What does 2 Chronicles 35:20 mean?
What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 35:20?

After all this

“After all this” (2 Chron 35:20) signals that the chronicler is linking Josiah’s final actions to the sweeping reforms just described (vv. 1-19).

• The reforms were genuine, nationwide, and centered on covenant renewal (cf. 2 Kings 23:21-25).

• The phrase reminds readers that obedience and spiritual success do not exempt God’s people from later testing or conflict (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:12).

• It also frames what follows as part of God’s historical narrative rather than an isolated political event (cf. Romans 15:4).


when Josiah had set the temple in order

By Passover’s end, “Josiah had set the temple in order.”

• He restored proper worship, reinstituted the priestly divisions (2 Chron 35:2-5), and ensured covenant faithfulness (cf. Deuteronomy 16:1-8).

• This highlights Josiah’s wholehearted devotion to the LORD (2 Kings 23:25).

• The chronicler underscores that Josiah’s spiritual house was in order before he faced external opposition—an encouragement to believers to prioritize worship before warfare (cf. Matthew 6:33).


Neco king of Egypt marched up to fight at Carchemish by the Euphrates

Pharaoh Neco II advanced north to aid the waning Assyrian empire against Babylon at Carchemish.

• The Euphrates was a strategic frontier; whoever controlled it influenced the ancient Near East (cf. Jeremiah 46:2).

• Egypt’s movement fulfilled prophetic warnings of northern conflict spilling southward (cf. Zephaniah 2:12; Jeremiah 25:17-19).

• God’s sovereignty over national powers is evident: even pagan kings act within His purposes (Proverbs 21:1; Isaiah 10:5-7).


and Josiah went out to confront him

Josiah intercepted Neco at Megiddo (v. 22).

• Josiah may have sought to honor his treaty obligations to Babylon or Assyria, or simply to protect Judah’s security route; Scripture does not specify motives.

• Despite Neco’s claim of divine backing (vv. 21-22), Josiah pressed ahead, was mortally wounded, and died—demonstrating that even godly leaders can misread God’s timing (cf. 2 Chron 19:2).

• His death ended Judah’s last surge of revival and opened the door to rapid decline and eventual exile (2 Chron 36:1-21).

• Yet the narrative affirms God’s overarching plan: Josiah’s life and death both serve the covenant storyline that leads to Christ (cf. Matthew 1:10-11).


summary

2 Chronicles 35:20 records a pivot point: after completing sweeping reforms, Josiah faced an unexpected international crisis. The verse teaches that spiritual faithfulness precedes, but does not preclude, earthly conflict; that God guides even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes; and that a believer’s obedience must continually seek discernment of God’s present will.

Why is Josiah's Passover significant in 2 Chronicles 35:19?
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