Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Chronicles 30:5

"So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beer-sheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto Jehovah, the God of Israel, at Jerusalem: for they had not kept it in great numbers in such sort as it is written." — 2 Chronicles 30:5 (ASV)

So they established a decree. — And they decreed a proposal (he ‘ĕmîd dâbâr). (Compare to 2 Chronicles 30:8; Psalms 105:10, and hath decreed it unto Jacob for a law.)

To make proclamation. — Literally, to make a voice pass. (Compare to 2 Chronicles 24:9; 2 Chronicles 36:22.)

From Beer-sheba even to Dan. — Reversing the ancient form of the phrase, to suit the present case. (2 Chronicles 19:4.)

For they had not ... written. — Rather, For not in multitude (larôb) had they kept it, according to the Scripture. The people had not been in the habit of coming in their numbers to the feast. (Compare to the similar use of larôb in 2 Chronicles 30:13; 2 Chronicles 30:24.)

See the Law respecting the Passover (Exodus 12:1–20; Deuteronomy 16:1–8). From this, it appears that the obligation to observe it was universal. According to the latter passage, which is probably referred to in the phrase according to what is written, Jerusalem was the only legitimate place for the festival.

It is implied that ever since the division of the kingdom, and perhaps earlier, the Passover had been inadequately celebrated. (Compare to 2 Kings 23:22.)

The Septuagint translates it well: ὅτι πλῆθος οὐκ ἐποίησεν κατὰ τὴν γραφήν; the Vulgate: multi enim non fecerant, sicut lege praescriptum est; and the Syriac and Arabic: because their wealth had grown greatly(!).