King Hezekiah decided to celebrate the Passover which hadn't been done for many years. However it was celebrated a month late because neither priests or people were prepared earlier. Hezekiah sent out a proclamation to all Judah and Israel calling everyone to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. He called on all who had escaped Assyrian exile to not be stiff-necked but to submit to the Lord. However many people in Israel scorned and ridiculed the messengers, but some humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem. There was unity in Judah to follow the way of the Lord. So a large crowd gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover and accompanying Feast of Unleavened Bread. They slaughtered the Passover lambs and offered up burnt offerings in the temple. Hezekiah interceded for those from northern Israel who had not come adequately prepared and God forgave them. After the Passover the people celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for twice as long as usual such was the happiness and rejoicing! Hezekiah provided 1,000 bulls plus 7,000 sheep and goats and the officials provided 1,000 bulls and 10,000 sheep and goats, and there was great jubilation. There had been nothing like this since the days of Solomon.
Amém!
ReplyDeleteRoberto Tiburtino da Silva.