Lexical Summary miphlaggah: Division, separation Original Word: מִפְלַגָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance division From palag; a classification -- division. see HEBREW palag NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom palag Definition a division NASB Translation sections (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִפְלַגָּה] noun feminine id.; plural absolute מִפְלַגּוֺת2Chronicles 35:12. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrence and Setting The term appears once, in the description of King Josiah’s Passover: “They set aside the burnt offerings to give them to the divisions of the ancestral families of the people to sacrifice to the LORD, as is written in the Book of Moses” (2 Chronicles 35:12). Here מִפְלַגָּה signifies organized groupings—family-based units through which the offerings were apportioned. Historical Context Josiah’s reform (circa 622 BC) followed the rediscovery of the Law (2 Kings 22). The celebration of Passover in 2 Chronicles 35 restored covenant fidelity after decades of syncretism. By reviving Moses’ prescriptions, Josiah re-established both theological orthodoxy and practical order. The unique use of מִפְלַגָּה underscores how meticulously the Chronicler records the re-implementation of proper structures. Priestly and Levitical Organization The Levites handled the slaughter (2 Chronicles 35:11), then distributed portions “to the divisions of the ancestral families.” This mirrors the twenty-four priestly courses in 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 and reflects Numbers 3:6-9, where Levites are appointed to assist Aaron. Ordered service prevented confusion, ensured every household’s participation, and guarded the sanctity of the ceremony. Theology of Ordered Worship 1. Covenant Participation: By allotting sacrifices according to family divisions, the Passover affirmed that redemption is both communal and personal (Exodus 12:3-4). Christological Foreshadowing The careful distribution of sacrificial flesh prefigures the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose benefits are “apportioned” to every nation, tribe, people, and tongue (Revelation 7:9-14). As Josiah’s Passover looked back to Exodus deliverance, it also looked forward to the greater redemption accomplished at the cross (John 1:29). Practical Ministry Lessons • Order Enables Worship: Congregational structures—elders, deacons, ministry teams—exist to facilitate, not hinder, devotion (Acts 6:1-4). Continuity and Consistency of Scripture Moses prescribed it, Chronicles records its revival, and the New Testament consummates it in Christ. From Sinai to Golgotha, the Lord consistently reveals Himself as a God of order, covenant faithfulness, and gracious provision. Key References for Further Study Exodus 12; Numbers 3:6-9; 1 Chronicles 24:1-19; 2 Chronicles 35:1-19; Luke 1:5-9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:11-16; Revelation 7:9-14. Forms and Transliterations לְמִפְלַגּ֤וֹת למפלגות lə·mip̄·lag·gō·wṯ lemiflagGot ləmip̄laggōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 35:12 HEB: הָעֹלָ֜ה לְ֠תִתָּם לְמִפְלַגּ֤וֹת לְבֵית־ אָבוֹת֙ NAS: that [they] might give them to the sections of the fathers' KJV: that they might give according to the divisions of the families INT: the burnt give to the sections households of the fathers' 1 Occurrence |
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