¹⁸ A large number of the people—many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun—were ritually unclean, yet they had eaten the Passover^(A) contrary to what was written.^(B) But Hezekiah had interceded for them, saying, “May the good Lord provide atonement on behalf of ¹⁹ whoever sets his whole heart on seeking God,^(C) Yahweh, the God of his ancestors, even though not according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.” ²⁰ So the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.^(D)

²⁵ Therefore, He is always able to save^[a] those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede^(A) for them.