For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.
They couldn't celebrate the Passover at the usual time because not enough priests had prepared themselves properly for the ceremony, and the people hadn't gathered together in Jerusalem yet.
The writer is explaining why King Hezekiah had to delay the Passover celebration - because the religious leaders weren't ready and the people hadn't assembled yet.
📚 Historical Context
In the days of King Hezekiah of Judah, the nation was undergoing a revival of true worship after years of spiritual decline and idolatry under previous kings. Hezekiah called for a nationwide Passover celebration, but it had to be delayed because the priests were not yet ritually purified, and the people had not assembled in Jerusalem as required. This event reflects the challenges of restoring faithful observance in a divided and spiritually weakened society.
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