Background and Context

Josiah, the sixteenth king of Judah, reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. He is renowned for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh in Judah. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Josiah ascended to the throne at the tender age of eight after the assassination of his father, Amon. His reign is marked by a return to the covenantal faithfulness that had been neglected by his predecessors.

Discovery of the Book of the Law

A pivotal moment in Josiah's reign occurred in the eighteenth year of his rule when Hilkiah the high priest discovered the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD (2 Kings 22:8). This discovery led to a profound religious awakening and reform. Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in distress, recognizing the nation's deviation from God's commandments. He sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah, who confirmed the impending judgment on Judah but assured Josiah of God's favor due to his humility and repentance (2 Kings 22:14-20).

The Passover Celebration

In response to the rediscovered Law, Josiah initiated a comprehensive religious reform, which included the celebration of the Passover, as described in 2 Chronicles 35. This Passover was significant because it was conducted in accordance with the prescriptions found in the Book of the Law, which had been neglected for generations.

2 Chronicles 35:1-19 provides a detailed account of this Passover celebration. Josiah instructed the Levites, who were responsible for the temple service, to prepare the ark and sanctify themselves for the occasion. The king provided the people with lambs and goats for the Passover offerings, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring that all of Judah could participate in this sacred observance.

The text emphasizes the scale and grandeur of the celebration: "No Passover like it had been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as Josiah did with the priests, the Levites, all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem" (2 Chronicles 35:18). This underscores the uniqueness and significance of Josiah's Passover, highlighting his dedication to restoring proper worship.

Theological Significance

Josiah's celebration of the Passover is a testament to his commitment to covenantal faithfulness and his desire to lead the nation back to God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the centrality of worship in the life of God's people. The Passover itself is a commemoration of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, symbolizing redemption and the establishment of a covenant relationship with God.

Josiah's actions reflect a deep understanding of the need for national repentance and renewal. His reforms and the Passover celebration were not merely ritualistic but were intended to bring about genuine spiritual revival. The emphasis on adherence to the Law and the communal participation in the Passover highlight the collective responsibility of the nation to uphold the covenant with God.

Legacy

Josiah's Passover celebration left a lasting legacy, setting a standard for future generations. His reign is often viewed as a high point in the history of Judah, characterized by a sincere return to the worship of Yahweh. Despite the subsequent decline of Judah and its eventual exile, Josiah's reforms and the Passover celebration remain a powerful example of faithful leadership and devotion to God.