Topical Bible: Passover: Observation of, Renewed by Josiah

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The Passover, a pivotal feast in the Jewish calendar, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage as described in the Book of Exodus. This sacred observance, instituted by God, is marked by the sacrifice of a lamb and the eating of unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt. Over time, the observance of Passover had waned among the people of Judah, particularly during periods of idolatry and neglect of the Mosaic Law.

Renewal by King Josiah

The renewal of the Passover under King Josiah is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, highlighting a period of religious reform and revival. Josiah, ascending to the throne of Judah at a young age, was a king noted for his dedication to the Lord and his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh in accordance with the Law of Moses.

The account of Josiah's renewal of the Passover is found in 2 Kings 23 and 2 Chronicles 35. Upon discovering the Book of the Law during temple repairs, Josiah was deeply moved and initiated a series of reforms to align the nation with the covenantal requirements. This included the eradication of idolatrous practices and the restoration of the Passover celebration.

2 Kings 23:21-23 states: "The king commanded all the people, 'Keep the Passover to the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.' For such a Passover had not been observed since the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor throughout all the days of the kings of Israel and Judah. But in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed to the LORD in Jerusalem."

Josiah's observance of the Passover was marked by meticulous adherence to the prescriptions found in the Law. The king ensured that the Passover lambs were sacrificed on the appointed day, and he provided for the needs of the people, enabling them to participate fully in the feast. This observance was unparalleled in its scope and adherence to the divine instructions, reflecting Josiah's commitment to restoring true worship.

2 Chronicles 35:1-19 provides further details of this significant event, emphasizing the scale and solemnity of the celebration. Verse 18 notes: "No Passover like it had been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel had ever observed a Passover like the one that Josiah observed with the priests, the Levites, all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem."

Josiah's renewal of the Passover serves as a powerful example of covenantal faithfulness and the impact of godly leadership. His actions not only reinvigorated the spiritual life of Judah but also underscored the importance of returning to the foundational truths of God's Word. Through Josiah's reforms, the Passover was restored to its rightful place as a central act of worship and remembrance, pointing the people back to their identity as God's chosen nation and His redemptive acts in their history.

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2 Kings 23:22,23
Surely there was not held such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;
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2 Chronicles 35:1,18
Moreover Josiah kept a passover to the LORD in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.
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Library

Travailing for Souls
... the land of idols, and caused the passover to be ... said he, "you cannot print me."
That observation is very ... that the Lord visited his child and renewed his soul. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/travailing for souls.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Josiah, King of Judah: the discovery and public reading of the Book of
the Covenant; the religious reform"Necho II. invades Syria ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm