THE KING CHARGES THE LVITES, AND THEY CLEANSE THE HOUSE OF GOD (3) In the first month--i.e., in the month Nisan, the first month of the sacred year; not in the first month of his reign. (Comp. 2Chronicles 29:17 and 2Chronicles 30:23.) Opened the doors.--Which his father had closed (chap. 28:24). And repaired them.--By overlaying them with metal--bronze or gold-leaf (2Kings 18:16). Verse 3. - In the first month; i.e. Nisan, the first month of the calendar year (see vers. 2, 13, 15 of next chapter), not simply the first month of the new king's reign. And repaired them. This repairing of Hezekiah was, unhappily, subsequently undone of his own hands (2 Kings 18:14-16). 29:1-19 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.He in the first year of his reign, in the first month,.... And, as appears from 2 Chronicles 29:17, on the first day of the month:opened the doors of the house of the Lord; which his father had shut, 2 Chronicles 28:24. and repaired them; or strengthened them, the hinges, and other parts of them, being loosened and weakened; and ornamented them by overlaying them with gold, the plates of which very probably his father had taken off; for, certain it is, Hezekiah overlaid them, and very probably at this time, see 2 Kings 18:16. |
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