.
1A11
II Chronicles 29:11 My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that ye should minister unto Him, and burn incense.” —> It was Father Who Chose which family would be His Priests. We can read of His choosing the Levites back in Exodus 32 as Moses was up on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from Father. As Moses was up on the Mount, Father saw that the people had convinced Aaron that Moses was not coming back down from the Mount, and told to him to “make them gods, which would go before them” and lead them. Aaron told the people to break off their earrings, and gather all their other gold and bring it to him so that he could melt it down and fashion a golden calf for them. The people did as Aaron asked, Aaron made their golden calf and when Father saw it, He told Moses to get down off of the Mount, because the people had corrupted themselves, and He was about to destroy them. Moses pleaded with Father to not destroy them, as it would show the other nations that Father could not control His people and that He brought them out of Egypt for naught. As Moses came down off of the Mount and came into the camp, he saw the nakedness of the people, that they had made a calf and they were dancing and worshipping it and he became angry and he cast down the two Stone Tablets of the Ten Commandments, and he took the golden calf which Aaron had made and cast it into the fire, ground it into powder and made the people drink it. Moses then stood in the gate of the camp and said, “Who is on the LORD’S side? Let him come to me. It was the Levites—of which both Aaron and Moses were a part of—who came to him. They strapped on their swords and went throughout the camp slaying everyone who was still wanting to worship the golden calf, at the end of the day, they had slain about 3,000 men; and it was for this reason, that Father chose the Levites to be His Priests, to Minister and burn incense to Him.
29:12-19 The cleaning of the
House.
29:12-19 THE CLEANING OF THE
HOUSE. (Division.)
29:12-15 The persons.
1A12
II Chronicles 29:12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath (erasure; and, grasping) (makhי-ath) the son of Amasai (burdensome; and, burdensome) (am-aw-sahיee), and Joel (YHVH (is his) God; and, to whom YHVH is God) (yo-aleי) the son of Azariah (YAH has helped; and, whom the LORD helps) (az-ar-yawי-hoo), of the sons of the Kohathites (patronymic from H6955, to ally oneself; allied; and, assembly) (ko-haw-theeי): and of the sons of Merari (bitter; and, bitter, unhappy) (mer-aw-reeי), Kish (a bow; and, a bow) (keesh) the son of Abdi (serviceable; and, my servant) (ab-deeי), and Azariah the son of Jehalelel (praising EL; and, who praises EL) (yeh-hal-lel-aleי): and of the Gershonites (patronymic from H1648; a refugee; and, exile) (gay-resh-oon-neeי); Joah (YHVH-brothered; and, whose brother (i.e., helper) is YHVH) (yo-awkhי) the son of Zimmah (a plan, especially a bad one; and, a purpose) (zim-mawי), and Eden (pleasure (masculine); and, pleasure) (ayי-den) the son of Joah: —> Notice…Levites…=Notice brethren, these are Levites, not the Priests. We’ll see that they are of the lineage of the Levitical Singers: Heman—descended from Kohath—Ethan—descended from Merari—and Asaph—descended from Gershom—who was also known as Jedathun. The Levitical Singers were appointed during the reign and rule of king David as we read in I Chronicles 15:16-17. These Levitical Singers were all from the three sons of Levi: two from Kohath, two from Merari, and two from Gershon. We’ll read of more in the next two verses, for a total of 14 in all—the number 14 in Biblical numberics denotes: Salvation and Deliverance. From Dr. Bullinger’s Number in Scripture, we read the following: “Being a multiple of seven, partakes of its significance; and, being double that number, implies a double measure of Spiritual Perfection. The number two with which it is combined (2x7) may, however, bring its own significance into its meaning, as in Matthew 1, where the genealogy of Jesus Christ is divided up and given in sets of 14 (2x7) generations, two being the number associated with incarnation.”. These men will be assigned to clean and sanctify Father’s House.
…the son of…the son of…of the sons of…=Paying attention when you are reading something is critical brethren. Did you notice the difference in the two phrases: “the son of,” and “of the sons of”? In the first instance you have a direct son of a man, i.e., Mahath the son of Amasai. In the second instance you have a down-line descendant of a man, i.e, Amasai and his son were the descendants of Levi’s son Kohath, thus they were Kohathites. This will be more noticeable and prominent in the next two verses.
Mahath
Mahath=Mahath was the son of a man named Amasai of whom we know nothing except that he was a descendant of Levi’s son Kohath and then many centuries later, the Levitical Singer, Heman, thus making Mahath a descendant of Heman and Kohath as well. The only thing we know of Mahath was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah, he was one of the Levitical Singers, and he was assigned with several other Levitical Singers to cleanse Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:12-19. † For the etymology of the name Mahath, we read the following in Abarim-Publications: “The name Mahath probably has to do with the verb חתה (hata), meaning to snatch up or seize: For a meaning of the name Mahath, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Grasping. Alfred Jones (Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names) declares that our name is an abbreviation of a non-occurring noun מחתה (mahta), and reads Seizing. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary confirms the possible relation to the not used noun מחתה and proposes Thing Seized.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where wee find that it is Hebrew word number: H4287, - מַחַת, - machath, - pronounced: makhי-ath, and means: Probably from H4229; erasure; Machath, the name of two Israelites: - Mahath. Total KJV occurrences: 3.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Grasping. A Kohathite, in the reign of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:12; 31:13.”.
Amasai
Amasai=Amasai was a descendant of Levi’s son Kohath, and then many centuries later, the Levitical Singer, Heman, and he was father of a man named Mahath. The only thing we know of Amasai was that—being a descendant of Heman—he was one of the Levitical Singers, he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah and his son Mahath—being a Levitical Singer—was assigned with several other the Levitical Singers to cleanse Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:12-19. † For the etymology of the name Amasai, we read the following in Abarim-Publications: “The name Amasai consists of two elements. The first part comes from the verb עמש ss(יamas), meaning to carry: The second part of the name Amasai is letter י (yod), which may denote an adjective (burdensome), or (as appears to be preferred by scholars) it may be a remnant of the appellative יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton יהוה, YHVH, or Yahveh. For a meaning of the name Amasai, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List proposes Yahveh Has Borne, and Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads Burden Of The Lord.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H6022, - עֲמָשַׂי, - ‛ămâśay, - pronounced: am-aw-sahיee, and means: From H6006; burdensome; Amasai, the name of three Israelites: - Amasai. Total KJV occurrences: 5.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Burdensome. Another Kohathite, in the reign of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:12.”.
Joel
Joel=Joel was the son of a man named Azariah of whom we know nothing except that he was a descendant of Levi’s son Kohath and then many centuries later, the Levitical Singer, Heman, thus making Joel a descendant of Heman and Kohath as well. The only thing we know of Joel was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah, he was one of the Levitical Singers, and he was assigned with several other Levitical Singers to cleanse Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:12-19. † For the etymology of the name Joel, we read the following in Abarim-Publications: “The name Joel is most commonly interpreted to be a combination of two elements. The first element is יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton יהוה, YHVH, or Yahveh, the Name of the Lord. This very short abbreviation of YHVH also occurs in the names Joab and Jochebed. The second element of the name Joel is אל (El), the common abbreviation of Elohim, the genus God: The name Joel is the name Elijah reversed and means Yah Is El, or Yahveh Is Elohim, or The Lord Is God. However, in cognate languages this name exists as well, but means something else. That something else also exists in Hebrew, namely the verb יאל (yaיal): The past tense forms of the two verbs יאל are identical to the name Joel (see for instance Exodus 2:21, Joshua 17:12, etc.). Hence the name Joel also means He Was Foolish, He Was Willing/Determined. For a meaning of the name Joel, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Yahveh Is God. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads Lord Of God, The Lord Is God.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H3100, - יוֹאֵל, - yô'êl, - pronounced: yo-aleי, and means: From H3068 and H410; YHVH (is his) God; Joel, the name of twelve Israelites: - Joel. Total KJV occurrences: 19.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “To whom YHVH is EL. A Kohathite Levite in the reign of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:12.”.
Azariah
Azariah=Azariah was a descendant of Levi’s son Kohath, and then many centuries later, the Levitical Singer, Heman, and he was father of a man named Joel. The only thing we know of Azariah was that—being a descendant of Heman—he was one of the Levitical Singers, he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah and his son Joel—being a Levitical Singer—was assigned with several other the Levitical Singers to cleanse Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:12-19. † For the etymology of the name Azariah, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Azariah or Azariahu consists of two elements. The first part comes from the verb עזר (azar), meaning to help or support: The final bit of the name Azariah is formed from the appellative יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton; the name of the Lord: YHVH or Yahveh. The name Azariah means Helped Of God (Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names), or Yahveh Has Helped (New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List, Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary), or more commonly The Lord Has Helped (Harris Archer Waltke (HAW) Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament).”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H5838, - עֲזַרְיָה, ssעֲזַרְיָהוּ, - ‛ăzaryâh, or ‛ăzaryâhû, pronounced - az-ar-yawי or az-ar-yawי-hoo, and means: From H5826 and H3050; YAH has helped; Azarjah, the name of nineteen Israelites: - Azariah. Total KJV occurrences: 48.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Whom YHVH helps. A Kohathite, father of Joel, in the reign of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:12.”.
Kohathites=For a detailed description of the Kohathites, including their history, the etymology of the name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
Merari
Merari=Merari was the youngest son of Levi, he was brother to 2 other sons, Gershon and Kohath, and 1 sister, Jochebed. There are 38 verses with 39 matches in Father’s Word for the name Merari and it’s associated Strong’s Hebrew word number: H4847, all of them are either of him in the genealogical listings, or of his descendants—the Merarites H4847—again, either in the genealogical listings, of them receiving their inheritance of land, or of them receiving their service of the Tabernacle. Of the man Merari himself, we know nothing about, except to say that he was part of the 70 Israelites who went down into Egypt to escape the famine which had encompassed all the land. We don’t know when he died and returned Home to Father, or what age he was when he did so. Let’s turn to Numbers 3 and read of the responsibility of Merari’s descendants concerning their ministerial\priestly duties: Numbers 3:36 And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto, [3:37] And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords. —> The duties and responsibilities of the Merarites are the safeguarding, setting up and taking down, and carrying of the boards for the tabernacle, the bars of the tent and doors etc., in other words, all the wood items and fasteners, plus all the tie back fasteners for holding the cloth doors open concerning the tent and the court thereof belong to the Merarites. Again, we can see the number of “and(s)” within these two verses—just like in Genesis 1—and can know that they are a polysyndeton, meaning there is much more than just what is being said in these verses. We know that Merari’s father Levi’s encampment as they came out of Egypt and wandered in the wilderness was in the midst of the camp, surrounded by all the other Tribes, Merari’s particular encampment was beside the Tabernacle, northward. † For the etymology of the name Merari, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Merari, like other Levites names, is probably of Egyptian origin and may have originally meant Beloved. In Hebrew, however, it looks like it has to do with the verb מרר (marar) meaning be bitter, strengthen, strong: The letter yod on which our name Merari ends may be due to a possessive form, and the name Merari may mean My Bitterness or My Strength. For a meaning of the name Merari, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Bitter. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads Bitterness.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H4847, - מְרָרִי, - merârı̂y, pronounced - mer-aw-reeי; and means: From H4843; bitter; Merari, an Israelite: - Merari. See also H4848. Total KJV occurrences: 39.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Bitter, unhappy. Third son of Levi and head of the third great division of the Levites, the Merarites Genesis 46:8,11. At the time of the exodus and the numbering in the wilderness, the Merarites consisted of two families, the Mahlites and the Mushites, Mahli and Mushi being either the two sons of the son and grandson of Merari I Chronicles 6:19,47. Their chief at that time was Zuriel. Their charge was the cords of the tabernacle and the court, and all the tools connected with setting them up. In the division of the land by Joshua, the merarites had twelve cities assigned to them, out of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun Joshua 21:7; 34-40; I Chronicles 6:63; 77-81. In the days of Hezekiah the Merarites were still flourishing II Chronicles 29:12,15.”.
Kish
Kish=Kish was the son of a man named Abdi of whom we know nothing except that he was a descendant of Levi’s youngest son Merari and then many centuries later, the Levitical Singer, Ethan, thus making Kish a descendant of Ethan and Merari as well. The only thing we know of Kish was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah, he was one of the Levitical Singers, and he was assigned with several other Levitical Singers to cleanse Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:12-19. † For the etymology of the name Kish, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Kish comes from the verb קוש (qosh) meaning lay bait, or lure. This verb occurs only once in the Bible (Isaiah 29:21), but according to Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary, it’s the root of the common verb יקש (yaqosh), meaning to set a snare or lay a trap: The name Kish may mean Snaring, Bird Catcher, says Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names. New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List goes with the most original meaning of the root and reads Bow.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H7027, - קִיש, - qı̂ysh, pronounced - keesh, and means: From H6983; a bow; Kish, the name of five Israelites: - Kish. Total KJV occurrences: 21.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “A bow. A Levite in the time of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:12.”.
Abdi
Abdi=Abdi was a descendant of Levi’s youngest son Merari, and then many centuries later, the Levitical Singer, Ethan, and he was father of a man named Kish. The only thing we know of Abdi was that—being a descendant of Ethan—he was one of the Levitical Singers, he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah and his son Kish—being a Levitical Singer—was assigned with several other the Levitical Singers to cleanse Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:12-19. † For the etymology of the name Abdi, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Abdi is constructed from the root עבד ss(יabad), meaning servant or to serve: The final letter yod may be a possessive, rendering Abdi the meaning of My Servant or Servile. The name Abdi may also be seen as a truncated form of עבדיה (Obadiah), which means that the final yod is a remnant of יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton יהוה, YHVH, or Yahveh. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary reads Servant of Yah, and New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Servant Of Yahveh. Alfred Jones (Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names) is a bit more proper and reads Servant, i.e., of God.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H5660 עַבְדִּי, - ‛abdı̂y, - pronounced: ab-deeי, and means: From H5647; serviceable; Abdi, the name of two Israelites: - Abdi. Total KJV occurrences: 3.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “My servant. The father of Kish, a Merarite, in the reign of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:12.”.
Azariah
Azariah=Azariah was the son of a man named Jehalelel of whom we know nothing except that he was a descendant of Levi’s youngest son Merari and then many centuries later, the Levitical Singer, Ethan, thus making Azariah a descendant of Ethan and Merari as well. The only thing we know of Azariah was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah, he was one of the Levitical Singers, and he was assigned with several other Levitical Singers to cleanse Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:12-19. † For the etymology of the name Azariah, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Azariah or Azariahu consists of two elements. The first part comes from the verb עזר (azar), meaning to help or support: The final bit of the name Azariah is formed from the appellative יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton; the name of the Lord: YHVH or Yahveh. The name Azariah means Helped Of God (Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names), or Yahveh Has Helped (New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List, Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary), or more commonly The Lord Has Helped (Harris Archer Waltke (HAW) Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament).”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H5838, - עֲזַרְיָה, ssעֲזַרְיָהוּ, - ‛ăzaryâh, or ‛ăzaryâhû, pronounced - az-ar-yawי or az-ar-yawי-hoo, and means: From H5826 and H3050; YAH has helped; Azarjah, the name of nineteen Israelites: - Azariah. Total KJV occurrences: 48.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Whom YHVH helps. A Merarite, son of Jehalelel, in the time of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:12.”.
Jehalelel
Jehalelel=Jehalelel was a descendant of Levi’s youngest son Merari, and then many centuries later, the Levitical Singer, Ethan, and he was father of a man named Azariah. The only thing we know of Jehalelel was that—being a descendant of Ethan—he was one of the Levitical Singers, he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah and his son Azariah—being a Levitical Singer—was assigned with several other the Levitical Singers to cleanse Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:12-19. † For the etymology of the name Jehalelel, we read the following in Abarim-Publications: “The name Jehallelel consists of two elements, the final being אל (El), the common abbreviation of Elohim: The first part of the name Jehallelel comes from the root הלל (halal): For a meaning of the name Jehallelel, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List goes with halal and reads God Will Flash Light. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names leans towards root halal and reads He Will Praise God. Similarly, Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary offers He Shall Praise God.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H3094, - יְהַלֶּלְאֵל, - yehallel'êl, - pronounced: yeh-hal-lel-aleי, and means: From H1984 and H410; praising EL; Jehallelel, the name of two Israelites: - Jehaleleel, Jehalelel. Total KJV occurrences: 2.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Who praises EL. A Merarite Levite, father of Azariah, II Chronicles 29:12.”.
Gershon
Gershon (Gershonite [s])= Gershon was Levi’s first born son with his wife whose name is never mentioned in Father’s Word. Gershon is mentioned in 18 verses with 18 matches in Father’s Word, for the name and Strong’s Hebrew word associated with it: H1648; all of them are either of him in the genealogical listings, or of his descendants—the Gershonites H1649—again, either in the genealogical listings, of them receiving their inheritance of land, or of them receiving their service of the Tabernacle. Of the man Gershon himself, we know nothing about, except to say that he was part of the 70 Israelites who went down into Egypt to escape the famine which had encompassed all the land. We don’t know when he died and returned Home to Father, or what age he was when he did so. Let’s turn to Numbers 3 and read of the responsibility of Gershon’s descendants concerning their Ministerial Duties: Numbers 3:25 And the charge of the sons of the Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, and the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. [3:26] And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof. —> The duties and responsibilities of the Gershonites were the safeguarding, the setting up and taking down, and the carrying of the tent, and of all the coverings of the tent and doors etc.; in other words, all the canvas\cloth items concerning the tent and thereof belong to the Gershonites. We can see the number of “and(s)” within these two verses—just like in Genesis 1, and many other places throughout Father’s Word—and can know that they are a polysyndeton; meaning, there is much more than just what is being said in these verses. We know that the Tribe of Levi’s encampment as they came out of Egypt and wandered in the wilderness was in the midst of the camp, surrounded by all the other Tribes; Gershon’s particular encampment, was behind the Tabernacle, westward. † For the etymology of the name Gershon, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Gershon is probably the same name as Gershom, derived of the verb גרש (garash), meaning to drive or cast out: The waw-nun extension denotes a personification of the root. Gershon means Expelled One or Exiled One, and the meaning may have more to do with the fact that he\his descendants were surpassed in fame by the younger brethren of Kohath, from whom descended Moses and Aaron, and then of course, the line of Father’s Priests.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H1648, - גֵּרְש וֹן or גֵּרְש וֹם, - gêreshôn or gêreshôm, pronounced - gay-resh-omeי or gay-resh-oneי, and means: From H1644; a refugee; Gereshon or Gereshom, an Israelite: - Gershon, Gershom. Total KVJ occurrences: 18.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Exile. The eldest of the three sons of Levi, born before the descent of Jacob’s family into Egypt Genesis 46:11; Exodus 6:16. But, though the eldest born, the families of Gershon were outstripped in fame by their younger brethren of Kohath, from whom sprang Moses and the priestly line of Aaron.”.
Joah
Joah=Joah was the son of a man named Zimmah of whom we know nothing except that he was a descendant of Levi’s eldest son Gershom and then many centuries later, the Levitical Singer, Asaph, thus making Joah a descendant of Asaph and Gershom as well. The only thing we know of Joah was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah, he was one of the Levitical Singers, and he was assigned with several other Levitical Singers to cleanse Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:12-19—the Smith’s Bible Dictionary notes that this Joah is also the father of Eden of II Chronicles 29:12. † Abarim Publications does not provide an etymology of the name Joah, however, I believe I can: the name Joah consists of two elements, the first being יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton; YHVH or YAHVEH, the Name of the Lord. This very short abbreviation of YHVH also occurs in the names Jochebed and Jonathan. The second element of the name Joah is אח ss(יah), meaning brother. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H3098, - יוֹאָח, - yô'âch, - pronounced: yo-awkhי, and means: From H3068 and H251; YHVH-brothered; Joach, the name of four Israelites: - Joah. Total KJV occurrences: 11.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Whose brother (i.e., helper) is YHVH. A Gershonite, the son of Zimmah and father of Eden, II Chronicles 29:12.”.
Zimmah
Zimmah=Zimmah was a descendant of Levi’s eldest son Gershom, and then many centuries later, the Levitical Singer, Asaph, and he was father of a man named Joah. The only thing we know of Zimmah was that—being a descendant of Asaph—he was one of the Levitical Singers, he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah and his son Joah—being a Levitical Singer—was assigned with several other the Levitical Singers to cleanse Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:12-19. † For the etymology of the name Zimmah, we read the following in Abarim-Publications: “The name Zimmah is identical to the noun זמה (zimma), meaning plan, device or evil scheme: For a meaning of the name Zimmah, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads a rather mild Counsel. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names proposes a more accurate Wicked Device. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary does not offer an explanation of the name Zimmah but does confirm that it is identical to the noun זמה (Zimma).”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H2155, - זִמָּה, - zimmâh, pronounced: zim-mawי, and means: The same as H2154; a plan; Zimmah, the name of two Israelites: - Zimmah. Total KJV occurrences: 3.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Purpose. Father or ancestor of Joah, a Gershonite in the reign of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:12. At a much earlier period we find the same collocation of names, Zimmah and Joah as father and son, I Chronicles 6:20.”.
Eden
Eden=Eden was the son of a man named Joah of whom we know nothing except that he was a descendant of Levi’s eldest son Gershom and then many centuries later, the Levitical Singer, Asaph, thus making Eden a descendant of Asaph and Gershom as well. The only thing we know of Eden was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah, he was one of the Levitical Singers, and he was assigned with several other Levitical Singers to cleanse Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:12-19—the Smith’s Bible Dictionary notes that this Joah is also the father of Eden of II Chronicles 29:12. † For the Etymology of the name Eden, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “There is some dispute over the meaning of the name Eden. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List and even the Septuagint note that Eden is similar to the Hebrew word עדן ss(יeden) meaning finery, luxury, delight: Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary and Harris Archer Waltke (HAW) Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament nevertheless claim the name Eden from the Akkadian word edinu based on the Sumerian word eden, meaning Plain, Steppe. Whatever the original name-giver meant to say with the name Eden is unclear, but any Hebrew audience would have heard a meaning of Delight or Luxury. For a meaning of the name Eden, The NOBSE Study Bible Name List reads Delight, Pleasantness. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names renders Paradise, A Place Of Delight. In Greek this name exists as Tryphosa.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H5731, - עֵדֶן, - ‛êden, - pronounced: ayי-den, and means: The same as H5730 ; pleasure; (masculine); Eden, the region of Adam’s home: - Eden. Total KJV occurrences: 16.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Pleasure. A Gershonite Levite, son of Joah, in the days of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:12.”.
Joah
Joah=Joah was a descendant of Levi’s eldest son Gershom, and then many centuries later, the Levitical Singer, Asaph, and he was father of a man named Eden. The only thing we know of Joah was that—being a descendant of Asaph—he was one of the Levitical Singers, he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah and his son Eden—being a Levitical Singer—was assigned with several other the Levitical Singers to cleanse Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:12-19. † Abarim Publications does not provide an etymology of the name Joah, however, I believe I can: the name Joah consists of two elements, the first being יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton; YHVH or YAHVEH, the Name of the Lord. This very short abbreviation of YHVH also occurs in the names Jochebed and Jonathan. The second element of the name Joah is אח ss(יah), meaning brother. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H3098, - יוֹאָח, - yô'âch, - pronounced: yo-awkhי, and means: From H3068 and H251; YHVH-brothered; Joach, the name of four Israelites: - Joah. Total KJV occurrences: 11.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Whose brother (i.e., helper) is YHVH. A Gershonite, the son of Zimmah and father of Eden, II Chronicles 29:12.”.
1A13
II Chronicles 29:13 And of the sons of Elizaphan (YAH of treasure; and, whom YAH protects) (el-ee-tsaw-fawnי); Shimri (watchful; and, vigilant) (shim-reeי), and Jeiel (carried away of YAH; and, treasured of YAH) (yeh-ee-aleי): and of the sons of Asaph (collector; and, he that gathered or removed reproach) (aw-sawfי); Zechariah (YAH has remembered; and, YHVH is renowned or remembered) (zek-ar-yawי-hoo), and Mattaniah (gift of YAH; and, gift YAH) (mat-tan-yawי-hoo): —> Some of these names will look and sound familiar because they were the Levitical Singers appointed by the Chief of the Levites under the hand of David back in I Chronicles 15:16-17. Remember, we are 300+ years from when David first appointed Heman, Ethan and Asaph. Elizaphan was descended from Levi’s second eldest son Kohath and Asaph was descended from Levi’s eldest son Gershom.
Elizaphan=For a detailed description of Elizaphan, including his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
Shimri
Shimri=Shimri was the brother to a man named Jeiel. Father’s Word does not say who their father was; however, it does say that they were descended from a man named Elizaphan, who was a son of Kohath’s second son Uzziel, and who lived during our forefathers exodus from Egypt. Elizaphan was the head of an autonomous Order of Levites—meaning, they would not be in the High Priest line, but they would be the bearers of Father’s Ark and of His Holy things. We can also read in Father’s Word—I Chronicles 15:8—that Shimri and his brother were descended from another descendant of Elizaphan: Shemaiah, who lived during the reign and rule of king David and was the Chief of the Order and he and his brethren were assigned to assist in bringing Father’s Ark from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem. The only other thing we know of Shimri was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah, and he and his brother were assigned with several other Levites and the Levitical Singers to cleanse, purify and sanctify Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:13-19. † For the Etymology of the name Shimri, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Shimri comes from the verb שמר (shamar), meaning to keep, guard, observe or give heed: The letter י (yod) upon which our name ends, may either create an adjective (vigilant), a possessive form (my guarding), or may be a remnant of יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton; YHVH or YAHVEH, the Name of the Lord. For a meaning of the name Shimri, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List goes with the adjective and reads Vigilant. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names deems the final yod to be a “sign of the Divine name”. Hence Jones reads Ward, and adds “of the Lord”. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary does not translate Shimri but does list it under the verb שמר (shamar).”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H8113, - שִׁמְרִי, - shimrı̂y, - pronounced: shim-reeי, and means: From H8105 in its original sense; watchful; Shimri, the name of four Israelites: - Shimri. Total KJV occurrenecs: 4.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Vigilant. A Kohathite Levite in the reign of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:13.”.
Jeiel
Jeiel=Jeiel was the brother to a man named Shimri. Father’s Word does not say who their father was; however, it does say that they were descended from a man named Elizaphan, who was a son of Kohath’s second son Uzziel, and who lived during our forefathers exodus from Egypt. Elizaphan was the head of an autonomous Order of Levites—meaning, they would not be in the High Priest line, but they would be the bearers of Father’s Ark and of His Holy things. We can also read in Father’s Word—I Chronicles 15:8—that Jeiel and his brother were descended from another descendant of Elizaphan: Shemaiah, who lived during the reign and rule of king David and was the Chief of the Order and he and his brethren were assigned to assist in bringing Father’s Ark from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem. The only other thing we know of Jeiel was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah, and he and his brother were assigned with several other Levites and the Levitical Singers to cleanse, purify and sanctify Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:13-19. † Abarim Publications does not provide an etymology for the name Jeiel, and as such, neither can I. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H3273, - יְעִיאֵל, - ye‛ı̂y'êl, pronounced - yeh-ee-aleי, and means: From H3261 and H410 Carried away of YAH; Jeiel, the name of six Israelites: - Jeiel, Jehiel. Compare H3262. Total KJV occurrences: 13.. † Now from tjhe Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Treasured of YAH. A Kohathite Levite, one of the Bene-Elizaphan, II Chronicles 29:13.”.
Asaph=For a detailed description of Asaph, including his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
Zechariah
Zechariah=Zechariah was the descendant of a the Levitical Singer Asaph who was a descendant of Levi’s eldest son Gershom—his full lineage can be read of in I Chronicles 6:39-43—thus making Zechariah a descendant of Gershom as well. The only thing we know of Zechariah was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah and he was assigned with several of the Levitical Singers and other Levites to cleanse, purify, and sanctify Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:13-19. † For the etymology of the name Zechariah, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Zechariah consists of two parts. The final bit is יה, the abbreviated form of the Name of the Lord: יהוה (YHVH). The first segment of the name Zechariah comes from the verb זכר (zakar), meaning to think about or meditate upon: The name Zechariah literally means Yah Remembers or Remembrance of Yah or even Pondering Yahveh. For a meaning of the name Zechariah, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Yahveh Remembers and Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names has Remembered Of The Lord. But following zakar’s meaning of male, we find for the name Zechariah a secondary meaning of Yah’s Male. And that isn’t all that weird considering that the name of the archangel Gabriel means God’s Guy.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H2148, - זְכַרְיָה,ss or זְכַרְיָהוּ, - zekaryâh or zekaryâhû, pronounced - zek-ar-yawי or zek-ar-yawי-hoo, and means: From H2142 and H3050; YAH has remembered; Zecarjah, the name of twenty nine Israelites: - Zachariah, Zechariah. Total KJV occurrences: 43.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “YAH is renowned or YAH is remembered. One of the family of Asaph in the reign of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:13.”.
Mattaniah
Mattaniah=Mattaniah was the descendant of a the Levitical Singer Asaph who was a descendant of Levi’s eldest son Gershom—his full lineage can be read of in I Chronicles 6:39-43—thus making Mattaniah a descendant of Gershom as well. The only thing we know of Mattaniah was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah and he was assigned with several of the Levitical Singers and other Levites to cleanse, purify, and sanctify Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:13-19. † For the etymology of the name Mattaniah, we read the following from Abarim Publications: “The name Mattaniah is really a compilation of two names, the latter one being יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton יהוה, YHVH, or Yahveh. The first part of Mattaniah is the name Mattan, which is equal to the noun מתן (mattan), meaning gift, from the verb נתן (natan), meaning to give: For a meaning of the name Mattaniah, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Gift Of Yahveh and Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names has the similar Gift Of The Lord. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary does not translate this name.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H4983, - מַתַּנְיָה,ss or מַתַּנְיָהוּ, - mattanyâh, or mattanyâhû, pronounced - mat-tan-yawי or mat-tan-yawי-hoo, and means: From H4976 and H3050; gift of YAH; Mattaniah, the name of ten Israelites. Total KJV occurrences: 16.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Gift of YHVH. A descendant of Asaph the Levite minstrel, who assisted in the purification of the temple in the reign of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:13.”.
1A14
II Chronicles 29:14 And of the sons of Heman (faithful; and, faithful) (hay-mawnי); Jehiel (from H2421 and H410; EL will live; and, EL lives) (yekh-av-aleי), and Shimei (famous; and, renowned) (shim-eeי): and of the sons of Jeduthun (laudatory; and, praising) (yed-oo-thoonי); Shemaiah (YAH has heard; or, heard by YHVH) (shem-aw-yawי-hoo), and Uzziel (strength of EL; and, strength of EL) (Ooz-zee-aleי). —> Again, as I pointed out in my commentary in verse v29:12 above Heman was descended from Levi’s middle son Kohath, and Jeduthun—who was also known as Ethan—was descended from Levi’s youngest son Merari.
Heman=For a detailed description of Heman, including his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
Jehiel
Jehiel=Jehiel was the descendant of a the Levitical Singer Heman who was a descendant of Levi’s youngest son Merari—his full lineage can be read of in I Chronicles 6:33-38—thus making Jehiel a descendant of Merari as well. The only thing we know of Jehiel was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah and he was assigned with several of the Levitical Singers and other Levites to cleanse, purify, and sanctify Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:13-19. † For the etymology of the name Jehiel, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Jehiel consists of two parts. The first part comes from the verb חיה (haya), meaning to live: The letter yod with which the name begins may be seen as an activation of the verb: he lives or will live. The second part of our name comes from אל (El), the common abbreviation of Elohim: For a meaning of the name Jehiel, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads God Lives. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names renders the slightly more proper He Lives Of God, and Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary suggests May El Live. Jones relates the name Jehiel to the name Eve, but here at Abarim Publications we dispute this. See our article on that name..”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H3171, - יְחִיאֵל, ssיְחַוְאֵל, - yechı̂y'êl, or yechav'êl, pronounced - yekh-ee-aleי or yekh-av-aleי, and means: From H2421 and H410; YAH will live; Jechiel (or Jechavel), the name of eight Israelites: - Jehiel. Total KJV occurrences: 14.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “EL lives. One of the Levites of the family of Heman who assisted Hezekiah in his work of reformation, II Chronicles 29:14.”.
Shimei
Shimei=Shimei was the descendant of a the Levitical Singer Heman who was a descendant of Levi’s youngest son Merari—whose full upward lineage can be read of in I Chronicles 6:33-38—thus making Shimei a descendant of Merari as well. The only thing we know of Shimei was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah and he was assigned with several of the Levitical Singers and other Levites to cleanse, purify, and sanctify Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:13-19. † For the etymology of the name Shimei, we read the following in Abarim Publications: “The name Shimei comes from the verb שמע (shamaי), meaning to hear: For a meaning of the name Shimei, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Renown. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names has Famous.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H8096, - שִׁמְעִי, - shim‛ı̂y, - Pronounced: shim-eeי, and means: From H8088; Famous; Shimi, the name of twenty Israelites: - Shimeah [from the margin], Shimei, Shimhi, Shimi. Total KJV occurrences: 43.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Renowned. One of the sons of Heman, who assisted in the purification of the temple, II Chronicles 29:14.”.
Jeduthun=For a detailed description of Jeduthun, including his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
Shemaiah
Shemaiah=Shemaiah was the descendant of a the Levitical Singer Ethan—who was also known as Jeduthun in I Chronicles 16:41,42; I Chronicles 25:1,3,6; II Chronicles 5:12; II Chronicles 29:14—who was a descendant of Levi’s youngest son Merari—whose full upward lineage can be read of in I Chronicles 6:44-47—thus making Shemaiah a descendant of Merari as well. The only thing we know of Shemaiah was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah and he was assigned with several of the Levitical Singers and other Levites to cleanse, purify, and sanctify Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:13-19. † For the etymology of the name Shemaiah, we read the following from Abarim Publications: “The name Shemaiah consists of two elements, the final one being יה (Yah) = יהו (Yahu) = יו (Yu), which in turn are abbreviated forms of the Tetragrammaton יהוה, YHVH—from Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible Appendices: YHVH—or YAHVEH, (the sacred and personal name of Father). The first part of our name comes from the verb שמע (shamaי), meaning to hear: For a meaning of the name Shemaiah, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads YAHVEH Has Heard and Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names has Heard Of The Lord. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary does not interpret this name but does list it under the verb שמע (shamaי), meaning to hear.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H8098, - שְ מַעְיָה or שְ מַעְיָהוּ, - shema‛yâh or shema‛yâhû, pronounced - shem-aw-yawי or shem-aw-yawי-hoo, and means: From H8085 and H3050; YAH has heard; Shemajah, the name of twenty five Israelites: - Shemaiah. Total KJV occurrences: 41.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “Heard by YHVH. A descendant of Jeduthun the singer, who lived in the reign of Hezekia, II Chronicles 29:14.”.
Uzziel
Uzziel=Uzziel was a descendant of a the Levitical Singer Ethan—who was also known as Jeduthun in I Chronicles 16:41,42; I Chronicles 25:1,3,6; II Chronicles 5:12; II Chronicles 29:14—who was a descendant of Levi’s youngest son Merari—whose full upward lineage can be read of in I Chronicles 6:44-47—thus making Uzziel a descendant of Merari as well. The only thing we know of Uzziel was that he lived during the reign and rule of king Hezekiah and he was assigned with several of the Levitical Singers and other Levites to cleanse, purify, and sanctify Father’s House after Hezekiah’s father Ahaz had defiled it as we read in II Chronicles 29:13-19. † For the etymology of the name Uzziel, we read the following from Abarim Publications: “The name Uzziel is a compilation of two elements. The final part is equal to the name אל (El), the common abbreviation of Elohim, the genus God: The first part of the name Uzziel comes from the Hebrew verb עזז ss(יazaz), meaning to be strong: The yod in the middle is probably a possessive; my strength, or strength of. For a meaning of the name Uzziel, New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads God Is My Strength. Brown Driver Briggs (BDB) Theological Dictionary reads My Strength Is El. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names has Strength Of God.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H5816, - עֻזִּיאֵל, - ‛ûzzı̂y'êl, - pronounced: ooz-zee-aleי, and means: From H5797 and H410; strength of EL; Uzziel, the name of six Israelites: - Uzziel. Total KJV occurrences: 16.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “My strength is EL. A Levite, of the sons of Jeduthun, in the days of Hezekiah, II Chronicles 29:14, 18.”.
1A15
II Chronicles 29:15 And they gathered their brethren, and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of the LORD, to cleanse the house of the LORD. —> …according to the commandment of the king, by the words of the LORD…=This wasn’t something Hezekiah made-up or thought-up himself brethren, he was listening to and being obedient to, Father. If you desire Father’s Blessings, do things His Way; something far too many church houses today fail to do. They’d rather follow man’s denominational dogma and traditions, which is why they teach things like “easter,” instead of Passover; “the rapture of the church,” instead of preparing their congregants to be prepared for the tribulation of the anti-christ; “prosperity doctrines,” where the only one who is truly prospering financially, is the false pastor.
29:16-19 The House.
1A16
II Chronicles 29:16 And the priests went into the inner part of the house of the LORD, to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the LORD into the court of the house of the LORD. And the Levites took it, to carry it out abroad into the brook Kidron (turbid; and, turbid) (kid-roneי). —> Remember brethren, Hezekiah was 25 years old when he had taken over as king, and he knew how long his father Ahaz had been performing idolatrous worship in Father’s House before he closed and shut the doors to Father’s House. He knew there was very much cleansing which the Levites and the Priests needed to do in order to prepare Father’s House to hold Worship Services to Him again. When they removed all the idolatrous items, Hezekiah had them do as his grand-father to the 7th generation, Asa had done to his grand-mother’s giant asherah—as we read in II Chronicles 15:16—they stamped them, ground them and cast them into the Brook Kidron.
…went into the inner part of the House…=The Levites and the Priests started cleansing Father’s House in the Holiest of Holies and worked their way outward. This is how we too must begin our cleansing brethren, from the inside. When we fall short, and we all do, the first thing we must do is turn inward, repent from the heart and then accept that Father has forgiven us, and then we must forgive oursleves, we’ll remember our sin and what we have done; but, as far as Father is concerned, that sin is forgiven and remembered by Him no more.
…brought out all the uncleanness…=We read in II Kings 18:4, that Hezekiah also had the Priests bring out the Brasen Serpent which Father had Moses make when the People murmured against Father as He was leading them in the wilderness, as we read in Numbers 21:5-9. Because they murmured against Him, He sent fiery serpents among the People, and they bit the People, and many People died because they were bitten. The People then went to Moses and cried that they had sinned against Father and asked Moses to Pray to Father for them, that He take away the fiery serpents, and Father then had Moses make the brasen serpent and put it upon a pole, so that when the People were bitten and they looked upon the brasen serpent, they didn’t die, but lived. Anyway, as I stated above, we read in II Kings 18:4, that Hezekiah broke the brasen serpent in pieces because the People had been worshipping it.
Now, understanding the Brook Kidron, you have to remember that this really wasn’t a brook as we think of one today. It was a valley or dry gulch, which during the winter months, after some of the heavy rains, and then during the spring when the snow in the mountainous areas would melt, would then be bristling with flowing water, but during the summer and fall months, it carried no water and was again dry.
Brook Kidron=For a detailed description of the Brook Kidron, including its history, the etymology of the name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of the name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
1A17
II Chronicles 29:17 Now they began on the first day of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of the LORD: so they sanctified the house of the LORD in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end. —> It took the Levites and Priests a full seven days to fully cleanse the interior of Father’s House, and then on the eighth day they began cleaning the porch and exterior, which also took a full eight days.
…first day of the first month…=What day and month brethren? The first day of the first month. So what day and month does that make this? That makes this the 21st day of March, the day of the Spring Vernal Equinox, that then makes this the month which Passover was to take place. This means that the Levites and the Priests all cleansed, purified and sanctified themselves the last few days of the last year. But, as we read in the verse, it took them eight days to clean the interior of Father’s House, which was two days before they were to slaughter their lamb, and then it took them another eight days to cleanse the porch and exterior, two days after Passover was to have taken place. Obviously they did not hold the Passover while Father’s House was in an unclean state; and remember, though we read back in verse v29:5, that Hezekiah had told the Levites and the Priests to cleanse, purify and sanctify themselves prior to going into Father’s House to cleanse it, once they entered into Father’s House to remove all the unclean, idolatrous items which Ahaz had brought into Father’s House, the Levites and the Priests were again unclean themselves and had to re-cleanse, purify and sanctify themselves before they could hold the Passover. As we continue reading this Chapter, we’ll find that they did not hold the Passover in it’s proper time. They will not hold it until the 14th day in the second month, as was allowed according to Numbers 9:6-13.
…first day…=In Father’s Word there were six major events which transpired on the First Day of the month: (1) We read in Genesis 8:13, that on the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the waters with which Father flooded His earth, during its cleansing of the off-spring of the fallen angels, began to dry-up; (2) We read in Exodus 40:1-2, that Father told Moses to set-up His Tabernacle of the tent of the congregation on the first day of the first month; (3) The third occurrance is right here in II Chronicles 29:17; (4) We read in Ezra 7:6-9, that Ezra began his effort to cleanse and restore Jerusalem on the first day of the first month of the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, and he arrived on the first day of the fifth month of the same year; (5) As our forefathers left Babylon and returned to Jerusalem, Ezra told the men, that in order to stop their trespass of Father, they had to put away from them, their Babylonian wives, the men did so on the first day of the first month; and finally, (6) Spiritually speaking, the cleansing of Father’s Mellennial Temple Sanctuary is cleansed with a young bullock as we read in Ezekial 45:18—I say Spiritually speaking because, beginning in Ezekial 40:2, Father gives Ezekial his vision of the Millennium.
…first day…eighth day…sixteenth day…=The “first day” is day one of the month. The number one in Biblical Numberics denotes: “Unity” and “Commencement.” From Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible Appendix 10, we read the following: “The first occurrences of words or utterances denote their essential significance, in interpretation. Words that occur only once, in the originals, are emphatic and important. First day, Light.,” and from his book Number in Scripture, we read: “There can be no doubt as to the significance of this primary number. In all languages it is the symbol of unity. As a cardinal number it denotes unity; as an ordinal it denotes primacy. Unity being indivisible, and not made up of other numbers, is therefore independent of all others, and is the source of all others. So with the Deity. The great First Cause is independent of all. All stand in need of Him, and He needs no assistance from any. “One” excludes all difference, for there is no second with which it can either harmonise or conflict. When it is written: “Hear, O Israel, the LORD thy God is one LORD,” it it excludes absolutely another Lord: it excludes, therefore, all idolatry. Hence the First Commandment declares “Thou shalt have NO OTHER GODS” (Exodus 20:3). It asserts that there is in God a sufficiency which needs no other; and an independence which admits no other. It marks the beginning. We must begin with God. All our words and works must be characterised by the first words of the Bible: “In the beginning GOD.” Nothing is right that does not begin with Him. “God first” is the voice of Scripture. “Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33) is the testimony of Christ. “God first” is the great proclamation. The angels sang: “Glory to God in the highest.” This was the beginning of their song. And it was after this that they sang of “good-will” towards man. This, too, must be the great principle governing all our testimony and our work. We cannot give “glory to God” without doing good to men. And there is no real good-will for men which does not spring from a desire to glorify God. The rapid declension, which is the great mark of these last days, comes from an ignoring of this great principle. God is shut out, and man is exalted. Hence “the gospel of God” (Romans 1:16) is being rapidly and almost universally superseded by the gospel of man, which is a gospel of sanitation, and indeed is now openly called “Christian Socialism.” But it is a socialism without Christ. It does not begin with the glory of God, and it will not and cannot end in any real good to man. It begins with man; its object is to improve the old nature apart from God, and to reform the flesh; and the measure of its success is the measure in which man can become “good” without “God.” Man’s ways and thoughts are the opposite of God’s. God says, “Seek first.” Man says, “Take care of number one.” He is in his own eyes this “number one,” and his great aim is to be independent of God. Independence, in God, is His glory. Independence in man, is his sin, and rebellion, and shame. In the Word of God, therefore, God is first, and before all.”. The number eight in Biblical Numberics denotes: “resurrection” and “regeneration.” From Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible Appendix 10, we read the following: “A new beginning or commencement. The eighth is a new first. Hence the octave in music, color, days of the week, &c. It is the number which has to do with the LORD, Who rose on the eighth, or new “first-day”. This is, therefore, the Dominical number. By Gematria, 'JJjjIhsous (Jesus) makes the number 888. It, or its multiple is impressed on all that has to do with the Lord’s Names, the Lord’s People, the Lord’s works.”, and from his book Number in Scripture, we read: “In Hebrew the number eight is שְׁמֹנֶה (Shיmoneh), from the root שָׁמֵן (Shahיmeyn), “to make fat,” “cover with fat,” “to super-abound.” As a participle it means “one who abounds in strength,” etc. As a noun it is “superabundant fertility,” “oil,” etc. So that as a numeral it is the superabundant number. As seven was so called because the seventh day was the day of completion and rest, so eight, as the eighth day, was over and above this perfect completion, and was indeed the first of a new series, as well as being the eighth. Thus it already represents two numbers in one, the first and eighth.”. The number sixteen by itself does not have an assigned meaning. The number sixteen is made up by a combination of numbers, i.e., two—which Denotes “difference,” if two different persons agree in testimony it is conclusive, otherwise two implies “opposition,” “enmity,” and “division, as was the work of the Second day—plus fourteen—being a multiple of seven, partakes of its significance; and, being double that number, implies a double measure of spiritual perfection—or say, eight—“resurrection” and “regeneration,”see above—plus eight, or maybe six—the number for “man,” six is either four plus two, i.e., “man’s world” (four) with “man’s enmity to God” (two) brought in: or it is five plus one, the “grace of God made of none effect by man’s addition to it,” or “perversion,” or “corruption of it”: or it is seven minus one, i.e., “man’s coming short of ‘spiritual perfection’;” in any case, therefore, it has to do with “man;” it is the number of “imperfection;” the “human number;” “the number of ‘MAN’ as ‘destitute of God’,” “without God,” “without Christ”—plus ten—“Ordinal Perfection,” ten is one of the perfect numbers, and signifies the “perfection of Divine order,” commencing, as it does, an altogether new series of numbers: the first decade is the representative of the whole numeral system, and originates the system of calculation called “decimals,” because the whole system of numeration consists of so many tens, of which the first is a type of the whole; “Completeness of order,” marking the entire round of anything, is, therefore, the ever-present signification of the number ten, it implies that nothing is wanting; that the number and order are “perfect;” that the whole cycle is “complete”—etc..
1A18
II Chronicles 29:18 Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, “We have cleansed all the house of the LORD, and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread table, with all the vessels thereof. —> After having removed all the idolatrous items which Ahaz had put into Father’s House, the Priests and the Levites then went through all of Father’s House cleansing every specific item of Worship. Remember brethren, Ahaz had cut in pieces the vessels of Father YHVH, he then had his priest build an altar after the pattern of the Syrians altar where they worshipped their false gods, that altar is now gone, having been stamped, ground and thrown into the Brook Kidron and burnt.
1A19
II Chronicles 29:19 Moreover all the vessels, which king Ahaz in his reign did cast away in his transgression, have we prepared and sanctified, and, behold, they are before the altar of the LORD.” —> Now that Father’s House has been cleansed, the Priests and the Levites re-build all the items of Worship which Father had commanded to be built for His House; this too is now complete and His House is again ready to hold Worship Services to Him. Hezekiah will now bring in the leaders and the the People of Judah, and let them know the new direction which he has set for the Worship of Father YHVH in his kingdom.
29:20 Assemblage of the rulers
of the city.
29:20 The Place, the House
of YHVH.
1A20
II Chronicles 29:20 Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD. —> After receiving the “good news” that Father’s House had been restored, Hezekiah had a good nights rest—even with being excited that Father’s House was back in order—and he a rose early the next morning desiring to go to Father’s House—I don’t know about you brethren, everybody reacts differently when they are excited about going somewhere they are happy about going to, myself, I have trouble sleeping the night before and there is a possibility that Hezekiah too was too excited to sleep soundly that night. Of course, he himself could not enter into Father’s House, so, he stopped by the High Priests’ house, woke him up and told him to gather the other Priests and Levites and also the leaders of the city and join him.
Note Hezekiah’s desire and zeal to go to Father’s House brethren. This was one of the most prominent features of his character; it occupied his thoughts and filled his heart. He really brought this out in his Psalms, the Songs of the Degrees, Psalms 122:1,9; and 134:1,2.
29:21-30 The Offerings for their
Sanctification.
29:21-30 THE OFFERINGS FOR
THEIR SANCTIFICATION. (Alternation.)
29:21-24 The Sin Offering.
1A21
II Chronicles 29:21 And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah (celebrated; and, praised, celebrated) (yeh-hoo-dawי). And he commanded the priests the sons of Aaron (a teacher; or, lofty; and, very high) (a-har-oneי) to offer them on the altar of the LORD. —> …and…=Did you notice the seven “and(s)” in this verse brethren? The use of multiple and(s) in Father’s Word indicates a polysyndeton. These consecutive or multiple uses of the word and, are used to highlight and emphasize each detail and point.
…seven…=Spiritual Completeness and Perfection written all over this brethren.
…sin offering…=The sin Offering in the Strong’s Concordance, is Hebrew word number: H2403, - חַטָּאָה, or חַטָּאת, - chaṭṭâ'âh, or chaṭṭâ'th, - pronounced: khat-taw-awי, or khat-tawthי, and means: From H2398; an offense (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender: - punishment (of sin), purifying (-fication for sin), sin (-ner, offering). Total KJV occurrences: 294.. These Sin Offerings were not voluntary brethren, they were required in order to approach Father. You could not Offer to Father a Peace or Thank Offering—which were voluntary—without first Offering a Sin Offering. The requirement for the sin Offering was delineated by Father in Leviticus 4:27-35, which reads: Leviticus 4:27 And if any one of the common People sin through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and be guilty; —> be guilty=Should any of the Israelites—not one of the Priests or Levites or any of the Leaders of the Tribes—Sin against Father or His Commandments, even if that sin is through ignorance, they are still guilty of committing a sin. What is the price they must pay for committing that sin: [4:28] Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned. —> Continuing from the previous verse where we read that if a person sinned through ignorance and that sin now comes to their knowledge, that person must bring forth a female kid of the goats—had this been a Priest or Levite or one of the Tribal Leaders, then they would have had to bring a male kid of the goats. Who were they to bring their kid of the goats to and what happened when they did so? [4:29] And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering. —> They were to bring their Sin Offering—their female kid of the goats—to the Priest—who would be by the Altar of Burnt Offering—and once they did so, they were then to lay their hand upon the head of their Sin Offering—thereby transferring their sin onto their Offering—and then slay it—by cutting the animals’ throat and capturing the blood in a basin—then: [4:30] And the priest shall take of the blood thereof with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar. —> The Priest was to dip his finger into the basin with the blood in it, and put a small amount of the blood onto the horns of Father’s Altar and then pour the remaining blood at the base of the Altar. [4:31] And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him. —> After pouring the blood at the base of Father’s Altar, he was to then remove the fat and put that fat onto the Altar and burn it. The burning of the fat is not normally said of the Sin Offering, the Priest, the Leader of a Tribe, or of one of the common Israelites, the fat is usually burned when offering the Burnt Offering or the Peace Offerings. The sweet savorings here, in this connection, exhalts the Offering of the humblest person. [4:32] And if he bring a lamb for a sin offering, he shall bring it a female without blemish. —> The offerer of this Sin Offering was allowed to bring a sheep or a lamb, however, though the ritual was the same as for a goat, it would be treated differently because of the fat-tail of the sheep or lamb. This “Offering” as used here in this verse is the same as used in verse 4:28 above, it is in the Strong’s Concordance, Hebrew word number: H7133, - קָרְבָּןi, קֻרְבָּן, - qorbân, or qûrbân, pronounced - kor-bawnי or koor-bawnי, and means: From H7126; something brought near the altar, that is, a sacrificial present: - oblation, that is offered, offering. Total KJV occurrences: 82.. From Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible Appendix 43, II.1., we read the following: “Korban = a gift, or an admittance-offering. It is the present brought, to this day in the East, in order to secure an audience, or to see the face of the superior, and find access to his presence.”. So, in other words, this offering was to gain access or admittance to Father and seek His forgiveness. [4:33] And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay it for a sin offering in the place where they kill the burnt offering. [4:34] And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar: [4:35] And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him..
Aaron=For a detailed description of Aaron, including his history, the etymology of his name, the Strong’s Concordance definition of his name, and the Smith’s Bible Dictionary information, click here.
1A22
II Chronicles 29:22 So they killed the bullocks, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar: likewise, when they had killed the rams, they sprinkled the blood upon the altar: they killed also the lambs, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar. —> The High Priest began performing the sacrifice as instructed, as we just read from Leviticus 4.
…sprinkled the blood on the altar…=Better stated, towards the Altar. Just like as we just read in Leviticus 4:30 above, where the Priest poured the blood at the base of the Altar, here, the Priest sprinkled the blood toward the base of Father’s Altar, not onto it.
1A23
II Chronicles 29:23 And they brought forth the he goats for the sin offering before the king and the congregation; and they laid their hands upon them: —> …laid their hands upon them=Again, thus transferring the sins of the entire Nation onto these sacrificial goats.
1A24
II Chronicles 29:24 And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel: for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel. —> …they made reconciliation…=Let’s look up this word “reconciliation” in our Strong’s Concordance, when we do, we find that it is Hebrew word number: H2398, - חָטָא, - châṭâ', - pronounced: khaw-tawי, and means: A primitive root. properly to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn: - bear the blame, cleanse, commit [sin], by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend (-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin (-ful, -ness), trespassive. Total KJV occurrences: 238.. So, in this instance, the Priests, by using the blood of the sacrificed animal, made reconciliation for the People; thereby cleansing the People of their sins.
…blood…burnt offering…sin offering…=Remember brethren, all this is transpiring several centuries prior to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ being born in the flesh. When He became flesh, He died on that Cross, He shed His blood, He died for our sins; and today, we no longer need to perform these sacrifices. We Celebrate His death—Paul pointed this out for us in his Epistle to the Hebrews, in Hebrews 2:14, which reads: Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;—so, today, we celebrate His death—the PASSOVER—not His resurrection—what many Christians today call “easter”—easter is a pagan celebration celebrated during the spring, whereby the pagan celebrate by worshipping ishtar—notice the similar sounding name—the pagan godess of love and fertility. Paul also pointed our for us, the cleansing power of that shed blood of Jesus in Hebrews 9:12-15, which reads: Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. —> Jesus, being Immanuel, i.e., God with us, became flesh and shed His blood on that cross for us. When He died on that cross, He rent the veil from top to bottom, and we now can walk boldly into the Holiest of Holies and speak directly to Father. Year-after-year the High Priest had to go into the Temple on the Day of Atonement and offer sacrifices for the people, but when Jesus went to the cross and died for us, one time was all that was needed for His sacrifice, His shed blood. He paid the price for us when we believe upon Him. [9:13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: —> No blood from any animal could ever make a man—no gender involved—clean or take the place of the shed blood of Jesus, and here, Paul is saying that if the blood of an animal could have saved us, then there would have been no need of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and the Holy Spirit would not have come when He ascended to heaven to be at His place — on the right hand of Father. The Holy Spirit did not come from the spirit of a bull, a goat, or any other animal. The Holy Spirit came from Father — as promised by Jesus Christ, and came only after the shedding of His blood. You don’t need to go to any church or temple, or partake in any kind of ritual or ceremony — salvation comes only by the blood of Christ, and through the working of the Holy Spirit of Father. [9:14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? —> …Who without spot…=Did you hear that brethren? Jesus was and is the only man to ever walk this earth in the flesh Who had no sin. Do you serve Father — The One and Only True Living God — ELOAH? Or are you following some false idol which cannot save anything? …Eternal Spirit…=This is the Holy Spirit — Father’s Spirit. The blood of Jesus—Immanuel — God with us—which was shed on our behalf, is the offering which was without spot, and it was done in obedience to our Heavenly Father. Purge your conscience of all of your dead works and sins in order that you can serve the Living God. Get those old ceremonies out of your mind, and get your mind on that perfect sacrifice — Jesus Christ. When you repent and purge your conscience for any sin under the blood of Christ, it means that Father has completely blotted it out — forever. He never thinks of it again, yes, it is still in our memory in order that we might remember — so that we don’t do it again, but for Father; it’s like it never happened. You will never stand in judgment for that sin, because it is forgiven by Father’s love for you. When you think you’re too bad for repentance and Father can’t or won’t forgive you, that is darn near blasphemy and saying that the blood of Christ was not sufficient to cover all sins. [9:15] And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. —> A testament is a Will, and a Will is on a piece of paper and stays on that paper until the testator—he who wrote that Will—dies. So long as the testator lives, the Will has no effect and is worthless. However, the moment he—again,no gender involved—who wrote the Will dies, then those who are written to inherit something, are now able to receive their inheritance. Father was and is the writer of both the Old and the New Testaments and as such, He is the Testator and He became flesh in order that He die for us, and upon His death in the flesh, the Will became activated. We, His children who accept and believe, are the inheritors of that Will. paul also told us another important fact, and we read of it in I Corinthians 5: I Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? [5:7] Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: [5:8] Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth..
Burnt Offering
…burnt offering…=The Burnt Offering is the ‛ôlâh. In the Strong’s Concordance, we find that it is Hebrew word number: H5930, - עֹלָה or עוֹלָה, - ‛ôlâh or ‛ôlâh, - pronounced: o-lawי or o-lawי, and means: Feminine active participle of H5927; a step or (collectively stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke): - ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766. Total KJV occurrences: 288.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read the following: “The word is applied to the offering which was wholly consumed by fire on the altar, and the whole of which, except the refuse ashes, “ascended” in the smoke to God. The meaning of the whole burnt offering was that which is the original idea of all sacrifice, the offering by the sacrificer of himself, soul and body, to God—the submission of his will to the will of the Lord. The ceremonies of the burnt offering are given in detail in the Book of Leviticus. [Sacrifice].” . † From Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible Appendix 43 II. 2., we read the following: “'Olah = the burnt offering: So called from the Hiphil—my note here, the hiphil form is a verbal stem formation in Biblical Hebrew, usually indicated by a הִ prefix before the 1st radical and a hireq-yod (or sometimes tsere) vowel under the 2nd radical of the verb. (This ה changes in the participle and Imperfect forms.)—of the verb 'alah, to cause the ascend [as the flame and smoke ascend by burning]. In Greek holocausta, which conveys its meaning as being wholly burnt.”.
…for all Israel=Did you catch that brethren? Hezekiah not only ensured the House of Judah was covered, and he even went so far as to ensure all Israel was covered as well. We’ll read in our next Chapter, II Chronicles 30, that he’ll even invite the People of the House of Israel to the Passover Celebration he’ll be holding. Some of the People of the ten northern Tribes will laugh him to scorn, happily, some of these People will accept Hezekiah’s invitation.
29:25 Worship.
1A25
II Chronicles 29:25 And he set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad (good fortune; and, a troop) (gawd) the king’s seer, and Nathan (given; and, a giver) (naw-thawnי) the prophet: for so was the commandment of the LORD by His prophets. —> …Levites…=These Levites are the Levitical singers which we read of above in verses v 29:12,13,14.
…according to the commandment of David…Gad the king’s seer…Nathan the prophet…Commandment of the LORD by His prophets=Hezekiah is doing things in Father’s House the way Father established through His Prophets back in the days of David, Father’s Servant. David was called Father’s Servant many times. The point here being, do things in Father’s House His way, when you do, then you will receive His Blessings.
Gad
Gad=Gad was a prophet, or “seer,” or “king’s seer” during the reign and rule of king David. We first hear of him when, Father sent him to tell David to leave the “hold,” or cave Adullum and through whose advice he left it for the forest of Hareth I Samuel 22:5; II Samuel 24:11-19; I Chronicles 21:9-19; II Chronicles 29:25. Gad announced Father’s judgment upon David for his numbering of the people. “The arm of flesh will fail us, we dare not trust our own.” Gad the prophet advised the erection of the altar, and is also before us as an associate of the prophet Nathan. † For the etymology of the name Gad, we read the following in Abarim-Publications: “The etymology of the name Gad comes from the verb גדד (gadad), meaning to cut or invade: The name Gad indicates a fortune for which a troublesome, vasive effort is made. For the meaning of Gad, the New Open Bible Study Edition (NOBSE) Study Bible Name List reads Good Fortune. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names has the same, but adds Good Luck. A more accurate translation would be Harrowing Fortune.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, we find that it is Hebrew word number: H1410, - גָּד, - gâd, pronounced - gawd, and means: From H1464; Gad, a prophet: - Gad. Total KJV occurrences: 71.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “a troop. “The seer,” or “the king’s seer,” i.e. David’s I Chronicles 29:29, II Chronicles 29:25 was a “prophet” who appears to have joined David when in the old I Samuel 22:5. He reappears in connection with the punishment inflicted for the numbering of the people II Samuel 24:11-19; I Chronicles 21:9-19. He wrote a book of the Acts of David, I Chronicles 29:29 and also assisted in the arrangements for the musical service of the “house of God” II Chronicles 29:25.”.
Nathan
Nathan=Nathan was an eminent and distinguished Hebrew prophet during the reigns of both David and his heir apparent, his son, Solomon. Nathan first appears during the consultation with David about the building of the temple of Father YHVH in II Samuel 7:2-3, II Samuel 7:17 and II Chronicles 17:1. Sadly and surprisingly, like David, Nathan also chooses not to first seek and consult with Father before he tells David to continue on with his thoughts and plans to build a better home for Father and his Ark; you would have thought at least that, being a Prophet of Father, Nathan would have at least told David to seek Father to see if that was what He wanted David to do. When he did not do so, Father came to Nathan that night and told Nathan to tell David that he would not build a House for Father but, that, Father had always been with David and would to continue to be with him, and He would establish his throne and house forever. Nathan next appears to David to deliver Father’s stinging rebuke of David for his having committed adultery with Bath-sheba, and for then having her husband, Uriah the Hittite sent to the hottest part of the front-lines of a battle against the Philistines in order to be killed—Father considered that murder—Father presented David through Nathan the opportunity to select his own punishment, the child who was birthed by that adulterous would die but, Father would continue to be with David and his house. It was Nathan who counseled Bath-sheba—when David’s son Adonijah was trying to usurp the throne from Father’s anointed third man king: Solomon—to go to David and have him set Solomon on his ass to show that David had selected and anointed Solomon as Israel’s next king. Nathan was ever faithful to David and never joined in the rebellion of David’s son(s). Nathan also wrote history, we know this because, we read in I Chronicles 29:29 and II Chronicles 9:29, that there was a “Book of Nathan.” † For the etymology of the name Nathan, we read the following in Abarim-Publications: “The etymology of the name Nathan comes from the verb נתן (natan), to give: The name Nathan doesn’t seem to denote something that is given (as New Open Bible Study Edition [NOBSE] Study Bible Name List suggests with the meaning of Gift), but rather an active form of the verb: He Will Give. Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names reads Given.”. † Now from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H5416, - נָתָן, - nâthân, - pronounced: naw-thawnי, and means: From H5414; given; Nathan, the name of five Israelites: - Nathan. Total KJV occurrences: 42.. † Now from the Smith’s Bible Dictionary, where we read: “a giver. An eminent Hebrew prophet in the reigns of David and Solomon. He first appears in the consultation with David about the building of the temple II Samuel 7:2,3,17 . He next comes forward as the reprover of David for the sin with Bathsheba; and his famous apologue on the rich man and the ewe lamb, which is the only direct example of his prophetic power, shows it to have been of a very high order II Samuel 12:1-12.”.
29:26 Worship.
1A26
II Chronicles 29:26 And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. —> So, Hezekiah has all the correct People in place and ready to go in order to begin the Worship of Father.
…instruments…=We’ll read in our next verse, v29:27, that David “ordained” these instruments for use in the Worship of Father. But, again, don’t forget brethren, David was doing things Father’s way, the way He Commanded.
…trumpets=Let’s look at this word “trumpets” in our Strong’s Concordance, brethren. When we do, we find that it is Hebrew word number: H2689, - חֲצֹצְרָה, chătsôtserâh, - pronounced: khats-o-tser-awי, and means: By reduplication from H2690; a trumpet; (from its sundered or quavering note): - trumpet (-er). Total KJV occurrences: 29.. So, we see that there is a reduplication of a quavering note. It was Father Who Commanded these trumpets, and He did so as He was leading our forefathers up, out of the land of Egypt and into the Promised Land, and we can read of His doing so in Numbers 10, where we read exactly how Father Commanded they be made, and when and how Father Commanded to blow these trumpets. Let’s turn back to there and read for ourselves: Numbers 10:1 And the LORDH3068 spakeH1696 untoH413 MosesH4872, sayingH559, [10:2] “MakeH6213 thee twoH8147 trumpetsH2689 of silverH3701; of a whole pieceH4749 shalt thou make themH6213: that thou mayest useH1961 them for the callingH4744 of the assemblyH5712, and for the journeyingH4550 (H853) of the campsH4264. —> Father commanded that two trumpets be made, these two were to be crafted from a single piece of material—in Father’s Word He commands two principle kinds of trumpets be made, one as used here, the chătsôtserâh, which was made of silver and straight; and the other a H7782, shôphâr, a cornet which was a curved horn, made from the horn of a ram and gave a clear sound. There are two other Hebrew words for trumpet, one is H3104, yôbêl, which we find in Exodus 19:13, and is actually the verb of the word, and we read there of the sounding blast of the trumpet, and the other is H8619, tâqôa‛, found in Ezekiel 7:14, and is also a verb and used of a sounding blast of the trumpet—and we see that Father commanded that they be used to call for an assembly—the whole congregation: i.e., in its civil character—and to begin their journeying. There were a number of other reasons or purposes in Father’s Word that the trumpet was to sound—some of which we can read of in Numbers 10:10: (1) to gather for Feasts; (2) for the Nation to go to war; (3) to sound an alarm; (4) to make a joyous sound—think of the first day of the seventh month, the month of Ehtanim—called Tisri in the Chaldee tongue—which was to be a memorial day, a day of Jubilee, a day of blowing of the trumpets; and (5) over the Burnt Offerings, and over the sacrifice of the Peace Offerings. As an aside, in the Book of Revelation, the sounding of the trump—though never actually being heard, as it is figurative—sounds the end/beginning of a dispensation. [10:3] And when they shall blowH8628 with them, allH3605 the assemblyH5712 shall assemble themselvesH3259 toH413 thee atH413 the doorH6607 of the tabernacleH168 of the congregationH4150. —> …assembly…=There are five different Hebrew words, definitions, usages of the word assembly in Father’s Word: (1) H4150, - מוֹעֵד,i מֹעֵד,i or מוֹעָדָה, - mô‛êd, mô‛êd, or mô‛âdâh, - pronounced: mo-adeי, mo-adeי, or mo-aw-dawי, and means: From H3259; properly an appointment, that is, a fixed time or season, specifically a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for a definite purpose); technically the congregation; by extension, the place of meeting; also a signal (as appointed beforehand): - appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn (-ity), synagogue, (set) time (appointed). Total KJV occurrences: 223.. (2) Next we have: H5475, - סוֹד, - sôd, - pronounced: sode, and means: From H3245; a session, that is, company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication intimacy, consultation, a secret: - assembly, counsel, inward, secret (counsel). Total KJV occurrences: 21.. (3) Then we have that which is used here in this verse: H5712, - עֵדָה, - ‛êdâh, - pronounced: ay-dawי, and means: From H5707 in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage (specifically a concourse, or generally a family or crowd): - assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713. Total KJV occurrences: 149.. (4) Then we have: H6116, - עֲצָרָה,i or עֲצֶרֶת, - ‛ătsârâh, or ‛ătsereth, - pronounced: ats-aw-rawי, or ats-ehי-reth, and means: From H6113; an assembly, especially on a festival or holiday: - (solemn) assembly (meeting). Total KJV occurrences: 11.. (5) Lastly we have: H6951, - קָהָל, - qâhâl, - pronounced: kaw-hawl, and means: From H6950; assemblage (usually concretely): - assembly, company, congregation, multitude. Total KJV occurrences: 123.. So, as I stated, number 3 H5712 is used here in this verse; and what Father is saying in this verse of Numbers 10:3, is that, when Aaron’s sons blow on the silver trumpets, all the congregation of the entire Nation of the House of Israel was to gather themselves at the door of Father’s Tent—יOhel, or יOhel Mohיed, the tent of assembly, or of the congregation. [10:4] And ifH518 they blowH8628 but with oneH259 trumpet, then the princesH5387, which are headsH7218 of the thousandsH505 of IsraelH3478, shall gather themselvesH3259 untoH413 thee. —> So, if they blew with one trumpet instead of the two, then just the Leaders of the Tribes needed to gather at the door of the Tent of the Assembly. [10:5] When ye blowH8628 an alarmH8643, then the campsH4264 that lieH2583 on the east partsH6924 shall go forwardH5265. —> …east…=The order proceeds according to the course of the sun, i.e., east, south, west, north. We know from Numbers 2:3-9, that the Tribes on the east were the tribes of Judah—the standard bearer for the three Tribes on the east, and the Tribe in the center of the three—the sign on Judah’s standard was the lion, the colors on the Standard, was the color of the Stones on the Second Row of the High Priest’s Breastplate, which were the Emerald, the Sapphire, and the Diamond, and as such the colors most likely were green, blue, and white—Issachar—Judah’s natural brother, he had the same mother, Leah, the sign on Issachar’s standard was cancer—and Zebulun—also Judah’s natural brother, he too had the same mother, Leah, the sign on Zebulun’s standard was virgo. [10:6] When ye blowH8628 an alarmH8643 the second timeH8145, then the campsH4264 that lieH2583 on the south sideH8486 shall take their journeyH5265: they shall blowH8628 an alarmH8643 for their journeysH4550. —> Numbers 2:10-16, tells us that the Tribes on the south were the Tribes of Reuben—the standard bearer for the Tribes on the south, and the Tribe in the center of the three—the sign on Reuben’s standard was a man, the colors on the Standard was the color of the top row of stones on the High Priest’s Breastplate: the Sardis, the Topaz, and the Carbuncle, most likely, brown, yellow and a shade of green—Simeon—Judah and Reuben’s natural brother, he had the same mother, Leah, the sign on Simeon’s standard was pisces—and Gad—also Judah and Reuben’s natural brother, he too had the same mother, Leah, the sign on Gad’s standard was aries. …journey…journeys=The words journey and journeys as used here, have two separate, but yet the, same meaning: as we see, the word journey is Hebrew word 5265, - ָנָסַע, - nâsa', - pronounced: naw-sahי, and means: A primitive root; properly to pull up, especially the tent pins, that is, start on a journey: - cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), X still, be on his (go their) way. Total KJV occurrences: 146.; while journeys is Hebrew word number: 4550, - מַסַּע, - massa‛, - pronounced: mas-sah, and means: From H5265; a departure (from striking the tents), that is, march (not necessarily a single day’s travel); by implication a station (or point of departure): - journey (-ing). Total KJV occurrences: 12.. [10:7] But when(H853) the congregationH6951 is to be gathered togetherH6950, ye shall blowH8628, but ye shall notH3808 sound an alarmH7321. —> The word Blow as used here, is Hebrew word H8628, the same which we saw in verse 10:2 above, - tâqa‛, a blast of a trumpet, while sound an alarm is Hebrew word number: 7321 , - רוּעַ, - rûa‛, - pronounced: roo-ahי, and means: A primitive root; to mar (especially by breaking); figuratively to split the ears (with sound), that is, shout (for alarm or joy): - blow an alarm, cry (alarm, aloud, out), destroy, make a joyful noise, smart, shout (for joy), sound an alarm, triumph. Total KJV occurrences: 45.. [10:8] And the sonsH1121 of AaronH175, the priestsH3548, shall blowH8628 with the trumpetsH2689; and they shall beH1961 to you for an ordinanceH2708 for everH5769 throughout your generationsH1755. —> It wasn’t just anybody who could blow these trumpets, it wasn’t even just any of the Levites, nor was just any of the Priests, it was specifically Aaron’s sons, and then, their descendants. Notice also brethren, Father Commanded, this was an ordinance forever. …ordinance…=Let’s check out this word ordinance in our Strong’s Concordance brethren, when we do, we find that it is Hebrew word number: H2708, - חֻקָּה, - chûqqâh, - pronounced: khook-kawי, and means: Feminine of H2706; and meaning substantially the same: - appointed, custom, manner, ordinance, site, statute. Total KJV occurrences: 104.. Now let’s look up 2706, and we find that it is חֹק, - chôq, - pronounced: khoke, and means: From H2710; an enactment; hence an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage): - appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree (-d), due, law, measure, X necessary, ordinance (-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. Total KJV occurrences: 127.. [10:9] And ifH3588 ye goH935 to warH4421 in your landH776 againstH5921 the enemyH6862 that oppressethH6887 you, then ye shall blow an alarmH7321 with the trumpetsH2689; and ye shall be rememberedH2142 beforeH6440 the LORDH3068 your GodH430, and ye shall be savedH3467 from your enemiesH4480 H341. —> Here, Father is telling our forefathers, that should an enemy come into their land and start oppressing them, all they have to do, is blow on these trumpets, and He will save them from their enemy. There is also a deeper meaning on this brethren, notice the verse reads: “the enemy,” referring to none other than ole slew-foot himself, for he is “the enemy” and Father is telling us that when he attacks us, all we have to do is cryout to Father and He will give us the strength to overcome him. Jesus also taught us that we have the power over him, in His name. [10:10] Also in the dayH3117 of your gladnessH8057, and in your solemn daysH4150, and in the beginningsH7218 of your monthsH2320, ye shall blowH8628 with the trumpetsH2689 overH5921 your burnt offeringsH5930, and overH5921 the sacrificesH2077 of your peace offeringsH8002; that they may beH1961 to you for a memorialH2146 before your GodH430: IH589 am the LORDH3068 your GodH430. —> Father is emphatically commanding that Aaron’s sons blow the trumpets during appointed times every year forever. Why? For the same reason that He commanded His Passover be held every year forever as we read in Exodus 12:26-27, which reads: Exodus 12:26 And it shall come to passH1961, whenH3588 your childrenH1121 shallH559 say untoH413 you, ‘WhatH4100 mean ye by thisH2063 serviceH5656?’ [12:27] That ye shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the LORD’S Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses.’ And the people bowed the head and worshipped. —> Father wanted His Children to always remember what He has done for us. In Egypt He Passed over the houses which had the blood of the lamb on and over the door frames and in the future He would sacrifice Himself on the cross for us, and He wanted His Children to blow the trumpets, so that, again, we would always remember and keep it in the front of our minds and pass onto our children what He has done.
29:27 The Burnt Offering.
1A27
II Chronicles 29:27 And HezekiahH2396 commandedH559 to offerH5927 the burnt offeringH5930 upon the altarH4196. And whenH6256 the burnt offeringH5930 beganH2490, the songH7892 of the LORDH3068 beganH2490 also with the trumpetsH2689, and withH5921 the instrumentsH3027 H3627 ordained by DavidH1732 kingH4428 of IsraelH3478. —> Hezekiah commanded the High Priest to begin the Offerings to Father YHVH. First the Sin Offering to cleanse Israel of their sins, and then, the Burnt Offering, or the Voluntary Offerings, also called the Approach Offerings. There is no actual “song of the LORD;” but, what this is saying, is that, as soon as the Offerings were Offered-up, the Priests began blowing on the trumpets and the other musical instruments with joy and gladness.
29:28-30 Worship.
1A28
II Chronicles 29:28 And allH3605 the congregationH6951 worshippedH7812, and the singersH7892 sangH7891, and the trumpetersH2689 soundedH2690: and allH3605 this continued untilH5704 the burnt offeringH5930 was finishedH3615. —> From the beginning of the Offering until the completion of offering-up the Offerings, the Levitical singers and the congregation sang joyous songs, the trumpeters sounded their sounded their trumpets, the instrument players played their instruments and the congregation as a whole, praised and worshipped Father YHVH. This is exactly what Father desires of us, His Children, to Honor, Serve, and Worship Him. He Himself tells us this, and we can read of it in Hosea 6:6, which reads: Hosea 6:6 ForH3588 I desiredH2654 mercyH2617, and notH3808 sacrificeH2077; and the knowledgeH1847 of GodH430 more than burnt offeringsH4480 H5930..
1A29
II Chronicles 29:29 And when they had made an endH3615 of offeringH5927, the kingH4428 and allH3605 that were presentH4672 withH854 him bowedH3766 themselves, and worshippedH7812. —> After the last animal had been sacrificed and its blood Offered-up to Father as an ‛ôlâh, or Burnt Offering, then the singing and praise part of the gathering was over, and all the People got down on their knees and bowed themselves to Father and Worshipped Him.
1A30
II Chronicles 29:30 Moreover HezekiahH3169 the kingH4428 and the princesH8269 commandedH559 the LevitesH3881 to sing praiseH1984 unto the LORDH3068 with the wordsH1697 of DavidH1732, and of AsaphH623 the seerH2374. And they sang praisesH1984 withH5704 gladnessH8057, and they bowed their headsH6915 and worshippedH7812. —> This is a very joyous time in Judah! Remember brethren, we are only in the first month of Hezekiah’s reign and rule as king of the Nation; and here are the People Honoring, Praising, Serving and Worshipping Father, being led by their king.
What a difference a month and a king make, just 30 plus days ago, under Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, the People, if they wanted to seek Father, they had to do so in secret, as Ahaz wanted nothing to do with Father YHVH, and outlawed the Serving and Worshipping of Him. But now, they can openly Serve and Worship Him and with gladness in their hearts.
…bowed their heads…=In our last verse, we read that after offering their Offerings, the People bowed themselves: Hebrew word number: H3766, - כָּרַע, - kâra‛, - pronounced: kaw-rahי, and means: A primitive root; to bend the knee; by implication to sink, to prostrate: - bow (down, self), bring down (low), cast down, couch, fall, feeble, kneeling, sink, smite (stoop) down, subdue, X very. Total KJV occurrences: 36.. So, we see that they had completely bowed, or prostrated themselves. Here, we read that they bowed their heads, Hebrew word number: H6915, - קָדַד, - qâdad, - pronounced: kaw-dadי, and means: A primitive root; to shrivel up, that is, contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference: - bow (down) (the) head, stoop. Total KJV occurrences: 15.. They bowed their heads, much like we do today when we pray to Father, we bend our necks, lower our heads and close our eyes as we pray to Father. Some people get down on their knees and pray and there nothing wrong with that, either way is acceptable to Father, but, what is important, is the prayer, we don’t need to do either, we don’t even need to close our eyes, as we can pray any time, any where, even while driving a car, where we definitely don’t want to be closing our eyes.
29:31-36 The Offerings of
the People.
29:31-36 THE OFFERINGS OF
THE PEOPLE. (Introversion.)
29:31 Hezekiah’s command.
29:31 Obedience of assembly.1A31
II Chronicles 29:31 Then HezekiahH3169 answeredH3060 and saidH559, “NowH6258 ye have consecratedH4390 H3027 yourselves unto the LORDH3068, come nearH5066 and bringH935 sacrificesH2077 and thank offeringsH8426 into the houseH1004 of the LORDH3068.”
And the congregationH6951 brought inH935 sacrificesH2077 and thank offeringsH8426; and as many asH3605 were of a freeH5081 heartH3820 burnt offeringsH5930. —> …consecrated…=As we see, this word consecrated is made up of a combination of two words in the original Hebrew tongue: H4390 and H3027, so let’s look at them both so that we may understand what this is saying: H4390, - מָלֵא or מָלָא, - mâlê' or mâlâ' - pronounced: maw-layי or maw-lawי, and means: A primitive root, to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively): - accomplish, confirm, + consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, X draw, give in, go) fully (-ly, -ly set, tale), [over-] flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a [hand-] full, + have wholly. Total KJV occurrences: 251.. OK, so we see that the first word which makes up this word concecrate means to fill, overflow, furnish, or replenish something, with something. Now, let’s look at the second word which makes up our word consecrate: H3027, יָד, - yâd, - pronounced: yawd, and means: A primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), in distinction from H3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote: - (+ be) able, X about, + armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad, [broken-] handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, + creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship, force, X from, hand [-staves, -y work], X he, himself, X in, labour, + large, ledge, [left-] handed, means, X mine, ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain, power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by them, X them-selves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing, + thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, [way-] side, where, + wide, X with (him, me, you), work, + yield, X your-selves. Total KJV occurrences: 1,612.. The second word which makes up our word consecrate means hand. So then, combining these two words, we see that they mean: to fill the hand; and what this is saying then, is that the People filled their hand with their Offering to give to the High Priest to put those Offerings upon the altar to Father.
…brought in sacrifices and thank offerings…were of a free heart burnt offerings=Let’s read this in the Hebrew and then we’ll break it down: קָהָל בּוֹא זֶבַח תּוֹדָה כֹּל נָדִיב לֵב עֹלָה or qâhâl bô' zebach tôdâh kôl nâdı̂yb lêb ‛ôlâh. The congregation is in the Strong’s Concordance, Hebrew word H6951 kaw-hawl, which we read of above. Next, we have brought in, which in the Strong’s Concordance, is Hebrew word number H935, - bo, and means: A primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications): - abide, apply, attain, X be, befall, + besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, X certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, X doubtless again, + eat, + employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, + follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, + have, X indeed, [in-]vade, lead, lift [up], mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, X (well) stricken [in age], X surely, take (in), way. Total KJV occurrences: 2,568.. Then we have sacrifices, Strong’s Concordance, Hebrew word number: H2077, - zehי-bakh, which means: From H2076; properly a slaughter, that is, the flesh of an animal; by implication a sacrifice (the victim or the act): - offer (-ing), sacrifice. Total KJV occurrences: 162.. Moving along, we have thank offerings, Strong’s Concordance, Hebrew word number: H8426, - to-dawי, which means: From H3034; properly an extension of the hand, that is, (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically a choir of worshippers: - confession, (sacrifice of) praise, thanks (-giving, offering). Total KJV occurrences: 32.. This goes—if you’ll pardon my pun—“hand-in-hand” with the second word which makes up our word consecrate. From Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible Appendix 43 II.4., we read the following: “Shelem = The Peace offering, from the root Shalam, which conveys the idea of peace on the ground of perfection of compensation of recompense. Hence connected with the thought of rendering payment of vows or praises because of peace enjoyed. Sometimes combined with Zebach (No. xii, below). It is eucharistic rather than propitiatory.”. Next is as many as, Strong’s Concordance, Hebrew word number: H3605, - kole, which means: From H3634; properly the whole; hence all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense): - (in) all (manner, [ye]), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, [no-] thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso (-ever). Total KJV occurrences: 5,406.. Then we have were of a free, which in the strong’s Concordance, is Hebrew word number: H5081, - naw-deebי, and means: From H5068; properly voluntary, that is, generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant): - free, liberal (things), noble, prince, willing ([hearted]). Total KJV occurrences: 28.. Next we have heart, which in the Strong’s Concordance, is Hebrew word number: H3820, - labe, and means: A form of H3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything: - + care for, comfortably, consent, X considered, courag [-eous], friend [-ly], ([broken-], [hard-], [merry-], [stiff-], [stout-], double) heart ([-ed]), X heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind (-ed), X regard ([-ed)], X themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly, wisdom. Total KJV occurrences: 598.. lastly, we come to burnt offerings, see above, click here. All-in-all, what this is saying brethren, is that, the People joyfully gave on their own accord with a willing heart. What did Paul teach us in II Corinthians 9? II Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.. Yes, Father does indeed love a cheerful giver; but, with that being said, do not let any man browbeat you into emptying your pockets in Father’s name for their prosperity doctrines brethren, Father does not need our money. Those who teach their prosperity doctrines are just lining their own pockets with your money.
Looking back at the thank offerings, if we were to look up the peace offering we would find that in the Strong’s Concordance, it is Hebrew word number: H8002, - שֶׁלֶם, - shelem, - pronounced: shehי-lem, and means: From H7999, properly requital, that is, a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks: - peace offering. Total KJV occurrences: 87.. These Peace Offerings were offered for thanking Father for peace which was being enjoyed, or anticipation of rest in the Nation; but, with this Offering, there were certain portions that the fat was placed on that altar of Burnt Offering, as the fat belonged to Father. Then the wave breast was offered, but, then was given to the Priests and the Levites as their portion, and the remaining portion was given back to the offerer and was for their consumption as their sacrificial meal, a very special communial meal, which we can liken today when we participate in Communion, as we are never so close to Father as when we partake of His Body and Blood which He shed for us.
29:32 The offerings.1A32
II Chronicles 29:32 And the numberH4557 of the burnt offeringsH5930, whichH834 the congregationH6951 broughtH935, wasH1961 threescore and tenH7657 bullocksH1241, an hundredH3967 ramsH352, and two hundredH3967 lambsH3532: allH3605 theseH428 were for a burnt offeringH5930 to the LORDH3068. —> …threescore and ten…=Seventy bullocks. The number 70 in Biblical numerics denotes Israel’s restoration. Dr. Bullinger notes the following in his book Number in Scripture: “SEVENTY is a combination of two of the perfect numbers, seven and ten. We have seen something of the significance of their sum under the number seventeen; their product is no less significant. As compared with the sum of two numbers, the product exhibits the significance of each in an intensified form. Hence 7 x 10 signifies perfect spiritual order carried out with all spiritual power and significance. Both spirit and order are greatly emphasised. THE SEVENTY SOULS OF GENESIS 46
are marked not only by the perfection of spiritual truth, as seen by the multiple of 7, but by the perfection of Divine order, as seen in the multiple of 10, seventy being 7 x 10. We stop not to notice the number given in Acts 7:14, which is different because it refers to a different classification, viz., “all his kindred,” which amounted to 75. In Genesis 46:26, God is speaking of another class, viz., only those “which came out of his loins;” these were seventy in number. This number is made up in a remarkable manner, distinguishing the descendants of Leah and her maid from Rachel and her maid, the latter being a more marked multiple of 7:— These seventy built up the nation of Israel. See Genesis 46:27; Exodus 1:5 and Ruth 4:11. Seventy elders furnished Israel’s great Tribunal, Exodus 24:1; Numbers 11:16, afterwards called the Sanhedrim. Seventy disciples sent out by the Lord prefigure the mighty host which followed them (Luke 10:1,17) in spirit and in power. It is the number specially connected with JERUSALEM for the city kept its sabbaths seventy years, while Judah was in Babylon, Jeremiah 35:11. And seventy sevens were determined upon it to complete its transgression, and bring in everlasting righteousness for it, Daniel 9:24.”.
…an hundred…=The number 100 in Biblical numberics denotes the number of Father’s Elect, and also the number of the children of Promise. In the Strong’s Concordance, we find that this is Hebrew word number: H3967, - מֵאָה or מֵאיָה, - mê'âh or mê'yâh, - pronounced: may-awי or may-yawי, and means: Probably a primitive numeral; a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction: - hundred ([-fold], -th), + sixscore. Total KJV occurrences: 581.. Dr. Bullinger does not give comment on the number 100, he jumps from the number 70 to 120, and then 153.
…two hundred…=The number 200 denotes insufficiency. To me, this is the perfect number to denote that no matter what we offer to Father—except what He desires from us, i.e., our LOVE FOR HIM and our KNOWLEDGE OF HIM as He declares in Hosea 6:6—it is insufficient to repay Him for His Grace for us. Dr. Bullinger notes the following in his Book Number in Scripture: “TWO HUNDRED = Twenty is the number of expectancy as we have seen. Here we have it tenfold (20x10). The significance of this number is suggested by John 6:7, where we read, “Two hundred pennyworth of bread is NOT SUFFICIENT for them.” And so we find this number stamping various things with insufficiency. Achan’s 200 shekels were “not sufficient” to save him from the consequences of his sin (Joshua 7:21). This shows us the insufficiency of money (Psalms 49:7-9). - Absalom’s 200 shekels weight of hair were “not sufficient” to save him, but rather caused his destruction (II Samuel 14:26, 18:9). This shows us the insufficiency of beauty. - Micah’s graven image was purchased for 200 shekels (Judges 17:4 and 18), and led to the introduction of idolatry into Israel and the blotting out of the Tribes of Dan and Ephraim from the blessing of Revelation 7, showing us the insufficiency of mere religion. - Ezra’s 200 “singing men and women” (Ezra 2:65), were “not sufficient” to produce “peace with God,” true spiritual worship, or joy in the Lord. Only God’s word rightly ministered can lead to this (Nehemiah 8:5-9). This shows the insufficiency of external things in the worship of God, and the impossibility of worshipping God with the senses. True worship, which alone God will accept, “MUST” (John 4:24) be spiritual.”.
…threescore and ten…an hundred…two hundred…=Three hundred and seventy animals freely offered to Father in sacrifice, a very large number of animals sacrificed; but, we’ll see in the next verse, that they were not yet done with their offerings.
29:33 The offerings.1A33
II Chronicles 29:33 And the consecrated thingsH6944 were sixH8337 hundredH3967 oxenH1241 and threeH7969 thousandH505 sheepH6629. —> …consecrated things…=Let’s check this consecrated things out in our Strong’s Concordance brethren, when we do, we find that it is Hebrew word number: H6944, - קֹדֶש, - qôdesh, - pronounced: koי-desh, and means: From H6942; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstractly sanctity: - consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, (X most) holy (X day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. Total KJV occurrences: 470., so we see that it means “Holy.” Let’s read what Dr. Bullinger says in his Companion Bible: “This is ever the cry and noblest praise of all of Father’s saints and can be compared with Exodus 15:11—Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto Thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?. Holy means separated or set apart for Father. It is always rendered of the Hebrew word “Kodesh,” except in Psalms 42:4 where is it rendered “Hagag”—from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H2287, - חָגַג, -châgag, - pronounced: khaw-gagי, and means: A primitive root; compare H2283; H2328; properly to move in a circle, that is, (specifically) to march in a sacred procession, to observe a festival; by implication to be giddy: - celebrate, dance, (keep, hold) a (solemn) feast (holiday), reel to and fro. Total KJV occurrences: 16.—= holy day, and Deuteronomy 33:8, Psalms 16:2, 86:2, 89:19, 145:17 where it is rendered “Hasid”—from the Strong’s Concordance, where we find that it is Hebrew word number: H2623, - חָסִיד, - châsı̂yd, - pronounced: khaw-seedי, and means: From H2616; properly kind; that is, (religiously) pious (a saint): - godly (man), good, holy (one), merciful, saint, [un-] godly. Ttotal KJV occurrences: 32.—= favor or grace. “Kodesh” must have one identical meaning (as above) in all passages; and does not imply moral quality except when used of God Himself. It can also be rendered “consecrated,” “dedicated,” “hallowed,” “holiness,” “saint,” and “sanctuary.”.”.
…six hundred oxen…three thousand sheep…=These would all be the Thank Offerings and the Peace Offerings. In our last verse, we saw that they had already slain 370 animals, and now, we see that they slew 3,600 more, brining the total to 3,970 animals. Think of what was required in the preparing of these animals for sacrifice brethren: 70 bullocks, 100 rams, 200 lambs, 600 oxen and 3,000 sheep were all prepared on one day for the altar of Father as the people of Judah stood in Jerusalem before His Temple. Remember, every one of these animals had to be killed and prepared exactly as Father had instructed Moses that these offerings were to be prepared, and King Hezekiah saw to it that the Priests and the Levites had first prepared themselves for this task ahead of time. He met with the High Priest and the leaders, he laid out exactly how his kingdom would be run, he set the task before them, and then told them to go back and instruct the other Priests and Levites exactly how things would proceed. In this consecration ceremony, it took 3,970 animals for sacrifice and there simply was no way for the Priests themselves to slaughter and prepare all these animals, thereby the Levites had to assist and also some of the People themselves had to assist in flaying or preparing these animals for sacrifice. Remember, it wasn’t just the slaughter of the animal as if you were about to enjoy an evening meal, these were being slayed and flayed in preparation for sacrifice and each animal had to be slayed and flayed a certain way, and by the person designated to do so.
Something to keep in mind brethren, and I do not mean to detract from the righteousness of Hezekiah or great things Hezekiah is doing here; but, we are roughly 78 years away from the birth of Hezekiah’s great grand-son Josiah and another 8 years until he becomes king of the House of Judah. You may ask why I bring this up? Well, there are several very important things we read concerning Josiah. II Kings 22:2 and II Chronicles 34:2 both read the same, so we’ll take it from II Chronicles 34:2, which reads: II Chronicles 34:2 And he—Josiah—didH6213 that which was rightH3477 in the sightH5869 of the LORDH3068, and walkedH1980 in the waysH1870 of DavidH1732 his fatherH1, and declinedH5493 neither to the right handH3225, nor to the leftH8040. —> …declined…=This word declined is the only difference between the two verses, but it means what and\or how II Kings 22:2 reads, that Josiah “turned not aside” from walking in the ways of David. And, what it is saying, is that, Josiah loved Father with all his heart and never served any false gods and idols like David. Josiah is the only king of either House, the House of Judah or the House of Israel, that this is said of. II Chronicles 34:2 goes further in explaining all which Josiah did when to purge Judah of the false gods and idols he became king: [34:3] For in the eighthH8083 yearH8141 of his reignH4427, while heH1931 was yetH5750 youngH5288, he beganH2490 to seekH1875 after the GodH430 of DavidH1732 his fatherH1: and in the twelfthH8147 H6240 yearH8141 he beganH2490 to purgeH2891 H853 JudahH3063 and JerusalemH3389 fromH4480 the high placesH1116, and the grovesH842, and the carved imagesH6456, and the molten imagesH4541. —> Young Josiah had excellent advisors, beginning with his mother, she raised him to know Father. During his first year of his reign—approximately 530B.C.—Father’s Prophet Zephaniah began his prophesying, and even possibly advising and mentoring the young king. Then, during his eighth year, when he was 16, he truly began his seeking of Father, and four years later at the age of 20, he began his purging of Judah of the all the asherah groves, and the idolatrous false gods and idols, this took a full 6 years to complete. One year later, during Josiah’s thirteenth year—approximately 518B.C.—Father sent His Prophet Jeremiah to join in and also begin his leading, guiding, and prophesying. With both Zephaniah and Jeremiah leading young Josiah, he had as a minimum, two excellent counselors and guides leading and directing him on Father’s path of righteousness. [34:4] And they brake downH5422 H853 the altarsH4196 of BaalimH1168 in his presenceH6440; and the imagesH2553, thatH834 were on highH4605 aboveH4880 H5921 them, he cut downH1438; and the grovesH842, and the carved imagesH6456, and the molten imagesH4541, he brake in piecesH7665, and made dustH1854 of them, and strowedH2236 it uponH%921 the gravesH6913 of them that had sacrificedH2076 unto them. —> …and…=The first thing we should notice in this verse brethren, are the number of and(s) in this verse, meaning, that much more is taking place then what is actually being said; the second thing we should notice is the repetitious use of words or phrases similar in sense, but, different in sound and origin, such as: “break down,” “break in pieces,” “cut down,” “made dust of them,” and “strowed about,” what really stands out about these phrases, is the thoroughness of what Josiah did, when he had all the false gods and idols destroyed. [34:5] And he burntH8313 the bonesH6106 of the priestsH3548 uponH5921 their altarsH4196, and cleansedH2891 H853 JudahH3063 and JerusalemH3389. —> On time, and as Father had one of His Prophets prophesy 361 years ago—during the reign of Jeroboam and our reading of his reign, found in I Kings 13—the bones of Jeroboam and the priests who offered and burned incense to false gods up in the high places, are now being burnt upon the altar Jeroboam had set up; in this, we also see the fulfillment of what Father Promised He would do should His Children walk contrary to Him as we can read of in Leviticus 26:27-29. [34:6] And so did he in the citiesH5892 of ManassehH4519, and EphraimH669, and SimeonH8095, even untoH5704 NaphtaliH5321, with their mattocksH2719 round aboutH5439. —> Remember, we’re in the year 519B.C., this means that the House of Israel has been taken into captivity by the Assyrians 92 years already; but, still, Josiah is going into these cities which are occupied by the heathen peoples and destroying the false gods and idols, and he is even going so far as to desecrate the graves of those who worshiped them. The phrase “with their mattocks round about” is fancy way to say, “in their ruins.” [34:7] And when he had broken downH5422 H853 the altarsH4196 and the grovesH842, and had beatenH3807 the graven imagesH6456 into powderH1854, and cut downH1438 allH3605 the idolsH2553 throughout allH3605 the landH776 of IsraelH3478, he returnedH7725 to JerusalemH3389. —> Josiah didn’t stop until he was satisfied with the complete thoroughness of his work. But, he still isn’t completed yet, let’s turn to II Kings 23 and read what else Josiah did during his reign before we turn to II Kings 22 and find what else took place: II Kings 23:4 And the kingH4428 commandedH6680 H853 HilkiahH2518 the highH1419 priestH3548, and the priestsH3548 of the second orderH4932, and the keepersH8104 of the doorH5592, to bring forthH3318 out of the templeH4480 H1964 of the LORDH3068 H853 allH3605 the vesselsH3627 that were madeH6213 for BaalH1168, and for the groveH842, and for allH3605 the hostH6635 of heavenH8064: and he burnedH8313 them withoutH4480 H2351 JerusalemH3389 in the fieldsH7709 of KidronH6939, and carriedH5375 H853 the ashesH6083 of them unto Beth-elH1008. —> Understand brethren, all these abominable idolatrous idols and false gods were in Father’s Temple. Right there where Father said He would and did indeed manifest His presence, and abide and abode with His Children. Of course, it has been many a year since He has done so, since it has been many years that the idol worshiping kings rejected Him, and then basically threw Him out of His Own House. …He burned them without Jerusalem…=The High Priest, and the Levites and Prophets went into the Temple and gathered the abominable items and carried them out, either into the fields just beside the Brook Kidron, or maybe in the dry creek bed of the Brook Kidron, in either case, once there, they burned them as prescribed in Deuteronomy 7:25. Once the fires from them had been extinguished, they carried the charred remains to Beth-el, where they defiled the altars there—which the first king of the divided House of Israel—Jeroboam—had set up—according to the prophesy of the disobedient prophet which we read about in I Kings 13:2. [23:5] And he put downH7673 H853 the idolatrous priestsH3649, whomH834 the kingsH4428 of JudahH3063 had ordainedH5414 to burn incenseH6999 in the high placesH1116 in the citiesH5892 of JudahH3063, and in the places round aboutH4524 JerusalemH3389; them also that burned incenseH6999 unto BaalH1168, to the sunH8121, and to the moonH3394, and to the planetsH4208, and to allH3605 the hostH6635 of heavenH8064. —> …Idolatrous priests…=Let’s compare the two different usages of the word “priests” in this verse, with the usage of it a moment ago in v23:4. In v23:4, in the Strong’s Concordance, we find that it is Hebrew word number: H3548, - כֹּהֵן, - kôhên, - pronounced: ko-haneי, and means: Active participle of H3547; literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman): - chief ruler, X own, priest, prince, principal officer. Total KJV occurrences: 750., in other words a Priest appointed by Father through the bloodline of Levi, and now from this verse v23:5, in the Strong’s Concordance, we find that it is Hebrew word number: H3649, - כָּמָר, - kâmâr, - pronounced: kaw-mawrי, and means: From H3648; properly an ascetic (as if shrunk with self maceration), that is, an idolatrous priest (only in plural): - Chemarims, (idolatrous) priests. Total KJV occurrences: 3., which this verse correctly identifies, saying “whom the kings of Judah had ordained,” yeppers, a priest appointed by man; and as such, not beholden to, and under no obligation to Father, or holding fast to His Commandments, Judgments, Laws, Ordinances or Statutes; however, it does make him beholden to man, and doing what that man desires. I like what Biblical historian Josephus says in his writings concerning this instance, it reads Josiah: “slew the priests of the idols that were not of the family of Aaron. And when he had done thus in Jerusalem, he came into the country, and utterly destroyed what buildings had been made therein by king Jeroboam, in honor of strange gods; and he burnt the bones of the false prophets upon that altar which Jeroboam first built.”. …Planets…=Stations, i.e., the signs of the Zodiac. The word “planet” which is used here, in the Strong’s Concordance, is Hebrew word number: H4208, - מַזָּלָה, - mazzâlâh, - pronounced: maz-zaw-lawי, and means: Apparently from H5140 in the sense of raining; a constellation, that is, Zodiacal sign (perhaps as affecting the weather): - planet. Compare H4216. Total KJV occurrences: 1., used only once in Father’s Word, in II Kings 23:5. Now, let’s do as instructed and bring in H4216 to compare the two: H4216, - מַזָּרָה, - mazzârâh, - pronounced: maz-zaw-rawי, and means: Apparently from H5144 in the sense of distinction; some noted constellation (only in the plural), perhaps collectively the zodiac: - Mazzoroth. Compare H4208. Total KJV occurrences: 1., it is used only once in all of Father’s Word, in Job 38:32, just as H4208 is used only once. The Babylonian name for the divisions of the Zodiac. Called in the Assyrian inscriptions: Mauzalti. …All the host of heaven…=Our forefathers were also worshiping the angles. Brethren, do you recall what the angel told John in the Book The Revelation? Twice, John went to worship the angel who was revealing to him, the revelations of our Lord Jesus, as we read in Revelation 19:10, which reads: Revelation 19:10 AndG2532 I fellG4098 atG1715 hisG848 feetG4228 to worshipG4352 himG846. AndG2532 he saidG3004 unto meG3427, “SeeG3708 thou do it notG3361: I amG1519 thyG4675 fellowservantG4889, andG2532 of thyG4675 brethrenG80 that haveG2192 theG3588 testimonyG3141 of JesusG2424: worshipG4352 GodG2316: forG1063 theG3588 testimonyG3141 of JesusG2424 is theG3588 spiritG4151 of prophecyG4394.”, and then again in Revelation 22:8-9, which reads: Revelation 22:8 AndG2532 IG1473 JohnG2491 sawG991 these thingsG5023, andG2532 heardG191 them. AndG2532 whenG3753 I had heardG191 andG2532 seenG191, I fell downG4098 to worshipG4352 beforeG1715 theG3588 feetG4228 of theG3588 angelG32 which shewedG1166 meG3427 these thingsG5023. [22:9] ThenG2532 saithG3004 he unto meG3427, “SeeG3708 thou do it notG3361: forG1063 I amG1510 thyG4675 fellowservantG4889, andG2532 of thyG4675 brethrenG80 theG3588 prophetsG4396, andG2532 of them which keepG5083 theG3588 sayingsG3056 of thisG5127 book:G975 worshipG4352 GodG2316.”. [23:6] And he brought outH3318 H853 the groveH842 from the houseH4480 H1004 of the LORDH3068, withoutH4480 H2351 JerusalemH3389, untoH413 the brookH5158 KidronH6939, and burnedH8313 it at the brookH5158 KidronH6939, and stamped it smallH1854 to powderH6083, and castH7993 H853 the powderH6083 thereof uponH5921 the gravesH6913 of the childrenH1121 of the peopleH5971. —> Again, from Josephus’ writings we read: “After these things, Josiah went also to such other Israelites as had escaped captivity and slavery under the Assyrians, and persuaded them to desist from their impious practices, and to leave off the honors they paid to strange gods, but to worship rightly their own Almighty God, and adhere to him. He also searched the houses, and the villages, and the cities, out of a suspicion that somebody might have one idol or other in private; nay, indeed, he took away the chariots [of the sun] that were set up in his royal palace, which his predecessors had framed, and what thing soever there was besides which they worshipped as a god.”. [23:7] And he brake downH5422 H853 the housesH1004 of the sodomitesH6945, thatH834 were by the houseH1004 of the LORDH3068, whereH834 H8033 the womenH802 woveH707 hangingsH1004 for the groveH842. —> Like his grand-father to the twelfth generation before him—one named Asa—Josiah continues his purge of Judah by clearing out those who desire to deal in perverted proclivities. Why did both these kings—Asa and now Josiah—level this action against the people who were doing such? Two reasons immediately come to my mind: (1) because of what Father did to Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18 and Genesis 19; and because (2) what Father told Moses in Deuteronomy 23, which reads: Deuteronomy 23:17 There shall beH1961 noH3808 whoreH6948 of the daughtersH4480 H1323 of IsraelH3478, norH3808 a sodomiteH6945 of the sonsH4480 H1121 of IsraelH3478. —> …No whore of the daughters of Israel…=Let’s look at this word “whore,” as we’ll find, that in the Strong’s Concordance, it is Hebrew word number: H6948, - קְדֵשָ ה, - qedêshâh, - pronounced: ked-ay-shawי, and means: Feminine of H6945; a female devotee (that is, prostitute): - harlot, whore. Total KJV occurrences: 5., in other words, a whore as used in this application means: a sodomitess, or a woman who was consecrated to be used as such during heathen worship services, and what Father is saying, is that, none of the Israelite women were to make themselves available as such, and the men were to not use the Israelite women nor bring in foreign women to use as such in worship of Him. Here, as we see, the word in the Hebrew language is Kedēshāh and means “a separated one” or an unclean temple woman. We’ll see in the next verse, a different use of the word whore. …A sodomite of the sons of Israel…=Now, let’s look at this word “sodomite,” as we find that in the Strong’s Concordance, it is Hebrew word number: H6945, - קָדֵש, - qâdêsh, - pronounced: kaw-dasheי, and means: From H6945; a (quasi) sacred person, that is, (technically) a (male) devotee (by prostitution) to licentious idolatry: - sodomite, unclean. Total KJV occurrences: 6.. This is the same as the term whore as used in this verse, though in this application, it was a man who made himself available as a whore for other men to use in place of a woman for sexual acts, in other words, he was playing the role of a woman and allowing his orifice’s to be penetrated by other men in the worship of false gods and in this case: Father, a strict no no, as it was and is a filthy unclean abomination to Him! [23:18] Thou shalt notH3808 bringH935 the hireH868 of a whoreH2181, or priceH4242 of a dogH3611, into the houseH1004 of the LORDH3068 thy GodH430 for anyH3605 vowH5088: forH3588 evenH1571 bothH8147 these are abominationH8441 unto the LORDH3068 thy GodH430. —> …The hire of a whore…=Here, Father is again talking about prostitutes, both female and male, and what He is saying, is that our Forefathers were to not be as the heathen who used both in worship services to their false gods, and Father definitely didn’t want our forefathers to use prostitutes as worship vessels when worshiping Him. …Whore…=We’ll see that, in the Hebrew Manuscripts, and the Hebrew language, this word is different than in the previous verse, as here, in the Strong’s Concordance, it is Hebrew word number: H2181, - זָנָה, - zânâh, - pronounced: zaw-nawי, and means: A primitive root (highly fed and therefore wanton) to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of YHVH): - (cause to) commit fornication, X continually, X great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. Total KJV occurrences: 93., again, Father is saying, that it is an abomination to Him for women to allow themselves to be used as prostitutes in worship services to Him, and that both, a man to allow another man to use him on place of a woman as a sexual object and as such in worship to false gods and especially in worship to Him is an abomination to Him! He created man for woman and woman for man! Not, man-to-man, nor woman-to-woman! …Hangings…=This is referring to veils, or cloth curtains, which were used to cover the asherah, think of the catholic processions of today, where as they make their march with their virgin on their stick, they have her covered until a certain time in the procession. [23:8] And he broughtH935 H853 allH3605 the priestsH3548 out of the citiesH4480 H5892 of JudahH3063, and defiledH2930 H853 the high placesH1116 whereH834 H8033 the priestsH3548 had burned incenseH6999, from GebaH4480 H1387 toH5704 BeershebaH884, and brake downH5422 H853 the high placesH1116 of the gatesH8179 thatH834 were in the enteringH6607 in of the gateH8179 of JoshuaH3091 the governorH8269 of the cityH5892, whichH834 were onH5921 a man’sH376 left handH8040 at the gateH8179 of the cityH5892. —> Geba was in the very northern part of the territories of Judah, whereas, Beer-sheba was in the very southern portion; and what this is saying, is that, Josiah went throughout all Judah defiling, desecrating, and destroying every single altar which had been erected to false gods. …High places…=Since the time of Solomon’s reign as king, nobody had been able to completely destroy, remove, or wipeout these idolatrous places of worship—not even Hezekiah as we’re reading here in II Chronicles 29:33—however, Josiah was able to do so, he completely desecrated every single one of them. [23:9] NeverthelessH389 the priestsH3548 of the high placesH1116 came not upH5927 H3808 toH413 the altarH4196 of the LORDH3068 in JerusalemH3389, butH3588 H518 they did eatH389 of the unleavened breadH4682 amongH8432 their brethrenH251.
—> These Priests were of the lineage of Aaron; however, they did not make the trek up to Jerusalem because they were unclean, because they had been falsely, or incorrectly, worshiping Father in these high places. These priests did however, eat of and partake of the Holy Sacraments along with their fellow Levites; just, not it in the Holy Place. Some of the worship services in these high places were of Father; however, they were illegal worship services, as they were not where Father wanted to be worshiped at: His only authorized place of worship was in His Temple. Remember brethren, the priests in the northern tribes had drifted so far away from Father, that they had no idea what was of Him, and what was of the heathenistic religions. Many of the People of Judah were likewise that far off, as they wanted nothing to do with Father’s Law or His Word. The only thing which mattered to them, were their traditions, the pleasures of their sexual orgies, and the quiet places where they burned their candles and incense. Stop and look around you today and actually look at what is taught in Father’s houses, and what is called “of God.” Much of it is nothing but traditions of man. Those priests told Josiah that they would not participate in the teaching of Father’s Word; however, before Josiah did what he was about to do, he allowed these priests to first change their ways. Again, it is no different today as it was then, for the majority has always been in error. They like to take the path of least resistance, to stay in the comfort of their traditions, and they just don’t care to search for the truth. Sure, it was Baal, groves, Molech, and all sorts of wickedness then; whereas, today, it is the traditions of fairytales like the rapture doctrine, easter celebrations, and so forth, and the people simply don’t care to understand what Father’s Word states and conform to it. [23:10] And he defiledH2930 H853 TophethH8612, whichH834 is in the valleyH1516 of the childrenH1121 of HinnomH2011, that noH1115 manH376 might makeH853 his sonH1121 or his daughterH1323 to pass throughH5674 the fireH784 to MolechH4432. —> …Topheth…=Topheth is put for any abhorrent practice or worship service. Dr. Smith notes in his Smith’s Bible Dictionary, that Topheth means: “a place of burning;” whereas, the “valley of Hinnom,” was a junction of three different valleys uniting in the southern portion of Jerusalem, and what this is saying, is that, in this junction, our forefathers did a continual burning, it was mainly used to burn garbage; however, sadly, this was also where they took their first born sons and daughters to burn them in these fires to molech. [23:11] And he took awayH7673 H853 the horsesH5483 thatH834 the kingsH4428 of JudahH3063 had givenH5414 to the sunH8121, at the entering inH4480 H935 of the houseH1004 of the LORDH3068, byH413 the chamberH3957 of Nathan-melechH5419 the chamberlainH5631, whichH834 was in the suburbsH6503, and burnedH8313 the chariotsH4818 of the sunH8121 with fireH784. —> These horses and chariots which Josiah took away was a practice which presumably started during the days of Manasseh and Amon whereby the kings would have their soldiers attach the chariots to the horses before the sun arose in the morning, then, he and all his soldiers would mount-up in preparation for the suns rising, and upon daybreak they would charge off toward the east in order to meet the sun at its arrival. Once there, they would then burn the chariots in worship of the sun as the giver of life, rather than worship the Creator of the sun, Who is the True Giver of Life. This was a form of religious practice to try to please the sun gods. It was almost as stupid as the idea of the rapture theory, whereby people are completely disregarding the prophecies of Father’s Word in favor of man’s customs and traditions which are accepted in the kurch houses of our land today. The congregants rush to meet the morning sun, sort of like the new language practice which many churches are allowing among their pastors and congregations. [23:12] And the altarsH4196 thatH834 were onH5921 the topH1406 of the upper chamberH5944 of AhazH271, whichH834 the kingsH4428 of JudahH3063 had madeH6213, and the altarsH4196 whichH834 ManassehH4519 had madeH6213 in the twoH8147 courtsH2691 of the houseH1004 of the LORDH3068, did the kingH4428 beat downH5422, and brake them downH7323 from thenceH4480 H8033, and castH7993 H853 the dustH6083 of them intoH413 the brookH5158 KidronH6939. —> Remember, Hezekiah had already removed these idolatrous altars which his father Ahaz had erected; however, his son Manasseh had rebuilt them when Hezekiah had returned Home to Father. Now, Josiah is again removing them. Ya gotta give it to ole Josiah; as he is doing it right in his cleaning house, as we see, he is removing all those old idols and forms of worship and busting them up, burning them, and scattering their ashes in the brook Kidron. [23:13] And the high placesH1116 thatH834 were beforeH5921 H6440 JerusalemH3389, whichH834 were on the right handH4480 H3225 of the mountH2022 of corruptionH4889, whichH834 SolomonH8010 the kingH4428 of IsraelH3478 had buildedH1129 for AshtorethH6253 the abominationH8251 of the ZidoniansH6722, and for ChemoshH3645 the abominationH8251 of the MoabitesH4124, and for MilcomH4445 the abominationH8441 of the childrenH1121 of AmmonH5983, did the kingH4428 defileH2930. —> It was Solomon who Father came to in that dream and told him to ask of his heart’s desire. Solomon replied that he only wanted Father’s Wisdom in order to be able to judge His—Father’s—Children; then, after being king for so many years, he started to get the big head, and he started taking wives and concubines unto himself, many of them foreign women who sexually satisfied him, and for their doing so, he build altars to their gods for them to worship at — right there on Father’s Holy Mount — The Mount of Olives, the very same place, where in the future, our Lord Jesus will be crucified, which as we read here, is called the mount of corruption because of the idolatries committed upon it. [23:14] And he brake in piecesH7665 H853 the imagesH4676, and cut downH3772 H853 the grovesH842, and filledH4390 H853 their placesH4725 with the bonesH6106 of menH120. —> Again, as we see, this fulfills Father’s Prophesy which had been given 361 years before it came to pass. Brethren, should anyone ever tell you that Father’s Word isn’t real or true, there is no need to argue with them; as, we know in our hearts that they are incorrect, as we have it right here in this Prophesy and in the Prophesy of Psalms 22 where we read of Jesus’ crucifixion, written 1,000 years before it came to pass, even going so far as to mention and record what the high priest would say, and of the gambling for Jesus’ garments. [23:15] MoreoverH1571 H853 the altarH4196 thatH834 was at BethelH1008, and the high placeH1116 whichH834 JeroboamH3379 the sonH1121 of NebatH5028, whoH834 madeH853 IsraelH3478 to sinH2398, had madeH6213, bothH571 thatH931 altarH4196 and the high placeH1116 he brake downH5422, and burnedH8313 H853 the high placeH1116, and stamped it smallH1854 to powderH6083, and burnedH8313 the groveH842. —> Do you recall when Father split the Nation into two separate and distinct Houses? Do you further recall who the king of each House was? Solomon’s son Rehoboam was king over the House of Judah—the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin, occuppying the southern territories—and Jeroboam was king over the House of Israel—the ten northern Tribes—so, what this is saying, is that, Josiah didn’t stop in Judah; no, he continued on and even went to those places in Samaria, where heathen altars were built by Jeroboam, even to the places where the two golden calves were worshipped, and destroyed the altars there. Though at this time, the land was controlled by the king of Assyria, Josiah still had a free reign and was in charge of what went on in the land. Remember, after the Judah’s brothers, the Israelites, were hauled away, the people that were brought in to fill the land pleaded to have the priests of Israel return, in order that they could worship the “god of the land.” These priests taught these Samaritans how to worship those same heathen gods, just as the Israelites did before them. [23:16] And as JosiahH2977 turnedH6437 himself, he spiedH7200 H853 the sepulchresH6913 thatH834 were thereH8033 in the mountH2022, and sentH7971, and tookH3947 H853 the bonesH6106 out ofH4480 the sepulchresH6913, and burnedH8313 them uponH5921 the altarH4196, and pollutedH2930 it, according to the wordH1697 of the LORDH3068 whichH834 the manH376 of GodH430 proclaimedH7121, whoH834 proclaimedH7121 H853 theseH428 wordsH1697. —> …Which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words=This is referring to Father’s disobedient Prophet, who proclaimed them 369 years ago while he stood at the altar at the feast. Let’s review what was said, we can read them in I Kings 13, which reads: I Kings 13:1 And, beholdH2009, there cameH935 a manH376 of GodH430 out of JudahH4480 H3063 by the wordH1697 of the LORDH3068 untoH413 Beth-elH1008: and JeroboamH3379 stoodH5975 byH5921 the altarH4196 to burn incenseH6999. —> As Jeroboam was standing next to the altar he had built in Beth-el, ready to burn incense, one of Father’s Prophets came from Jerusalem to pronounce what Father had to say to Jeroboam; trust me, it wasn’t pretty, nor was it what Jeroboam wanted to hear. Why is Jeroboam acting as a priest? Because, as we read in I Kings 12, Jeroboam had fired all the Levitical Priests and they fled down to Jerusalem. If you’ll recall, Father had separated the duties of Judges, or kings, from the priesthood over 100 years previous to Jeroboam’s day, as can be read in I Samuel 8, now—at least in Israel—Jeroboam was trying to tie them back together into one office again. Jeroboam thinks he knows better than Father, and he thus rejected all Father had to say. He found though, that he himself was rejected by Father. [13:2] And he criedH7121 againstH5921 the altarH4196 in the wordH1697 of the LORDH3068, and saidH559, “O altarH4196, altarH4196, thusH3541 saithH559 the LORDH3068; ‘BeholdH2009, a childH1121 shall be bornH3205 unto the houseH1004 of DavidH1732, JosiahH2977 by nameH8034; and uponH5921 thee shall he offerH2076 H853 the priestsH3548 of the high placesH1116 that burn incenseH6999 uponH5921 thee, and men’sH120 bonesH6106 shall be burntH8313 uponH5921 thee.’i” —> Once Father’s Prophet entered the altar temple, he immediately went over to the altar and called out in a loud voice in order that all who were present could hear what Father had to say. What was it He had to say? That the abomination that Jeroboam had been doing in building his own temples with altars and golden calves, his consecrating his own priests and acting as a priest himself, his creating his own feast days, and his causing all Israel to sin by worshiping everything under the sun, was about to come to a screeching halt. That, though not today, but, in the future—approximately 343 years from now, and 86 years from Hezekiah’s time—a child—Josiah by name—would be born, who would completely desecrate this altar—the very things we’re currently reading about here in II Kings 23—whereby it will no longer be able to be used by the false priests to worship false gods and idols. As like always with Father’s Word, this will come to pass, it won’t happen for another—on Father’s Schedule—369 years; but, it surely will come to pass just the same, we’re be reading of it here and now. Cyrus is the only other man—other than Father being born in the flesh—who is so prophesied by name to be born, he was prophesied of 177 years before his birth. [13:3] And he gaveH5414 a signH4159 the sameH1931 dayH3117, sayingH1697, “ThisH2088 is the signH4159 whichH834 the LORDH3068 hath spokenH1696; BeholdH2009, the altarH4196 shall be rentH7167, and the ashesH1880 thatH834 are uponH5921 it shall be poured outH8210.” —> Though Father through His Prophet, had told Jeroboam that Josiah will be born approximately 340 years from his day and will desecrate this idolatrous stone altar by burning the bones of the idolatrous priests upon it, as an immediate sign, the altar which Jeroboam had just made, was torn in two, and the ashes of the sacrifices he had just made were be poured out upon the ground before him, while he is there watching. Talk about Father getting your attention; for me, that would do it; however, it did not get Jeroboam’s attention, so, Father had to get his attention another way, and that was by Father drying up his hand as he was about to lay his hand on Father’s Prophet. That, brethren, got Jeroboam’s attention, at least for a moment it had anyway, though it didn’t keep his attention for long. Let’s return now to II Kings 23 before we return to II Chronicles 29:33. [23:17] Then he saidH559, “WhatH4100 titleH6725 is thatH1975 thatH834 IH589 seeH7200?” And the menH36 of the cityH5892 toldH559 H413 him, “It is the sepulchreH6913 of the manH376 of GodH430, whichH834 cameH935 from JudahH4480 H3063, and proclaimedH7121 H853 theseH428 thingsH1697 thatH834 thou hast doneH6213 againstH5921 the altarH4196 of Beth-elH1008.” —> So, here is Josiah polluting and desecrating these graves, when he notices a monument with an inscription on one of them; so, he asks those who are with him, what it is that he is seeing, and whose grave site is he desecrating? His servants reply, that it is the burial place of Father’s Prophet—the one who ended up being labeled “the disobedient prophet,” because he defied Father, as Father told him that he was to go to Jeroboam and Prophesy to him the events which are coming to pass in Josiah’s day, and then immediately leave, not stopping to eat or drink, and he was even supposed to go so far as leave by a different route then he arrived, not even stopping to talk with anybody after he had delivered his Prophesy. Well, another prophet, a false prophet, chased after him and told him that Father had told him to go after the disobedient prophet and invite him back to his place and eat with the man. For disobeying Father, Father told him that a lion would slay him; but, not devour his dead carcass, which came to pass, and he was buried right here where Josiah is digging up these graves—and the reason for seeing two sets of bones, was, because, as we read in I Kings 13:31 the false or lying prophet told his sons that when he died, he wanted to be buried in the same grave; but, beside Father’s True, but, disobedient Prophet. After hearing their reply, Josiah will tell his servants to do no further damage to this one grave site. [23:18] And he saidH559, “Let him aloneH5117; let noH4808 manH376 moveH5128 his bonesH6106.” So they let his bones aloneH4422 H6106, withH854 the bonesH6106 of the prophetH5030 thatH834 cameH935 out of SamariaH4480 H8111. —> Josiah knew better than to disturb the bones of these two men and he told Hilkiah and the priests to leave their bones alone. [23:19] AndH853 allH3605 the housesH1004 alsoH1571 of the high placesH1116 that were in the citiesH5892 of SamariaH8111, whichH834 the kingsH4428 of IsraelH3478 had madeH6213 to provoke the LORD to angerH3707, JosiahH2977 took awayH5493, and didH6213 to them according to allH3605 the actsH4639 thatH834 he had doneH6213 in Beth-elH1008. —> …Houses…=This is not a physical building brethren, it is speaking of the People of Israel, the stragglers who were left behind of the ten northern Tribes, and also of those who moved back into the territories of the House of Israel from the House of Judah. And what we’re reading, is, that, Josiah rounded them up and carried them to the altar which Jeroboam had made in Beth-El, where he’ll slay them all for worshipping false gods and idols. One more verse and then we’ll look at the second important thing which occurred before returning to II Chronicles 29: [23:20] And he slewH2076 H853 allH3605 the priestsH3548 of the high placesH1116 thatH834 were thereH8033 uponH5921 the altarsH4196, and burnedH8313 H853 men’sH120 bonesH6106 uponH5921 them, and returnedH7725 to JerusalemH3389. —> Josiah didn’t stop with just the common People; no, he also gathered up and rounded up every one of the false priests—these are not Levitical priests, though, there may be a few of those in with this bunch; but, for the most part, they are the kenite nethinims who had taken over the priesthood—and then slew them right there on Jeroboam’s idolatrous altar. Not only did he slay them there; but, once dead, he also burned their dead carcasses on the idolatrous altar. Now let’s look at the second important fact which happened in Josiah’s day: what else took place? We find our answer to this question in II Kings 22 where we read the following: [22:8] And HilkiahH2518 the highH1419 priestH3548 saidH559 untoH5921 ShaphanH8227 the scribeH5608, “I have foundH4672 the bookH5612 of the lawH8451 in the houseH1004 of the LORDH3068.” And HilkiahH2518 gaveH5414 H853 the bookH5612 toH413 ShaphanH8227, and he readH7121 it. —> …the book of the law…=There is a slight difference between what is written here in II Kings 22 and what is written in II Chronicles 34. In II Chronicles 34, “The Book of the Law” is further explained as “The Book of the Law of YHVH given of Moses.” The Book, is obviously the Original copy of the Torah or Pentateuch which Moses himself wrote at Father’s Command, and which was supposed to have been placed inside Father’s Ark. It must have gotten secreted away somewhere by one of the Priests, sometime during the reign of one of the heathen worshiping kings, in order for it not to be destroyed by one of those ungodly kings, for fear that, had it been used as it was originally purposed—as we can read of in Deuteronomy 31, which reads: Deuteronomy 31:24 And it came to passH1961, when MosesH4872 had made an endH3615 of writingH3789 H853 the wordsH1697 of thisH2063 lawH8451 inH5921 a bookH5612, untilH5704 they were finishedH8552, [31:25] That MosesH4872 commandedH6680 H853 the LevitesH3881, which bareH5375 the arkH727 of the covenantH1285 of the LORDH3068, saying, [31:26] “TakeH3947 H835 thisH2088 bookH5612 of the lawH8451, and putH7760 it in the sideH4480 H6654 of the arkH727 of the covenantH1285 of the LORDH3068 your GodH430, that it may beH1961 thereH3088 for a witnessH5707 against thee. —> Why was Moses telling the Levitical Priests to put “The Book of the Law” in Father’s Ark? To be a witness against them. Why? [31:27] ForH3588 IH595 knowH3045 H853 thy rebellionH4805, and thy stiffH7186 neckH6203: beholdH2005, while I am yetH5750 aliveH2416 withH5973 you this dayH3117, ye have beenH1961 rebelliousH4784 againstH5973 the LORDH3068; and howH3588 much moreH637 afterH310 my deathH4194? —> Because he had witnessed for himself, how, that time and time again they rebelled, they bellyached, and they murmured against Father, and he now wanted it as a testimonial witness against them—the kings feared it would also be used as a witness against them.
29:34 Obedience of the Priests.1A34
II Chronicles 29:34 ButH7535 the priestsH3548 wereH1961 too fewH4592, so that they couldH3201 notH3808 flayH6584 H853 allH3605 the burnt offeringsH5930: wherefore their brethrenH251 the LevitesH3881 did helpH2388 them, tillH5704 the workH4399 was endedH3615, and untilH5704 the other priestsH3548 had sanctified themselvesH6942: for the LevitesH3881 were more uprightH3477 in heartH3824 to sanctify themselvesH6942 than the priestsH4880 H3548. —> Again, to prepare, slay and flay each of these animals for sacrifice, it required many men, and there simply was not enough of the sons of Kohath to complete the task, why? The most likely answer, is because, under Hezekiah’s father Ahaz, many of these priests were practicing idolatry, they had allowed themselves, and sadly, some even probably willfully, fell away from Father, in order to be a man-pleaser, instead of being Pleasing to Father. Wow, you say. Again brethren, look around you today, look at the church houses and what they teach, man is no different today then he was several thousand years ago.
29:35 Obedience of the Priests.1A35
II Chronicles 29:35 And alsoH1571 the burnt offeringsH5930 were in abundanceH7230, with the fatH2459 of the peace offeringsH8002, and the drink offeringsH5262 for every burnt offeringH5930. So the serviceH5656 of the houseH1004 of the LORDH3068 was set in orderH3559. —> Numbers 15:1-10 prescribes the number of Drink Offering which were required to be made with every Burnt Offering. Today however, As we read from Paul’s teachings in Hebrews 10, they are no longer acceptable: Hebrews 10:8 AboveG511 when He saidG3004, “SacrificeG2378 andG2532 offeringG4374 andG2532 burnt offeringsG3646 andG2532 offering forG4012 sinG266 Thou wouldestG2309 notG3756, neitherG3761 hadst pleasureG2106 therein” whichG3748 are offeredG4376 byG2596 theG3588 lawG3551; [10:9] ThenG5119 saidG2046 He, “LoG2400, I comeG2240 to doG4160 ThyG4675 willG2307, O GodG2316.” He taketh awayG337 theG3588 firstG4413, thatG2443 He may establishG2476 theG3588 secondG1208. [10:10] ByG1722 the whichG3739 willG2307 we areG2070 sanctifiedG37 throughG1223 theG3588 offeringG4376 of theG3588 bodyG4983 of JesusG2424 ChristG5547 onceG2178 for all. —> As Jesus—Immanuel, Father—the Creator of all things—in the flesh—hung on that cross and died, as soon as He died, His Spirit left His lifeless body and returned Home to Father, and from thence forward, it is an abomination to Father to sacrifice an animal to Him, as He paid the price for all our sins. All we need to do today to be forgiven of each and every one of our sins, is ask Him to forgive us. He no longer desires the sacrifice of an animal and He tells us so in Hosea 6:6, which reads: Hosea 6:6 ForH3588 I desiredH2654 mercyH2617, and notH3808 sacrificeH2077; and the knowledgeH1847 of GodH430 more than burnt offeringsH4480 H5930. XXX .
…service…set in order…=Under Ahaz, Father’s House had suffered to dis-repair and had been looted of all His Holy things and had been replaced with the abominable things of Ahaz, and then the doors had been shut and locked, thus preventing the People of Judah from Honoring, Serving and Worshipping Father.
29:36 Hezekiah’s joy.1A36
II Chronicles 29:36 And HezekiahH3169 rejoicedH8055, and allH3605 the peopleH5971, thatH5921 GodH430 had preparedH3559 the peopleH5971: forH3588 the thingH1697 wasH1961 done suddenlyH6597. —> As we read of Hezekiah leading Judah in their return to Father, know and understand brethren, this was not something which had been planned over a long period of time—unless Hezekiah had been planning this since his father had been king over the Nation and Father’s Word doesn’t mention it. I’m pretty sure—by what we read above in how the People gave and Offered with a joyful heart—that the People were quite happy that Hezekiah was now king and leading the Nation in the right direction—we sure could use this today—October 2022—look around and see what the President—democrat Joe Biden—the democrat controlled Congress and Senate are fostering upon our Country, Godlessness, abortion, homosexuality, pedophilia, and trans-genderism, whereby our children are mulating their bodies.
Oct 2022.
This Bible Study was written by Scott Reis and is provided in order to be used as a private Bible Study Tool. Therefore, it may be copied in whole or in part and shared for private Bible Study; however, it may not be reproduced and published as an original work.
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