Today's first reading tells how extensive Hezekiah's reform was. After cleansing the Temple and reestablishing the Passover celebration, the king directed that all of the pagan shrines be destroyed throughout the kingdom. Then, Hezekiah reorganized the priests and Levitical order, insisting on proper roles for each of member of the Levite tribe and appointing leaders.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection describes the final years of the kingdom of Judah before it was conquered by the Babylonians. After a succession of unfaithful kings, the Babylonian armies overrun Judah and ultimately capture Jerusalem and destroy the Temple. They also carry off the remaining people into exile for seventy years. However, 2 Chronicles believes this is simply a Sabbath period, and it ends with a brief coda of hope, announcing the edict which allows the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Chronicles 29-36 today.
