(18) They went in.--Heb., into the interior (p?nimah, "inner part" 2Chronicles 29:16) of the palace.

Hezekiah.--Hizkiyahu. So also in 2Chronicles 29:27; but in 2Chronicles 29:30, Yehizkiyahu. (See Note on 2Chronicles 29:1.)

The altar of burnt offering.--Which Ahaz appears to have superseded (2Kings 16:14-15), besides removing it from its legal position.

And the shewbread table.--Literally, the table of the pile (of sacred cakes). Only one table is here mentioned. (Comp. 1Chronicles 28:16; 2Chronicles 4:8; 2Chronicles 4:19.) The metal work of all the sacred apparatus would be greatly tarnished, if only from neglect, apart from wanton ill usage.

Verse 18. - This and the following verse purport to say that, while all "filthiness" had been swept out and away to Kidron's dark waters, all that had been polluted of the proper furniture of the temple and its worship had now been cleansed and sanctified by those who had been entrusted with the work, and likewise that things misplaced and removed had been replaced, also after cleansing and sanctifying. This is the happy report that the priests bring now to Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 28:24 2Kings 16:14).

29:1-19 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's ordinances, may truly be said to forsake God himself. There are still such neglects, if the word be not duly read and opened, for that was signified by the lighting the lamps, and also if prayers and praise be not offered up, for that was signified by the burning incense. Neglect 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. Let those that do good work, learn to do it well.Then they went in to Hezekiah the king,.... In his palace:

and said, we have cleansed all the house of the Lord; the several parts of it, and apartments belonging to it:

and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof; which they cleansed and scoured, and put in their proper place, and which Ahaz had removed:

and the shewbread table, with all the vessels thereof; which had lain neglected and profaned, but were now put in order.