What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 35:12? They set aside the burnt offerings King Josiah’s priests have just slaughtered the Passover lambs (2 Chron 35:11). The next step is to “set aside” the animals designated as burnt offerings. • A burnt offering was wholly consumed on the altar (Leviticus 1:8-9), symbolizing complete surrender to God. • By separating these animals from the rest, the priests safeguard the sanctity of what belongs entirely to the LORD, just as He prescribed in Leviticus 6:9-10. • Earlier reforms under Hezekiah followed the same pattern: “The priests… laid them in piles” (2 Chron 29:34), showing orderly obedience. to be given to the divisions of the families of the people Israel’s worship was never chaotic; each clan had a place and task: • The phrase points to the organized distribution of meat portions so every household could present its own sacrifice, echoing Exodus 12:3-4 and 2 Chronicles 35:5. • Priestly and Levitical divisions had been established by David (1 Chron 24:1-19). Josiah honors that structure, ensuring family representation and unity. • This orderly handoff also prevents any tribe or family from being overlooked (2 Chron 31:12-13). to offer to the LORD The people do not simply receive meat; they receive a sacred trust to place on the altar: • Offerings are “to the LORD,” underscoring God as the ultimate recipient (Leviticus 1:3). • The Passover was always more than a meal; it was an act of worship (Deuteronomy 16:1-2). • New-covenant believers are likewise urged to present themselves “as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). as it is written in the Book of Moses Josiah’s revival stands firmly on Scripture: • “Book of Moses” refers to the Pentateuch, the infallible foundation of Israel’s worship (Joshua 1:7-8). • Earlier, the king read “the words of the covenant” to all the people (2 Kings 23:2). Now he applies them meticulously. • Deuteronomy 31:24-26 commands that the Law be kept beside the ark; Josiah treats those words as binding in his own day, affirming the perpetual authority of God’s written revelation. And they did the same with the bulls The procedure for lambs is repeated for the larger offerings: • Bulls were required for certain burnt offerings and peace offerings (Numbers 7:15-17). • Josiah personally supplied “30,000 sheep and goats, plus 3,000 bulls” (2 Chron 35:7), showing royal generosity and eagerness for nationwide participation. • Equal care with both small and large sacrifices testifies that every gift, whether modest or abundant, must adhere to God’s pattern (Malachi 1:14). summary 2 Chronicles 35:12 highlights Josiah’s careful, Scripture-grounded revival. The priests set apart the burnt offerings, distribute them family by family, and ensure every sacrifice—lamb or bull—is presented exactly “as it is written.” The verse models orderly obedience, communal involvement, and unwavering submission to the written Word, reminding believers that genuine worship still flourishes when God’s instructions are taken literally and followed wholeheartedly. |
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