What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 35:7?

From his own flocks and herds

“From his own flocks and herds” (2 Chronicles 35:7) highlights Josiah’s personal ownership and cost.

• He did not tax the people; he gave what belonged to him, echoing David’s heart: “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24).

• Earlier kings modeled similar generosity (2 Chronicles 31:3), showing that leadership begins with self-sacrifice.

• Personal giving cements authenticity; it is easier to call a nation to obedience when the king himself invests first (1 Chronicles 29:3).

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Josiah contributed

The verb “contributed” underscores intentional action.

• Josiah’s revival (2 Chronicles 34:29-33) moves from reforming temples to resourcing worship; faith without works is dead (James 2:17).

• His contribution supplies what the priests and Levites alone could never afford, mirroring Hezekiah’s support in 2 Chronicles 30:22-24.

• God-honoring leadership provides, protects, and propels God’s people toward obedience (Nehemiah 2:18).

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30,000 lambs and goats plus 3,000 bulls

The sheer scale speaks volumes.

• These numbers dwarf earlier Passovers—Hezekiah gave 7,000 sheep and 1,000 bulls (2 Chronicles 30:24). Josiah quadruples that.

• Large numbers reveal a heart set on honoring God “with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength” (2 Kings 23:25).

• Provision matches need: lambs or goats for each household (Exodus 12:3-4) and bulls for corporate offerings (Numbers 28:19).

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for the Passover offerings

The purpose determines the gift.

• Passover commemorates redemption from Egypt (Exodus 12:14) and demands unblemished animals (Exodus 12:5). Josiah meets that standard.

• The king ensures everything required for “the service of the LORD, according to the Law of Moses” (2 Chronicles 35:6).

• By resourcing Passover, he reconnects Judah to covenant identity (Deuteronomy 16:1-8).

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for all the people who were present

Generosity is inclusive.

• No one was left out, echoing the nationwide celebration under Hezekiah when “the whole assembly rejoiced” (2 Chronicles 30:25).

• “Such a Passover had not been observed since the days of the judges” (2 Kings 23:22), indicating that unity around God’s table brings rare blessings.

• Corporate provision foreshadows the ultimate Lamb provided “for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

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summary

Josiah personally finances an unprecedented Passover so every worshiper can participate. His costly, abundant, purpose-driven gift models wholehearted devotion, ensures obedience to God’s Law, and unites the nation in remembering redemption.