# Overview 2 Chronicles Chapter 35 recounts the significant religious reforms and the celebration of the #Passover under the reign of King #Josiah. This chapter highlights #Josiah's dedication to restoring the worship of #God according to the traditions and commandments given to #Moses. After purifying the land from idolatry, Josiah calls for the observance of the Passover in #Jerusalem, which is described as being carried out with meticulous attention to the Law of the #Lord. The chapter details the preparation of the priests and Levites, the organization of the offerings, and the communal participation of the people, demonstrating a nationwide revival of covenantal fidelity. The Passover celebration under Josiah is noted as unparalleled since the days of the prophet #Samuel, underscoring the depth of Josiah’s reformative impact on #Judah. The chapter then transitions to the account of Josiah's confrontation with #Pharaoh #Necho of #Egypt. Despite being warned by Necho that his campaign was ordained by #God, Josiah disguises himself and engages in battle at #Megiddo, where he is fatally wounded. His death marks a poignant moment in the narrative, as the people of Judah mourn for him, with #Jeremiah the prophet lamenting his passing. This event signals a turning point, emphasizing the tragic consequences of not heeding divine warnings, even for a king as righteous as Josiah. The chapter concludes with the nation of Judah burying Josiah in the tombs of his ancestors, marking the end of his reign and the beginning of a new era in Judah’s history. ## Theological Insights 2 Chronicles 35 presents a significant theological emphasis on the restoration and celebration of the #Passover under King #Josiah. This chapter highlights the importance of returning to the covenantal practices established by #God for the people of #Israel, reflecting a deep commitment to worship and obedience. The observance of the Passover, as described in this chapter, is a profound reminder of the deliverance of the Israelites from #Egyptian bondage, pointing back to the foundational events of the #Exodus as recorded in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]]. This act of remembrance not only honors God's past acts of salvation but also reinforces the identity of Israel as a people set apart by God. King Josiah's meticulous organization and celebration of the Passover demonstrate his dedication to restoring true worship according to the commandments given through #Moses. This points to a theological theme of covenant renewal, where leaders and the people alike are called back to faithfulness and purity in their relationship with God. The chapter also serves as a reminder of the consequences of neglecting God's commands. The reforms initiated by Josiah come after a period of spiritual decline and idolatry in Judah. This renewal under Josiah's leadership underscores the necessity of repentance and the turning away from false gods, aligning with the prophetic calls to return to the Lord found throughout the books of the prophets, such as in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 55]] and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 3]]. Furthermore, the death of Josiah in battle against Pharaoh #Necho of #Egypt introduces a poignant moment of theological reflection. Despite Josiah's faithfulness, his untimely death serves as a sobering reminder of the complexity of God's providence and the mystery of divine judgment. The narrative encourages readers to trust in God's ultimate wisdom and sovereignty, even when outcomes seem unexpected or difficult to understand. In summary, 2 Chronicles 35 underscores the themes of covenant faithfulness, the importance of worship in accordance with divine instruction, and the complexities of God's providential work in history. These themes are woven into the larger tapestry of #Israel's history and their ongoing relationship with God, highlighting both the blessings of obedience and the challenges of understanding God's ways. ## Thematic Connections ### Observance of the Passover In 2 Chronicles 35, the observance of the #Passover under King #Josiah is a central theme. This celebration highlights the importance of returning to the covenant practices outlined in the #Law of #Moses, as seen in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]], where the Passover was first instituted. The meticulous adherence to the instructions for the Passover demonstrates a commitment to covenant faithfulness, paralleling similar renewals in Israel's history, such as the Passover observed by #Hezekiah in [[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 30]]. ### Covenant Renewal and Leadership #Josiah's leadership in restoring the proper worship of #Yahweh is reflective of other covenant renewals led by godly kings. Like #Hezekiah, Josiah's reforms bring the people back to the foundational aspects of their identity as God's chosen people. This theme of renewal echoes throughout the narrative of the #Kings and #Chronicles, underscoring the ongoing need for spiritual revival in the life of the nation. ### The Role of the Priesthood The role of the #Levites and #priests in the Passover celebration in 2 Chronicles 35 emphasizes the function of spiritual leaders in guiding worship and maintaining the covenant relationship with God. This theme connects to earlier instructions given in the #Pentateuch, specifically in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 8]] and [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 3]], where the duties of the priesthood are outlined. The faithful execution of these duties under Josiah's reign reflects a broader biblical theme of proper worship and the intercessory role of the priesthood. ### The Consequences of Disobedience While 2 Chronicles 35 highlights Josiah's faithfulness, it also foreshadows the consequences of disobedience, as seen in his engagement with #Necho, king of #Egypt. This unfortunate event presents a thematic connection to the warnings found in the #Prophets, such as in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 30]] and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 46]], where reliance on foreign alliances and neglect of divine guidance lead to downfall. This theme serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding God's instructions and seeking His guidance in all endeavors. ### The Legacy of Righteous Leadership Josiah's dedication to righteous leadership leaves a legacy that contrasts with the actions of many other kings in #Judah and #Israel. This thematic element aligns with the biblical narrative's portrayal of leaders like #David, as seen in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 13]], who are remembered for their hearts aligned with God’s purposes. Josiah's example inspires future generations to pursue righteousness and uphold God's commandments, embodying the biblical call to godly leadership. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Passover and Christ’s Sacrifice The celebration of the #Passover in 2 Chronicles 35, as led by #KingJosiah, prefigures the ultimate Passover Lamb, [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. The detailed observance of Passover in this chapter aligns with the prophetic imagery of Jesus as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, as seen in [[John/John Chapter 1|John 1:29]]. The meticulous preparation and observance underscore the significance of the sacrificial system fulfilled in Jesus' atoning death, providing redemption for humanity. ### The Righteous King #Josiah’s reforms and his adherence to the law highlight the prophetic anticipation of a righteous king who would lead the people back to God. This points forward to the Messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus, the ultimate righteous King, who embodies perfect obedience to God’s law and leads His people into a renewed covenant relationship. This echoes the prophecy of a righteous branch from David’s line in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 23|Jeremiah 23:5-6]]. ### The Covenant Renewal Josiah’s renewal of the covenant during the Passover celebration is a prophetic foreshadowing of the New Covenant introduced by Jesus. As seen in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31:31-34]], God promises a new covenant written on the hearts of His people. Josiah’s actions symbolize the renewal and restoration that Jesus would bring through His life, death, and resurrection, fulfilling the promise of a deeper, more personal covenant relationship with God. ### The Tragic Death of a Righteous Leader The untimely death of #KingJosiah in battle, despite his faithfulness, echoes the prophetic theme of a suffering servant, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. This parallels the prophecy of a suffering Messiah in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53|Isaiah 53]], who, despite His righteousness, bears the sins of many and is cut off from the land of the living. Josiah’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of redemption and the foreshadowing of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. ## Verses - **2 Chronicles 35:1** - "Then Josiah announced that the Passover of the Lord would be celebrated in Jerusalem, and so the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month." - #Josiah #Passover #Jerusalem - See also: [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]] for the original Passover instructions. - **2 Chronicles 35:2** - "Josiah also assigned the priests to their duties and encouraged them in their work at the Temple of the Lord." - #Priests #Temple - See also: [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 24]] for the division of priests. - **2 Chronicles 35:3** - "He issued this order to the Levites, who were to teach all Israel and who had been set apart to serve the Lord: 'Put the holy Ark in the Temple that was built by Solomon son of David, the king of Israel. You no longer need to carry it back and forth on your shoulders. Now spend your time serving the Lord your God and his people Israel.'" - #Levites #Ark #Solomon #David - See also: [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 8]] for Solomon's Temple dedication. - **2 Chronicles 35:4** - "Report for duty according to the family divisions of your ancestors, following the directions of King David of Israel and the directions of his son Solomon." - #David #Solomon #FamilyDivisions - See also: [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 24]] for David's organization of the Levites. - **2 Chronicles 35:5** - "Then stand in the sanctuary at the place appointed for your family division and help the families assigned to you as they bring their offerings to the Temple." - #Sanctuary #FamilyDivisions - See also: [[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 29]] for similar instructions during Hezekiah's reign. - **2 Chronicles 35:6** - "Slaughter the Passover lambs, purify yourselves, and prepare to help those who come. Follow all the instructions that the Lord gave through Moses." - #Passover #Purification #Moses - See also: [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]] for Passover instructions. - **2 Chronicles 35:7** - "Then Josiah provided thirty thousand lambs and young goats for the people's Passover offerings, along with three thousand cattle, all from the king’s own flocks and herds." - #Josiah #Offerings - **2 Chronicles 35:8** - "The king’s officials also made willing contributions to the people, priests, and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the administrators of God's Temple, gave the priests 2,600 lambs and young goats and 300 cattle as Passover offerings." - #Hilkiah #Zechariah #Jehiel #Offerings - **2 Chronicles 35:9** - "The Levite leaders—Conaniah, Shemaiah, and Nethanel, as well as Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad—gave 5,000 lambs and young goats and 500 cattle to the Levites for their Passover offerings." - #Levites #Offerings - **2 Chronicles 35:10** - "When everything was ready for the Passover celebration, the priests and the Levites took their places, organized by their divisions, as the king had commanded." - #Passover #Priests #Levites - **2 Chronicles 35:11** - "The Passover lambs were slaughtered, and the priests splashed the blood, while the Levites prepared the animals." - #Passover #Sacrifice - **2 Chronicles 35:12** - "They divided the burnt offerings among the people by family groups so they could offer them to the Lord as prescribed in the Book of Moses. They did the same with the cattle." - #BurntOfferings #Moses - **2 Chronicles 35:13** - "Then they roasted the Passover lambs as prescribed, and they boiled the holy offerings in pots, kettles, and pans and brought them out quickly so the people could eat them." - #Passover #Offerings - **2 Chronicles 35:14** - "Afterward the Levites prepared Passover offerings for themselves and for the priests—the descendants of Aaron—because the priests had been busy from morning till night offering the burnt offerings and the fat portions." - #Levites #Priests #Aaron - **2 Chronicles 35:15** - "The singers, descendants of Asaph, were in their assigned places, following the commands that had been given by David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, the king’s seer. The gatekeepers guarded the gates and did not need to leave their posts of duty, for their Passover offerings were prepared for them by their fellow Levites." - #Asaph #David #Heman #Jeduthun #Gatekeepers - **2 Chronicles 35:16** - "The entire ceremony for the Lord’s Passover was completed that day. All the burnt offerings were sacrificed on the altar of the Lord, as King Josiah had commanded." - #Passover #Sacrifice #Josiah - **2 Chronicles 35:17** - "All the Israelites present in Jerusalem celebrated Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days." - #Passover #FestivalOfUnleavenedBread - **2 Chronicles 35:18** - "Never since the time of the prophet Samuel had there been such a Passover. None of the kings of Israel had ever kept a Passover as Josiah did, involving all the priests and Levites, all the people of Jerusalem, and people from all over Judah and Israel." - #Samuel #Passover #Josiah - **2 Chronicles 35:19** - "This Passover celebration took place in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign." - #Josiah #Passover - **2 Chronicles 35:20** - "After Josiah had finished restoring the Temple, King Neco of Egypt led his army up from Egypt to do battle at Carchemish on the Euphrates River, and Josiah and his army marched out to fight him." - #Josiah #Neco #Egypt #Carchemish #Euphrates - **2 Chronicles 35:21** - "But King Neco sent messengers to Josiah with this message: 'What do you want with me, king of Judah? I have no quarrel with you today. I am on my way to fight another nation, and God has told me to hurry! Do not interfere with God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.'" - #Neco #Judah - **2 Chronicles 35:22** - "But Josiah refused to listen to Neco, to whom God had indeed spoken, and he would not turn back. Instead, he disguised himself and led his army into battle on the plain of Megiddo." - #Josiah #Neco #Megiddo - **2 Chronicles 35:23** - "But the enemy archers hit King Josiah with their arrows and wounded him. He cried out to his men, 'Take me from the battle, for I am badly wounded!'" - #Josiah - **2 Chronicles 35:24** - "So they lifted Josiah out of his chariot and placed him in another chariot. Then they brought him back to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried there in the royal cemetery, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him." - #Josiah #Jerusalem - **2 Chronicles 35:25** - "The prophet Jeremiah composed funeral songs for Josiah, and to this day choirs still sing these sad songs about his death. These songs of sorrow have become a tradition and are recorded in The Book of Laments." - #Jeremiah #Josiah #Laments - **2 Chronicles 35:26** - "The rest of the events of Josiah’s reign and his acts of devotion (carried out according to what was written in the Law of the Lord)," - #Josiah - **2 Chronicles 35:27** - "from beginning to end—all are recorded in The Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah." - #Josiah #BookOfKings This chapter details the significant religious reforms and the celebrated Passover under King Josiah, connecting to various other scriptures about Passover and the duties of the priests. It also narrates Josiah's death in battle, highlighting his dedication and the mourning that followed.