2 Chronicles 29:36
And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׂמַ֤ח
rejoiced
H8055
וַיִּשְׂמַ֤ח
rejoiced
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
1 of 12
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
יְחִזְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙
And Hezekiah
H3169
יְחִזְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙
And Hezekiah
Strong's:
H3169
Word #:
2 of 12
jechizkijah, the name of five israelites
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לָעָ֑ם
and all the people
H5971
לָעָ֑ם
and all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עַ֛ל
H5921
עַ֛ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַֽהֵכִ֥ין
had prepared
H3559
הַֽהֵכִ֥ין
had prepared
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
that God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
that God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לָעָ֑ם
and all the people
H5971
לָעָ֑ם
and all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
After Ahaz's wicked reign (c. 715 BCE), Hezekiah's immediate reforms produced enthusiastic response. This demonstrated that even after prolonged spiritual darkness, God can suddenly revive His people when hearts are prepared and leadership provides direction.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you recognize God's preparatory work in your spiritual journey - how He readied your heart for truth you now embrace?
- For what 'sudden' work of God are you praying in your church or family that requires divine preparation of hearts?
Analysis & Commentary
The response to Hezekiah's reforms: 'And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly.' The joy came from recognizing God's preparatory work - 'God had prepared the people' (hekin ha'Elohim et-ha'am). The 'suddenness' of revival after years of apostasy demonstrated divine enablement, not human achievement. This teaches that spiritual renewal, though requiring human response, ultimately comes from God preparing hearts. The rejoicing centered on God's work, not human accomplishment. Christ's kingdom advances similarly - God prepares hearts through the Spirit, enabling sudden responses to gospel truth that human effort alone cannot produce.