This verse from 2 Chronicles 29:36 is a joyous reflection on the swift and effective religious reforms enacted by King Hezekiah. Let's break it down:
"Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced..." This highlights the widespread enthusiasm and happiness surrounding the changes that had been made. Hezekiah, as king, led the charge, and the people wholeheartedly supported him. Their joy suggests a feeling of spiritual renewal and liberation from the previous period of idolatry and neglect of God's worship.
"...because of that which God had prepared for the people..." This acknowledges that the success of the reforms was attributed to God's intervention and guidance. They believed that the willingness of the people to repent and the speed with which the Temple was cleansed and rededicated were divinely inspired. God had set the stage for this spiritual revival.
"...for the thing was done suddenly." This emphasizes the remarkable speed and efficiency of the reforms. It wasn't a long, drawn-out process, but rather a rapid transformation. This suddenness was likely seen as a sign of God's favor and power at work. It highlights the urgency with which Hezekiah approached the restoration of proper worship and the eagerness of the people to return to God.
In essence, the verse means:
King Hezekiah and all the people were overjoyed because they recognized that the successful and rapid reforms were a direct result of God's preparation and intervention. The speed and completeness of the restoration were seen as evidence of God's blessing and His desire to restore His relationship with His people. It was a moment of great spiritual renewal and national rejoicing.
This verse from 2 Chronicles 29:36 is a joyous reflection on the swift and effective religious reforms enacted by King Hezekiah. Let's break it down:
"Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced..." This highlights the widespread enthusiasm and happiness surrounding the changes that had been made. Hezekiah, as king, led the charge, and the people wholeheartedly supported him. Their joy suggests a feeling of spiritual renewal and liberation from the previous period of idolatry and neglect of God's worship.
"...because of that which God had prepared for the people..." This acknowledges that the success of the reforms was attributed to God's intervention and guidance. They believed that the willingness of the people to repent and the speed with which the Temple was cleansed and rededicated were divinely inspired. God had set the stage for this spiritual revival.
"...for the thing was done suddenly." This emphasizes the remarkable speed and efficiency of the reforms. It wasn't a long, drawn-out process, but rather a rapid transformation. This suddenness was likely seen as a sign of God's favor and power at work. It highlights the urgency with which Hezekiah approached the restoration of proper worship and the eagerness of the people to return to God.
In essence, the verse means:
King Hezekiah and all the people were overjoyed because they recognized that the successful and rapid reforms were a direct result of God's preparation and intervention. The speed and completeness of the restoration were seen as evidence of God's blessing and His desire to restore His relationship with His people. It was a moment of great spiritual renewal and national rejoicing.