One verse. Three ways to understand.
The whole community of Judah celebrated joyfully, along with the priests and Levites, and all the people who came from Israel, including foreigners who had come from Israel and those living in Judah.
This verse describes a moment of unity and joy where all people - locals, visitors, and even foreigners - came together to celebrate God.
These are AI-assisted adaptations, not separate Bible editions. Compare them with the KJV source and read our methodology. How these readings are made →
Read the KJV source
King James Version · EnglishAnd all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced.Ask the AI Assistant
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📚 Historical Context
In the 8th century BC, King Hezekiah of Judah initiated a major religious reform by reopening the Temple and restoring proper worship practices after years of neglect under previous kings. He extended invitations to people from both Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel, which had recently been conquered by Assyria, encouraging a unified celebration of Passover to foster spiritual renewal. This gathering included priests, Levites, native residents, and even foreigners living in Judah, symbolizing a broad community coming together in joy and devotion.