3 In the first month of the first year of his reign, Hezekiah, having first repaired the doors of The Temple of God, threw them open to the public. 4 He assembled the priests and Levites in the court on the east side 5 and said, "Levites, listen! Consecrate yourselves and consecrate The Temple of God - give this much-defiled place a good housecleaning. 6 Our ancestors went wrong and lived badly before God - they discarded him, turned away from this house where we meet with God, and walked off. 7 They boarded up the doors, turned out the lights, and canceled all the acts of worship of the God of Israel in the holy Temple. 8 And because of that, God's anger flared up and he turned those people into a public exhibit of disaster, a moral history lesson - look and read! 9 This is why our ancestors were killed, and this is why our wives and sons and daughters were taken prisoner and made slaves. 10 "I have decided to make a covenant with the God of Israel and turn history around so that God will no longer be angry with us. 11 Children, don't drag your feet in this! God has chosen you to take your place before him to serve in conducting and leading worship - this is your life work; make sure you do it and do it well."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 29:3-11
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 29:1-19
(Read 2 Chronicles 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.