In his zeal to make the temple services a real blessing to the people, Hezekiah determined to revive the ancient custom of gathering the Israelites together for the celebration of the Passover Feast.—Prophets and Kings, 335.
On the appointed day the Passover was observed; and the week was spent by the people in offering peace offerings, and in learning what God would have them do. Daily the Levites “taught the good knowledge of the Lord;” and those who had prepared their hearts to seek God, found pardon. A great gladness took possession of the worshiping multitude; “the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments;” all were united in their desire to praise Him who had proved so gracious and merciful.
The seven days usually allotted to the Passover feast passed all too quickly, and the worshipers determined to spend another seven days in learning more fully the way of the Lord. The teaching priests continued their work of instruction from the book of the law; daily the people assembled at the temple to offer their tribute of praise and thanksgiving; and as the great meeting drew to a close, it was evident that God had wrought marvelously in the conversion of backsliding Judah, and in stemming the tide of idolatry which threatened to sweep all before it. The solemn warnings of the prophets had not been uttered in vain. “There was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem.”—Prophets and Kings, 337. RRe 283
“My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.” “They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: ... Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” Isaiah 32:18; 60:18; Isaiah 65:21-22. Hvn 144
The children of Israel
that were present at Jerusalem, kept the feast of unleavened bread seven
days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the
Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the Lord.... And the
whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept
other seven days with gladness. 2 Chronicles 30:21, 23. KJV