ezekiah's good reign in Judah. (1-19) Hezekiah's sacrifice of
atonement. (20-36)
Verses 1-19: When Hezekiah came to the crown, he applied at once to
work reform. Those who begin with God, begin at the right end of
their work, and it will prosper accordingly. Those that turn
their backs upon God's ordinances, may truly be said to forsake
God himself. There are still such neglects, if the word be not
duly read and opened, for that was signified by the lighting the
lamps, and also if prayers and praise be not offered up, for
that was signified by the burning incense. Neglect of God's
worship was the cause of the calamities they had lain under. The
Lord alone can prepare the heart of man for vital godliness:
when much good is done in a little time, the glory must be
ascribed to him; and all who love him or the souls of men, will
rejoice therein. Let those that do good work, learn to do it
well.
Verses 20-36: As soon as Hezekiah heard that the temple was ready, he
lost no time. Atonement must be made for the sins of the last
reign. It was not enough to lament and forsake those sins; they
brought a sin-offering. Our repentance and reformation will not
obtain pardon but in and through Christ, who was made sin, that
is, a sin-offering for us. While the offerings were on the
altar, the Levites sang. Sorrow for sin must not prevent us from
praising God. The king and the congregation gave their consent
to all that was done. It is not enough for us to be where God is
worshipped, if we do not ourselves worship with the heart. And
we should offer up our spiritual sacrifices of praise and
thanksgiving, and devote ourselves and all we have, as
sacrifices, acceptable to the Father only through the Redeemer.
ezekiah's good reign in Judah. (1-19) Hezekiah's sacrifice of
atonement. (20-36)