‏ 2 Chronicles 29

* Hezekiah's good reign in Judah. (1-19) Hezekiah's sacrifice of

atonement. (20-36)

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. 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.