Joe: Alright, so let's hear it. What's this chapter all about?
Bible Expert: Well, it's about a large-scale religious festival held by King Hezekiah of Judah to celebrate the Passover.
Joe: The Passover? Isn't that when the Israelites celebrate their freedom from slavery?
Bible Expert: That's right. It was established in the time of Moses and it's still celebrated today. The festival was called for by Hezekiah to reunite the northern and southern kingdoms of Judah after a period of conflict and help the people to reconnect with their faith.
Joe: That sounds like a big undertaking! What happened at the festival?
Bible Expert: Well, it was a seven-day event and on the first day, all of the leaders from the northern and southern kingdoms gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate. On the second day, the priests began offering sacrifices and burnt offerings. On the third day, the people began to repent and turn back to God. On the fourth day, the Levites began to sing praises to God and on the fifth day, the people began to make their offerings to God. On the sixth day, Hezekiah made a proclamation throughout all of Judah to come to Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover. On the seventh day, the people of Judah gathered in Jerusalem and celebrated the Passover with feasting, singing, and praising God.
Joe: Wow, that's a lot of planning and a lot of celebrating! How did the people respond?
Bible Expert: Well, it was a huge success. People from all over Judah and even from the northern kingdom of Israel came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The people were so moved by the event that they made a vow to keep the Passover every year from then on.