1 Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the LORD in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth [day] of the first month.
2 And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,
3 And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; [it shall] not [be] a burden upon [your] shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,
4 And prepare [yourselves] by the houses of your fathers, after your courses, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and according to the writing of Solomon his son.
5 And stand in the holy [place] according to the divisions of the families of the fathers of your brethren the people, and [after] the division of the families of the Levites.
6 So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that [they] may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
7 And Josiah gave to the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all for the passover offerings, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks: these [were] of the king’s substance.
8 And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred [small cattle], and three hundred oxen.
9 Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethaneel, his brethren, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, chief of the Levites, gave unto the Levites for passover offerings five thousand [small cattle], and five hundred oxen.
10 So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their courses, according to the king’s commandment.
11 And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled [the blood] from their hands, and the Levites flayed [them].
12 And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto the LORD, as [it is] written in the book of Moses. And so [did they] with the oxen.
13 And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the [other] holy [offerings] sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided [them] speedily among all the people.
14 And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests: because the priests the sons of Aaron [were busied] in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron.
15 And the singers the sons of Asaph [were] in their place, according to the commandment of David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer; and the porters [waited] at every gate; they might not depart from their service; for their brethren the Levites prepared for them.
16 So all the service of the LORD was prepared the same day, to keep the passover, and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD, according to the commandment of king Josiah.
17 And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.
18 And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.
20 After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him.
21 But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? [I come] not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from [meddling with] God, who [is] with me, that he destroy thee not.
22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
23 And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded.
24 His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in [one of] the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.
25 And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they [are] written in the lamentations.
26 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to [that which was] written in the law of the LORD,
27 And his deeds, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.
Summary of 2 Chronicles Chapter 35
2 Chronicles 35 details the religious reforms and practices instituted by King Josiah, particularly focusing on the celebration of the Passover. This chapter underscores the significance of adherence to the covenant and the importance of collective worship in ancient Israel.
Key Themes
- Restoration of Worship: The chapter emphasizes Josiah’s efforts to restore proper worship practices in Judah.
- Importance of the Passover: The observance of the Passover is highlighted as a key element of Israel’s identity and covenant with God.
- Unity and Community: The gathering of the people for the Passover illustrates the importance of communal worship and unity among the tribes of Israel.
- Obedience to God’s Law: Josiah’s reforms reflect a commitment to following God’s commandments as outlined in the Torah.
Detailed Analysis
1. Josiah’s Reforms and Preparation for Passover (Verses 1-6)
Josiah organizes a grand celebration of the Passover, demonstrating his commitment to restoring the worship of Yahweh. He instructs the priests and Levites to purify themselves and prepare for the festival.
- Josiah gathers the people of Judah and Jerusalem to observe the Passover.
- He commands the priests to sanctify themselves and prepare the house of the Lord.
- Josiah provides for the offerings, ensuring that the sacrifices are abundant.
2. The Celebration of Passover (Verses 7-19)
The chapter describes the actual celebration of the Passover, which is marked by a significant turnout and adherence to the prescribed rituals.
- Josiah offers lambs and goats for the sacrifices.
- The Levites assist in the distribution of the offerings, ensuring that all participants can partake.
- The Passover is celebrated in accordance with the Law of Moses, highlighting the importance of following divine instructions.
- This celebration is noted as one of the most significant since the days of the judges, indicating a revival of spiritual fervor among the people.
3. The Role of the Levites and Priests (Verses 10-15)
The Levites and priests play a crucial role in the observance of the Passover, reflecting their responsibilities in the religious life of Israel.
- The priests are described as being diligent in their duties.
- Levites are tasked with distributing the offerings and ensuring the rituals are conducted properly.
- Their commitment underscores the importance of leadership in spiritual matters.
4. The Significance of the Passover (Verses 16-19)
The chapter concludes with a reflection on the significance of the Passover celebration during Josiah’s reign.
- The observance is noted for its thoroughness and adherence to the Law.
- It serves as a reminder of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
- This Passover is characterized by a spirit of unity and reverence among the people.
Conclusion
2 Chronicles 35 serves as a powerful testament to King Josiah’s dedication to restoring the worship of Yahweh through the observance of the Passover. The chapter emphasizes the importance of communal worship, adherence to God’s commandments, and the role of religious leaders in guiding the people. Josiah’s reforms not only reinvigorated the spiritual life of Judah but also reinforced the identity of the Israelites as God’s chosen people.
