John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. And said unto them, hear me, ye Levites; sanctify yourselves , etc.] By washing their bodies and their garments, that no pollution might attend them in their service, (see Isaiah 52:11) and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers ; by carrying out of it all manner of uncleanness, as they did, ( 2 Chronicles 29:16), and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place ; or the abomination; the altar, like that at Damascus, which Ahaz, removing the altar of the Lord, had placed in the court of the priests; or, as Kimchi thinks, an idol, which he had set upon that altar.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-19 - When Hezekiah came to the crown, he applied at once to work reform Those who begin with God, begin at the right end of their work, and it will prosper accordingly. Those that turn their backs upon God' ordinances, may truly be said to forsake God himself. There are stil such neglects, if the word be not duly read and opened, for that wa signified by the lighting the lamps, and also if prayers and praise be not offered up, for that was signified by the burning incense. Neglec of God's worship was the cause of the calamities they had lain under The Lord alone can prepare the heart of man for vital godliness: when much good is done in a little time, the glory must be ascribed to him and all who love him or the souls of men, will rejoice therein. Le those that do good work, learn to do it well.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 להם שׁמעוני8085 הלוים3881 עתה6258 התקדשׁו6942 וקדשׁו6942 את853 בית1004 יהוה3068 אלהי430 אבתיכם1 והוציאו3318 את853 הנדה5079 מן4480 הקדשׁ׃6944
