Josiah Restores the Passover 1Then Josiah kept the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month. 2He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD. 3To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel. 4Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and Solomon his son. 5Moreover, stand in the Holy Place by the divisions of the families of your kinsmen the lay people, and by the divisions of the families of the Levites. 6Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your fellow countrymen to carry out the word of the LORD given bya Moses.” 7From his own flocks and herds Josiah contributed 30,000 lambs and goats plus 3,000 bulls for the Passover offerings for all the people who were present. 8His officials also contributed willingly to the people and priests and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the chief officials of the house of God, gave the priests 2,600 Passover offerings and 300 bulls. 9Additionally, Conaniah and his brothers Shemaiah and Nethanel, as well as Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, officers of the Levites, contributed to the Levites 5,000 Passover offerings and 500 bulls. 10So the service was prepared; the priests stood in their places and the Levites in their divisions according to the king’s command. 11And they slaughtered the Passover lambs, while the priests splattered the blood handed to them and the Levites skinned the animals. 12They set aside the burnt offerings to be given to the divisions of the families of the people to offer to the LORD, as it is written in the Book of Moses. And they did the same with the bulls. 13They roasted the Passover animals on the fire according to the regulation, and they boiled the other holy offerings in pots, kettles, and bowls and quickly brought them to all the people. 14Afterward, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, since the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were offering up burnt offerings and fat until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the priests, the descendants of Aaron. 15The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them. 16So on that day the entire service of the LORD was carried out for celebrating the Passover and offering burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, according to the command of King Josiah. 17The Israelites who were present also observed the Passover at that time, as well as the Feast of Unleavened Breadb for seven days. 18No such Passover had been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel ever observed a Passover like the one that Josiah observed with the priests, the Levites, all Judah, the Israelites who were present, and the people of Jerusalem. 19In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed. The Death of Josiah 20After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Neco king of Egypt marched up to fight at Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him. 21But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty, and God has told me to hurry. So stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!” 22Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo. 23There the archers shot King Josiah, who said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded!” 24So his servants took him out of his chariot, put him in his second chariot, and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. And Josiah was buried in the tomb of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him. Laments over Josiah 25Then Jeremiah lamented over Josiah, and to this day all the male and female singers recite laments over Josiah. They established them as a statute for Israel, and indeed they are written in the Book of Laments. 26As for the rest of the acts of Josiah and his deeds of loving devotion according to what is written in the Law of the LORD— 27his acts from beginning to end—they are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. Footnotes: 6 a Hebrew the word of the LORD by the hand of 17 b That is, the seven-day period after the Passover during which no leaven may be eaten; see Exodus 12:14–20. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Chronicles 35 Summary Josiah Restores the PassoverVerses 1–6 – Preparation and Slaughter of the Passover Verses 7–9 – Royal and Official Contributions Verses 10–15 – Orderly Ministry in the Temple Verses 16–19 – A Passover Like No Other Verses 20–24 – Josiah Wounded at Megiddo Verses 25–27 – National Mourning and the Record of Josiah’s Deeds In 2 Chronicles 35, we witness a remarkable display of religious dedication and transformation led by King Josiah of Judah. In the heart of Jerusalem, the king orchestrates a Passover celebration unparalleled in its dedication to God's command. However, despite Josiah's fervor, his life meets an abrupt end when he fails to heed divine warnings, ultimately leading to a profound shift in Judah's fate. Historical Setting • Date: 623 BC for the Passover (Josiah’s eighteenth year, 2 Chronicles 34:8) and 609 BC for his death. • International scene: Assyria is collapsing; Babylon is rising; Egypt tries to shore up Assyria by moving north through Judah’s coastal plain. • Judah’s spiritual climate: Idolatry had been purged (34:3-7). The rediscovered Book of the Law (34:14-19) fuels this return to covenant faithfulness. Why the First-Month Passover? Exodus 12:2 sets the timing. Hezekiah held an emergency second-month Passover (30:1-3), but Josiah restores the original date, signaling full alignment with the Torah rather than convenience. Passover Logistics 1. Animals supplied: about 37,600 (32,600 small livestock, 5,600 cattle). 2. Division of labor: – Priests sprinkle the blood (Numbers 18:7). – Levites skin and roast the lambs (2 Chronicles 35:11). – Singers and trumpeters provide continuous praise (35:15). 3. Crowd control: Gatekeepers prevent impurity from entering (35:15; 1 Chronicles 9:17-27). Scripture Links • Exodus 12; Leviticus 23:5-8 – blueprint for Passover. • Deuteronomy 16:5-6 – one central sanctuary; Josiah obeys. • 2 Kings 23:21-23 – parallel account confirms scale and zeal. • 1 Corinthians 5:7 – Christ our Passover Lamb, the ultimate fulfillment. • Jeremiah 22:15-16 – later reflection on Josiah’s justice. Archaeological Notes • Megiddo: excavations reveal broad battlefields and Egyptian inscriptions, matching a likely route for Neco’s forces along the Via Maris. • Seventh-century BC Judean bullae (seal impressions) mention royal officials whose titles mirror those listed in vv. 8-9. • Temple-area refuse piles from this era contain vast animal-bone deposits, consistent with mass sacrifices. Lessons from Josiah’s Passover • Leadership matters: one devoted king can rally a nation. • Scripture first: reforms follow the written Word, not trends. • Generosity enables worship: Josiah and the officials make sure the poorest families lack nothing. • Order in worship: clear roles for priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers foster both reverence and joy. • Obedience has limits: zeal must remain open to God’s current guidance—Josiah’s refusal to heed Neco’s warning cost him his life. Josiah’s Death: Human Courage, Divine Mystery Pharaoh Neco’s message, “God has ordered me to hurry” (v. 21), echoes 2 Chronicles’ theme that God can speak through unexpected mouths (cf. 35:22; 2 Chronicles 25:8). Josiah’s disguise recalls Ahab’s fatal tactic (18:29-34), suggesting that ignoring prophetic warning leads to similar ends. Jeremiah’s Lament Jeremiah 22:10 hints at this national grief. Ancient Jewish tradition connects the Book of Laments mentioned in v. 25 with early versions of the Book of Lamentations, though the canonical Lamentations centers on Jerusalem’s later fall. Chronological Ripple Effect Josiah’s death removes Judah’s last godly king, setting the stage for Babylonian conquest (2 Chronicles 36). His son Jehoahaz reigns only three months before Egypt deposes him, showing how quickly a nation can unravel when righteous leadership ends. Takeaways for Today • Celebrate redemption—Passover foreshadows the cross, reminding believers to keep Christ’s sacrifice central. • Read Scripture personally and corporately—revival blossoms when God’s Word is opened. • Stay teachable—past faithfulness does not excuse present stubbornness. • Mourn rightly—lament, as Jeremiah did, is a fitting response to loss and national decline, and it can keep hearts soft before God. Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 12:1-14The original institution of the Passover, providing context for Josiah's celebration. 2 Kings 23:21-23 A parallel account of Josiah's Passover, emphasizing his adherence to the Law. Romans 12:1 Encouragement to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, highlighting the importance of worship in our daily lives. Hebrews 10:24-25 The call to not forsake assembling together, reinforcing the value of communal worship. Teaching Points Josiah's Commitment to the CovenantJosiah's leadership was marked by a deep commitment to the covenant with God. He initiated a nationwide Passover celebration, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 35:1, Josiah celebrated the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month. Attention to Detail in Worship Josiah's meticulous attention to detail in organizing the Passover (2 Chronicles 35:2-6) underscores the importance of reverence and order in worship. He appointed priests and Levites, ensuring that everything was done according to the Law of Moses. Unity and Participation The chapter highlights the unity and participation of all Judah and Israel in the Passover (2 Chronicles 35:17-18). This collective worship experience strengthened the community's faith and commitment to God. Tragic End of a Righteous King Despite Josiah's faithfulness, his life ended tragically in battle against Pharaoh Neco (2 Chronicles 35:20-24). This serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need for continual reliance on God. Practical Applications Prioritize WorshipLike Josiah, we should prioritize worship in our lives, ensuring that it is conducted with reverence and in accordance with God's Word. Lead by Example Whether in our families, churches, or communities, we can lead by example, encouraging others to follow God's commands and participate in communal worship. Seek Unity in the Body of Christ Strive for unity and collective participation in worship and service, recognizing the strength that comes from a united community of believers. Trust in God's Sovereignty Even when life takes unexpected turns, trust in God's sovereignty and remain faithful to His calling. People 1. JosiahJosiah is the central figure in 2 Chronicles 35. He is the King of Judah who reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. Josiah is noted for his religious reforms and his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh, including the celebration of the Passover as described in this chapter. The Hebrew root of his name, יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ (Yoshiyahu), means "Yahweh supports" or "Yahweh heals." 2. The Levites The Levites are the members of the tribe of Levi, who were set apart for religious duties and temple service. In this chapter, they are responsible for preparing the Passover lambs and assisting in the worship. The Hebrew root לֵוִי (Levi) is associated with the idea of being joined or attached, reflecting their role in connecting the people with God through worship. 3. The Priests The priests, descendants of Aaron, are responsible for conducting the sacrifices and overseeing the religious ceremonies. They play a crucial role in the Passover celebration, ensuring that the rituals are performed according to the Law of Moses. 4. The People of Jerusalem The inhabitants of Jerusalem, including the common people, are participants in the Passover celebration. They are gathered to observe the festival as commanded in the Law, highlighting the communal aspect of worship in ancient Israel. 5. Pharaoh Neco Pharaoh Neco is the king of Egypt who appears later in the chapter. He is involved in a conflict with Josiah, which ultimately leads to Josiah's death. The Hebrew name נְכוֹ (Neco) is derived from Egyptian origins, reflecting the historical interactions between Egypt and Judah. Places 1. JerusalemThis is the central location where King Josiah celebrated the Passover. Jerusalem, known as "Yerushalayim" in Hebrew, was the spiritual and political center of Judah. In 2 Chronicles 35:1, it is noted that Josiah kept the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem. 2. House of the LORD Referring to the Temple in Jerusalem, this is where the Passover lambs were slaughtered. The Hebrew term "Beit Yahweh" signifies the dwelling place of God, emphasizing the sacredness of the location. In 2 Chronicles 35:3, the Levites are instructed to place the holy ark in the house built by Solomon. 3. Megiddo This is the location where King Josiah was fatally wounded in battle against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt. Megiddo, known in Hebrew as "Megiddon," is a significant site in biblical history, often associated with battles. In 2 Chronicles 35:22, Josiah goes to fight at Megiddo, where he meets his demise. Events 1. Josiah Celebrates the PassoverKing Josiah organizes a grand Passover celebration in Jerusalem. He instructs the Levites to prepare the Ark of the Covenant and encourages them to serve the LORD and His people, Israel. This event emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Law of Moses and the covenant relationship with God. 2. Sacrifices and Offerings Josiah provides the people with lambs and goats for the Passover offerings, totaling 30,000, along with 3,000 cattle. The leaders and officials also contribute generously to ensure that all the people can participate in the feast. This reflects the communal and sacrificial nature of worship in ancient Israel. 3. Priests and Levites at Their Posts The priests and Levites are organized according to their divisions and duties as prescribed by King David. They are responsible for slaughtering the Passover lambs and ensuring that everything is done according to the Law. This highlights the importance of order and obedience in worship. 4. The Passover Meal The Passover meal is prepared and distributed among the people. The Levites cook the offerings and distribute them to the people, while the priests sprinkle the blood from the sacrifices. This event underscores the significance of the Passover as a remembrance of God's deliverance from Egypt. 5. Celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread Following the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread is celebrated for seven days. This continuation of the festival emphasizes the ongoing commitment to purity and separation from sin, as symbolized by unleavened bread. 6. Josiah's Righteousness The text notes that such a Passover had not been observed since the days of the prophet Samuel, and none of the kings of Israel had celebrated it as Josiah did. This highlights Josiah's dedication to restoring true worship and his righteousness as a king. 7. Josiah's Death in Battle Despite his faithfulness, Josiah goes to battle against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt and is mortally wounded. He is brought back to Jerusalem, where he dies and is buried. This event serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities of divine providence and human decision-making. 8. Mourning for Josiah The people of Judah and Jerusalem mourn for Josiah, and the prophet Jeremiah composes laments for him. This reflects the deep impact of Josiah's leadership and the sorrow over his untimely death. Topics 1. Josiah Celebrates the PassoverJosiah organizes a grand celebration of the Passover in Jerusalem, emphasizing adherence to the Law of Moses. The text highlights the meticulous preparation and dedication to following the prescribed rituals. The Hebrew root for "Passover" (פֶּסַח, Pesach) signifies the importance of this observance as a remembrance of God's deliverance. 2. Provision for the Passover Offerings Josiah provides generously for the Passover offerings, including lambs and goats, to ensure that all the people can participate. This act of provision underscores the king's commitment to worship and community. The Hebrew term for "offering" (קָרְבָּן, korban) reflects the concept of drawing near to God through sacrifice. 3. The Role of the Priests and Levites The priests and Levites are organized and instructed to perform their duties according to the Law. This section highlights the importance of order and reverence in worship. The Hebrew word for "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen) and "Levite" (לֵוִי, Levi) emphasize their sacred roles in leading the people in worship. 4. The Observance of the Passover The Passover is observed with great care and attention to detail, as prescribed in the Law. The narrative notes that such a Passover had not been celebrated in this manner since the days of the prophet Samuel. This underscores the revival of true worship under Josiah's reign. 5. Josiah's Death in Battle Josiah's encounter with Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo leads to his death, despite warnings from God delivered through Neco. This event marks a turning point and serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of not heeding divine warnings. The Hebrew name "Megiddo" (מְגִדּוֹ, Megiddo) is significant as a site of conflict and prophecy. 6. Lamentation for Josiah The nation mourns Josiah's death, and the prophet Jeremiah composes laments for him. This section highlights the deep impact of Josiah's leadership and the sorrow felt by the people. The Hebrew root for "lament" (קִינָה, qinah) conveys the profound grief and loss experienced by the nation. Themes 1. Observance of the PassoverThe chapter highlights the meticulous observance of the Passover by King Josiah, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's commandments. The Passover is described as being kept "as it is written in the Book of the Covenant" (2 Chronicles 35:12), underscoring the theme of obedience to divine law. The Hebrew root for "Passover" (פֶּסַח, pesach) signifies the act of passing over, reflecting God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt. 2. Leadership and Reform Josiah's leadership is a central theme, as he organizes the priests and Levites, ensuring that the Passover is celebrated correctly. His actions demonstrate the role of godly leadership in guiding the people back to proper worship. The text states, "Josiah provided for all the lay people who were present a total of thirty thousand lambs and goats for the Passover offerings" (2 Chronicles 35:7), illustrating his commitment to religious reform. 3. Community Worship The chapter emphasizes communal participation in worship, as all of Judah and Israel present in Jerusalem partake in the Passover. This collective observance highlights the unity and shared faith of the people. The phrase "all the people of the land" (2 Chronicles 35:18) reflects the inclusive nature of this worship, rooted in the Hebrew word עַם ('am), meaning people or nation. 4. Faithfulness to Tradition The narrative underscores the importance of maintaining religious traditions as established by previous generations. Josiah's Passover is compared to those of Hezekiah and Solomon, indicating a return to the faithful practices of the past. The text notes, "No Passover like it had been kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet" (2 Chronicles 35:18), highlighting the significance of continuity in worship. 5. Divine Favor and Blessing The chapter suggests that adherence to God's commands brings divine favor and blessing. Josiah's efforts to restore proper worship are portrayed as pleasing to God, reflecting the belief that obedience leads to spiritual and communal prosperity. The Hebrew concept of blessing (בְּרָכָה, berakah) is implicit in the successful celebration of the Passover. 6. Tragic Consequences of Disobedience Despite Josiah's faithfulness, his decision to engage in battle against Pharaoh Neco results in his death, illustrating the theme of the tragic consequences of disobedience to divine warnings. The text recounts, "But Josiah did not turn away from him; instead, he disguised himself to fight against him" (2 Chronicles 35:22), highlighting the peril of ignoring prophetic counsel. 7. Legacy and Remembrance The chapter concludes with the mourning of Josiah's death and the remembrance of his deeds, emphasizing the theme of legacy. The lamentations composed by Jeremiah and the people's mourning reflect the impact of Josiah's life and leadership. The Hebrew root זָכַר (zakar), meaning to remember, is central to understanding the importance of legacy in the biblical narrative. Answering Tough Questions 1. How could 2 Chronicles 35:7’s massive number of sacrificed animals (30,000 lambs and goats) be logistically and historically feasible? 4. Why would Josiah ignore Necho’s explicit warning in 2 Chronicles 35:21 if it was truly from God? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Josiah's celebration of the Passover demonstrate his dedication to God? What can we learn from this? 2. Josiah's reform is marked by his attention to detail. How can we apply such meticulousness in our spiritual life? 3. Contrast the actions of Josiah and the Levites in preparing for the Passover. What role does leadership play in religious observance? 4. How might the response of the people of Judah to Josiah's Passover celebration compare to the response of modern society to religious events? 5. Despite Josiah's devotion, he failed to heed a divine warning. Why do you think he made this mistake? What lesson can we draw from this? 6. Josiah ignored a divine warning delivered through an 'enemy,' Pharaoh Neco. How should we approach truth or divine warnings, even when they come from unexpected sources? 7. Discuss the consequences of Josiah's decision to confront Pharaoh Neco. How does this incident serve as a warning for us today? 8. In today's world, how can we discern between genuine divine warnings and false alarms? 9. What does Josiah's death teach us about the unpredictability of life and the importance of continuous obedience to God? 10. How did Josiah's death impact the nation of Judah? Can the actions of a single person significantly affect an entire community or nation today? 11. Reflect on the role of the prophet Jeremiah in this chapter. How does his lament for Josiah underline the gravity of the king's death? 12. How might we react to a leader's death today, like the people of Judah reacted to Josiah's death? 13. How can we ensure our dedication to God does not waver like Josiah's did during his encounter with Pharaoh Neco? 14. How does the story of Josiah encourage us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions? 15. How can we ensure our obedience to God is consistent, as opposed to wavering in different circumstances? 16. How does 2 Chronicles 35 illuminate the importance of a leader's spiritual commitment for their community or nation? 17. In what ways can we apply the lessons from Josiah's life and death to our own spiritual journey? 18. Josiah died despite his zealous dedication to God. How should we understand and reconcile this event with our beliefs about divine protection? 19. In modern terms, what would a revival like Josiah's look like in our communities? 20. How might you act differently in your spiritual life having studied the life and death of King Josiah? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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