29:1 Hezekiah’s profile is found in 2 Kings 18, p. 497.
29:11 The Levites, chosen by God to serve in the Temple, had been kept from their duties by Ahaz’s wickedness (28:24). But Hezekiah called them back into service, reminding them that the Lord had chosen them to minister.
We may not have to face a wicked king, but pressures or responsibilities can render us inactive and ineffective. When you have been given the responsibility to minister, don’t neglect your duty. If you have become inactive in Christian service, either by choice or by circumstance, look for opportunities to minister (and listen to the “Hezekiahs”) God will send your way. Then, like the Levites, be ready for action (29:12-15).
29:21 Throughout the Old Testament, the sacrifice was God’s appointed way of approaching him and restoring a right relationship with him. The sin offering made by Hezekiah was a sacrifice given to God for forgiveness for unintentional sins. (For more information on why God required sacrifices and how they were carried out, see the notes in Leviticus 1.)
29:22 The blood sprinkled on the altar represented the innocence of the sacrificed animal taking the place of the person making the offering. The animal died so the sinner could live. This ritual looked forward to the day when Jesus Christ, God’s perfect Son, would sacrifice his innocent life on the cross in order that the sinful and guilty human race might be spared the punishment it deserves (Hebrews 10:1-14).
29:30 A seer was someone who received messages from God for the nation through visions or dreams.
29:31 A thank (or peace) offering was given as an expression of gratitude to God. It symbolized restored peace and fellowship with God.