The Politics of Breaking Bread: A Second Chronicles’ Ten Commandments’ Moment

Is it possible both religion and politics can be discussed at dinner? Can there be such a thing as “breaking bread” diplomacy?

King Hezekiah, in the Second Book of Chronicles, masterfully engineered such a meal.  This meal, for the purposes of this blog, amounts to a Ten Commandments’ moment.  While it is intimately related to the Exodus, it also touches on aspects of Ten Commandments’ governance.  Hezekiah’s utilization of the Passover sacrifice transformed it into a call for national unity.

Hezekiah’s actions still reverberate to present day.  One only has to attend a Passover Seder to appreciate that the King’s aspirations still resonate.  The spirit of his goals, however, have been assigned to a guest Prophet.

The Background

Hezekiah, the Judean King,  faced both internal and external challenges. Internally, he sought to reform his nation.  He did so with the renewed centralization of worship at the Jerusalem Temple. Internationally, his nation was threatened by the Assyrian Empire.  The northern Israelite Kingdom had already felt the effects of Assyrian agression.

The Plan

Given the Assyrian threat, King Hezekiah may have sought allies to stave off Assyria.  Thus, his Northern Israelite brethren living outside his dominion were logical allies. Currying these people who shared both a common past and who worshiped the same Israelite God seemed like a logical maneuver in coalition building.

Thus, Hezekiah’s multiple goals synergistically coalesced into a unique opportunity.  His religious reform presented as an opportunity strengthen not only his country’s internal relations but also improve relations with the Israelite tribes outside of Judea.

In essence, the Passover Festival was transformed into an olive branch.  Breaking bread, in this instance, would be in the form of matzos.  Likewise, it would promote patriotism as well. 

The Reform

Before this “breaking bread” moment, King Hezekiah embarked on a project to re-establish the Temple.  Second Chronicles 29:35.   Sacrifices such as the peace offerings and thanksgiving offerings were to take place.  Jerusalem would become a pilgrimage destination.

The Diplomacy

In a diplomatic reach, Hezekiah “sent word to all of Israel and Judah, and also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh to come to the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem to perform the Pesach (Passover) offering to the Lord, God of Israel.”  Second Chronicles 30:1

One can surmise from Chronicles that the event was going to be well attended.  Preparations needed to be made.  As a result, the event was delayed.

It was told that they “established the matter to make an announcement throughout all of Israel…to come and perform the Pesach-offering…because for a long time they had not done it in accordance with that was written.”  Second Chronicles 30:5.

Runners were sent around the land with a letter. It called out: “Return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and He will return to the remnant of you that still remains in the hands of the kings of Assyria.”  Second Chronicles 30:6.

An All Too Relatable Moment

At this point in the story, one would assume that this event would go smoothly.  However, Chronicles tells of an all too relatable moment.  The letter’s runners were laughed at and mocked in Ephraim, Manasseh and Zebulon. There were some, however, who humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.

In Judah, Hezekiah’s message fared better.  It was said that they were instilled with a “united heart to follow the commandment of the king and the leaders concerning the word of the Lord.”  Second Chronicles 30:12.

In the end, the Festival of Matzos (Passover) had a great crowd.  Chronicles specifically notes that some of the outsiders had participated in eating the offering but had not sufficiently purified themselves in order to participate.  It was reported that King Hezekiah prayed for them seeking atonement.  Chronicles reports that the Lord listened to the King and the people were absolved.  2 Chronicles 30:19.

Conclusion

The Chronicles account of King Hezekiah’s efforts for unification during the Festival of Matzos resonates to present.  In spite of further exiles and the eventual destruction of the ancient Israelite states and the two Temples,  the spirit of gathering together for Passover remains.  The Passover Seder offers a moment to conveniently return to religiousity.  No synagogue membership needed. Merely, an invite to go over to another’s home.  Likewise, it presents as a gathering for the nation of Israel to connect.  This is of course enhanced by  Prophet Elijah’s invitation to the meal.  His presence embodies a future.  The final words at the Seder, “next year in Jerusalem” likewise tie into what Hezekiah worked to foster.  Finally, the fact that he was mocked by many should not be overlooked.  Politicians, to achieve results, must take chances.

Be well!!

Please like, follow, share or comment