How does this verse connect to Exodus 12's Passover instructions? Text of 2 Chronicles 35:13 “They roasted the Passover animals on the fire according to the regulation, and they boiled the other holy offerings in pots, kettles, and pans and brought them quickly to all the people.” Echoes of Exodus 12 • Exodus 12:8–9 set the pattern: “They are to eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire…Do not eat any of it raw or cooked in boiling water, but only roasted over the fire.” • The Chronicler’s phrase “according to the regulation” deliberately reaches back to that founding command. • By specifying roasting for the Passover animals but boiling for “other holy offerings,” Josiah’s priests show they have read Exodus 12 carefully and are committed to its precise wording. Why the Focus on Roasting? • Roasting keeps the lamb whole, preserving the picture of a substitute offered intact—anticipating the unbroken body of Christ (Exodus 12:46; John 19:36). • An open flame evokes judgment passing over the people and falling on the lamb instead. • Boiling was common for peace offerings (1 Samuel 2:13–15), but Exodus 12 draws a sharp line: the Passover lamb must face the fire. Chronicles honors that line. Honoring Distinctions between Offerings • Passover animals—roasted, eaten in haste, symbolizing deliverance (Exodus 12:11). • “Other holy offerings”—likely peace or thank offerings tied to the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:15–17; Leviticus 7:11–15). These could be boiled. • Chronicles separates the two processes so no one confuses a festival meal with the redemptive centerpiece. Broader Obedience Theme in Josiah’s Reforms • 2 Chronicles 35:6–7—priests stand “according to their divisions” and laypeople receive lambs “as it is written in the Book of Moses.” • 2 Kings 23:21–23 records the same Passover, stressing that nothing like it had occurred since Samuel’s day. Josiah’s generation returns to the precise script. • Deuteronomy 16:1–8 had later summarized Passover practice; Josiah harmonizes both Torah passages, roasting the lamb (per Exodus 12) and boiling other meat (per Deuteronomy 16:7’s broader term “boil/roast”). Takeaways for Today • Scripture’s details matter; obedience is shown in specifics, not vague intentions. • The Passover lamb’s treatment foreshadows the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, whose body was not broken and who endured the fire of judgment on our behalf. • Right worship involves distinguishing what God has distinguished—honoring His order brings unity, joy, and blessing to His people (2 Chronicles 35:18). |
    |