2 Chronicles 29:11
My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.
Original Language Analysis
בָּנַ֕י
My sons
H1121
בָּנַ֕י
My sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַתָּ֖ה
H6258
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
3 of 15
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֗ה
for the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַֽעֲמֹ֤ד
you to stand
H5975
לַֽעֲמֹ֤ד
you to stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
9 of 15
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְפָנָיו֙
before
H6440
לְפָנָיו֙
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מְשָֽׁרְתִ֥ים
him and that ye should minister
H8334
מְשָֽׁרְתִ֥ים
him and that ye should minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
11 of 15
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
וְלִֽהְי֥וֹת
H1961
וְלִֽהְי֥וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
Hezekiah's reforms (c. 715 BCE) reversed his father Ahaz's wickedness, which included closing the temple and promoting idolatry. The Levites' response (29:12-19) demonstrated that even after apostasy, faithful remnants remain who respond to calls for renewal.
Questions for Reflection
- How might you be 'negligent' in your calling as part of God's chosen priesthood of believers?
- What does it mean practically to 'stand before God' and 'serve Him' in your daily life?
Analysis & Commentary
Hezekiah's charge to the Levites 'My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense' recalls priests to their covenant calling. After Ahaz's apostasy, the temple was defiled and worship ceased. Hezekiah's reforms begin with restoring proper worship and reminding Levites of their divine election ('the LORD hath chosen you'). The threefold description of priestly duty - stand before, serve, minister - emphasizes worship's sacred privilege and responsibility. This points to New Testament believers who are chosen as royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) to offer spiritual sacrifices.