17. Since many of the people had not purified themselves, the Levites had to slaughter their Passover lamb for them, to set them apart for the lord.
18. Most of those who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not purified themselves. But King Hezekiah prayed for them, and they were allowed to eat the Passover meal anyway, even though this was contrary to the requirements of the Law. For Hezekiah said, “May the lord, who is good, pardon those
19. who decide to follow the lord, the God of their ancestors, even though they are not properly cleansed for the ceremony.”
20. And the lord listened to Hezekiah’s prayer and healed the people.
21. So the people of Israel who were present in Jerusalem joyously celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days. Each day the Levites and priests sang to the lord, accompanied by loud instruments.
22. Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites regarding the skill they displayed as they served the lord. The celebration continued for seven days. Peace offerings were sacrificed, and the people gave thanks to the lord, the God of their ancestors.
23. The entire assembly then decided to continue the festival another seven days, so they celebrated joyfully for another week.
24. King Hezekiah gave the people 1,000 bulls and 7,000 sheep and goats for offerings, and the officials donated 1,000 bulls and 10,000 sheep and goats. Meanwhile, many more priests purified themselves.
25. The entire assembly of Judah rejoiced, including the priests, the Levites, all who came from the land of Israel, the foreigners who came to the festival, and all those who lived in Judah.
26. There was great joy in the city, for Jerusalem had not seen a celebration like this one since the days of Solomon, King David’s son.
27. Then the priests and Levites stood and blessed the people, and God heard their prayer from his holy dwelling in heaven.