(24) Did give . . . gave.--Had presented (Exodus 35:24)--scil., for sacrifice as a t?r-m?h, or "heave offering." The gifts of king and princes for the Mazzoth festival were so abundant that they sufficed not only for the feast itself, but also for an additional week of rejoicing.
And a great number of priests.--Literally, and priests had sanctified themselves in multitude, or to abundance. The priests no longer hung back as they had done previously (2 Chronicles 30:3; 2 Chronicles 30:15; 2 Chronicles 29:34). There was now no lack of persons duly purified for the sacrifice of so many victims.
Verse 24. - Did give. This is an inadequate rendering. Revised Version reads, did give for offerings; others read, "gave as an heave offering." In the light of our 2 Chronicles 35:7-9, the Revised Version rendering seems sufficient.
30:21-27 Many prayers were put up to God with the peace-offerings. In these Israel looked to God as the God of their fathers, a God in covenant with them. There was also abundance of good preaching. The Levites read and explained the Scriptures. Faith cometh by hearing, and true religion preaching has abounded. They sang psalms every day: praising God should be much of our work in religious assemblies. Having kept the seven days of the feast in this religious manner, they had so much comfort in it, that they kept other seven days also. This they did with gladness. Holy duties should be done with holy gladness. And when sinners humble themselves before the Lord, they may expect gladness in his ordinances. Those who taste this happiness will not soon grow weary of it, but will be glad to prolong their enjoyment.
For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation one thousand bullocks, and seven thousand sheep,.... He separated them, as Kimchi interprets it, from his own herds and flocks; or out of his own substance, at his own expense purchased them; or lifted them up, as the word signifies, as heave offerings to the Lord; and gave them to the people for thank offerings to feast upon:
and the princes gave to the congregation one thousand bullocks, and ten thousand sheep: for the same purposes, following the king's example:
and a great number of priests sanctified themselves; besides those who had before, that they might be fit to offer this great number of sacrifices.
And a great number of priests.--Literally, and priests had sanctified themselves in multitude, or to abundance. The priests no longer hung back as they had done previously (2 Chronicles 30:3; 2 Chronicles 30:15; 2 Chronicles 29:34). There was now no lack of persons duly purified for the sacrifice of so many victims.
and the princes gave to the congregation one thousand bullocks, and ten thousand sheep: for the same purposes, following the king's example:
and a great number of priests sanctified themselves; besides those who had before, that they might be fit to offer this great number of sacrifices.