How does 2 Chronicles 35:12 demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions? Setting the Scene • King Josiah is restoring true worship after years of national neglect. • The Passover preparations in 2 Chronicles 35 show priests, Levites, and lay people working together—each strictly within God-assigned roles. • Verse 12 zooms in on the Levites’ care to arrange the burnt offerings “as it is written in the Book of Moses.” The Verse Up Close “ They set aside the burnt offerings to give them 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.” (2 Chronicles 35:12) Key phrases: • “set aside” – deliberate, orderly handling of holy things. • “divisions of the families” – every household receives its portion exactly as instructed in Exodus 12 and Leviticus 1. • “as it is written” – explicit appeal to God’s Word, not human tradition. Observations on Obedience • Scripture supplies the blueprint; Israel supplies the obedience. • The Levites resist shortcuts—no mixing roles, no freelancing. • Their careful distribution guards both purity of worship and unity among worshipers. • Obedience here is relational: honoring the covenant Lord by doing what He said, how He said it. Other Passages Echoing the Principle • Exodus 12:11 – Passover regulations given “in haste” yet to be followed exactly. • Leviticus 10:1-3 – Nadab and Abihu’s unauthorized fire shows the cost of ignoring God’s pattern. • Deuteronomy 12:32 – “You shall not add to it nor take away from it.” • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Why It Mattered Then • Faithfulness safeguarded the people from judgment (2 Chronicles 35:21-24 contrasts Josiah’s later misstep). • Exact obedience ensured each family could partake—no one was overlooked. • The nation experienced unprecedented joy (35:18-19) because God’s order fosters blessing. Why It Matters Now • God’s instructions remain clear and authoritative; ignoring them still carries consequences (Galatians 6:7-8). • Careful obedience guards doctrinal purity in the church (2 Timothy 1:13). • Following God’s pattern displays love and reverence, strengthening communal worship and personal faith. |
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