In what ways does 2 Chronicles 35:6 connect to the Passover instructions in Exodus? Setting the Scene in 2 Chronicles 35 - King Josiah is restoring temple worship after decades of neglect (2 Chronicles 34–35). - He calls Israel back to the covenant by keeping the Passover “as it is written in the Book of the Covenant” (2 Chronicles 35:18). The Command in 2 Chronicles 35:6 “Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your brothers to carry out the word of the LORD through Moses.” Direct Echoes of Exodus Passover Instructions • Slaughtering the lambs – Exodus 12:6 “You are to keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel will slaughter the lambs at twilight.” – 2 Chronicles 35:6 repeats the same core action: deliberate, corporate slaughter of the Passover lambs. • Acting “according to the word of the LORD through Moses” – Exodus 12:1 – 13:10 lays out Moses’ divinely given blueprint. – Josiah’s priests and Levites consciously return to that very blueprint. • Consecration before service – Exodus 19:10, 14; 28:41 establish cleansing and consecration for those ministering. – 2 Chronicles 35:6 emphasizes “consecrate yourselves,” matching the Exodus principle that holy service requires holy servants. • Preparing on behalf of others – Exodus 12:21–27 pictures household heads preparing for their families. – In Josiah’s Passover, Levites extend that ministry, “make preparations for your brothers,” ensuring every Israelite can participate—echoing the inclusive thrust of Exodus 12:47 “The whole community of Israel must celebrate it.” Distinctive Amplifications in Josiah’s Day • Centralized slaughter at the temple—progression from family altars (Exodus 12) to the appointed place God chose (Deuteronomy 16:5-6), now fully honored. • Levites acting as proxy slaughterers—needed because many laypeople were ceremonially unprepared (2 Chronicles 35:11). This magnifies Exodus 12’s principle of shared provision. • Large-scale logistical coordination (2 Chronicles 35:7-9) shows the enduring practicality of Exodus commands when applied to an entire nation. Spiritual Continuity Across the Centuries • Same atoning blood—Exodus 12:13 “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” 2 Chronicles 35:11 still centers on the sacrificial blood, now sprinkled on the altar (cf. Leviticus 17:11). • Same memorial purpose—Exodus 12:14 “This day is to be a memorial for you.” Josiah revives it as a memorial of covenant faithfulness. • Same demand for holiness—Exodus 12:15 commands removal of leaven; Josiah’s call to consecration mirrors that pursuit of purity. Practical Lessons from the Connection - God’s commands do not expire with time; centuries later they remain the standard. - Revival flourishes when worship is restored to biblical patterns, not human innovations. - Leadership must model consecration first, then facilitate others’ obedience. - The Passover’s redemptive symbolism—substitutionary blood, rescued people—continues to point forward to “Christ our Passover lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7), uniting Exodus, Chronicles, and the Gospel in one seamless narrative of salvation. |
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