Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the LORD’s house at Jerusalem, to keep the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 1. Manasses. The pious king thought he might give a general invitation, without umbrage. King Osee was not so impious as his predecessors. 4 Kennicott. 17:2. Afflictions had made his people more docile. The Jews say ( Calmet.) that the golden calves had been taken away by the Assyrians, and that the king removed the guards, which had been placed to hinder his subjects from repairing to Jerusalem. Menochius. Salien, A. 3305.—Ezechias writes privately to the house of Joseph, as the people were prouder on account of the royal dignity. Saint Jerome Trad.