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2 Chronicles 35

2 Chronicles 35 recounts the last great Passover celebrated in Jerusalem under King Josiah, who sought to restore the worship of Yahweh in Judah. This chapter highlights the importance of returning to God's commandments and the communal aspect of worship. It details the preparations for the Passover, the significant role of the Levites and priests, and the solemn observance of the festival, culminating in a renewed covenant between God and His people.

2 Chronicles 35:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now Josiah kept a Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem, and they slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the first month.
2 And he set the priests in their duties and encouraged them for the service of the house of the Lord.
3 Then he said to the Levites who taught all Israel, who were holy to the Lord: “Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, built. It shall no longer be a burden on your shoulders. Now serve the Lord your God and His people Israel.
4 Prepare yourselves according to your fathers’ houses, according to your divisions, following the written instruction of David king of Israel and the written instruction of his son Solomon.
5 And stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the fathers’ houses of your brethren, the lay people, and according to the division of the fathers’ house of the Levites.

Josiah initiates the observance of the Passover, affirming its significance in Israel's covenant relationship with God. By slaughtering the lambs in Jerusalem, he ensures a centralized and communal celebration. He emphasizes the roles of the priests and Levites, encouraging them to fulfill their responsibilities diligently. The directive to place the Ark of the Covenant in the temple signifies a return to proper worship and reverence for God's presence. Josiah's call to prepare according to established traditions illustrates his commitment to restoring authentic worship as prescribed by previous kings.

2 Chronicles 35:6-9 (NKJV)
6 So slaughter the Passover offerings, sanctify yourselves, and prepare them for your brethren, that they may do according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
7 Then Josiah gave the lay people lambs and young goats from the flock, all for the Passover offerings, for all who were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand cattle. These were from the king’s possessions.
8 And his leaders gave willingly to the people, to the priests, and to the Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the rulers of the house of God, gave to the priests for the Passover offerings two thousand six hundred lambs and three hundred cattle.
9 Conaniah also, and his brothers, the Levites, gave to the Levites for the Passover offerings five thousand lambs and five hundred cattle.

Josiah emphasizes the importance of sanctification in preparation for the Passover. He generously provides lambs and cattle from his own possessions, demonstrating his commitment to God and his people. This vast supply highlights the significance of the celebration and serves to include all who could participate. The contributions from the leaders and Levites show a unified effort to honor the Passover, fostering a spirit of communal worship and shared responsibility. The collective giving emphasizes the importance of the Passover as a national observance, reinforcing the unity and faith of the people.

2 Chronicles 35:10-12 (NKJV)
10 So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their places, and the Levites in their divisions, according to the king’s command.
11 And they slaughtered the Passover offerings, and the priests sprinkled the blood with their hands while the Levites skinned the animals.
12 Then they removed the burnt offerings that they might give them to the divisions of the fathers’ houses of the lay people, to offer to the Lord, as it is written in the Book of Moses. And so they did with the cattle.

The organization of the priests and Levites reflects Josiah's leadership and the proper execution of the Passover observance. As the priests handle the blood and the Levites prepare the animals, their actions symbolize the atonement and the holiness required in worship. The attention to detail, as outlined in the Book of Moses, underscores the significance of adhering to God's commands. By distributing the offerings to the various families, the leaders ensure that all participants are engaged in the worship experience, emphasizing the inclusivity of the celebration and reinforcing the covenant relationship with God.

2 Chronicles 35:13-15 (NKJV)
13 And they roasted the Passover offerings with fire according to the ordinance; but the other holy offerings they boiled in pots and kettles and pans, and divided them quickly among all the lay people.
14 Then afterward they prepared portions for themselves and for the priests, because the priests, the sons of Aaron, were busy in offering the burnt offerings and the fat until night. Therefore, the Levites prepared portions for themselves and for the priests, the sons of Aaron.
15 And the singers, the sons of Asaph, were in their places according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, the king’s seer; and the gatekeepers were at each gate; they did not have to depart from their service, for their brethren the Levites prepared portions for them.

The meticulous preparation of the Passover offerings highlights the reverence with which Josiah and the people approach worship. Roasting the offerings as prescribed signifies obedience to God's instructions. The division of food among the lay people and priests ensures that everyone is nourished, reflecting a communal spirit. The presence of the singers and gatekeepers, fulfilling their appointed roles, enhances the worship atmosphere. This organization reflects a well-structured celebration, showcasing the communal aspect of worship where every participant plays a vital role in honoring God.

2 Chronicles 35:16-19 (NKJV)
16 So all the service of the Lord was prepared the same day, to keep the Passover and to offer burnt offerings on the altar of the Lord, according to the command of King Josiah.
17 And the children of Israel who were present kept the Passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread for seven days.
18 There had been no Passover kept in Israel since the days of the judges, and in all the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah.
19 But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was kept before the Lord in Jerusalem.

The successful execution of the Passover on the same day shows the diligence of Josiah and the priests in honoring God. The celebration not only fulfills the command but revives a significant tradition that had been neglected for years. The acknowledgment that no Passover had been celebrated since the times of the judges highlights the spiritual decline in Israel and Judah, underscoring the importance of Josiah's reforms. This Passover marks a turning point, signifying a return to covenant faithfulness and communal worship, revitalizing the spiritual life of the nation.

2 Chronicles 35:20-24 (NKJV)
20 After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out against him.
21 But he sent messengers to him, saying, “What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I have not come against you this day, but against the house with which I have war. For God commanded me to make haste. Refrain from meddling with God, who is with me, lest He destroy you.”
22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself so that he might fight with him, and he did not heed the words of Necho from the mouth of God. So he went to battle in the Valley of Megiddo.
23 And the archers shot King Josiah; and the king said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am severely wounded.”
24 His servants therefore took him out of that chariot and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem. So he died and was buried in one of the tombs of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

Following the Passover, Josiah's engagement in battle against Necho, king of Egypt, reflects a moment of zeal but also a lapse in judgment. Necho's warning, claiming divine directive, serves as a crucial moment for Josiah to heed God's will. His disguise and refusal to listen to Necho illustrate the dangers of pride and disregard for prophetic counsel. The outcome of the battle results in Josiah's grievous wounding and eventual death, a tragic end for a king who sought to restore worship in Israel. His death evokes mourning across Judah, emphasizing the deep impact of his reign and reforms.

2 Chronicles 35:25-27 (NKJV)
25 Jeremiah also lamented for Josiah; and to this day all the singing men and the singing women speak of Josiah in their lamentations. They made it a custom in Israel; and indeed, they are written in the Lamentations.
26 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah and his goodness, according to what was written in the Law of the Lord,
27 and his deeds, from first to last, indeed they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

Jeremiah's lament for Josiah signifies the profound loss felt by the people and the spiritual leadership in Israel. The establishment of a custom to remember Josiah through song reflects his significance in the nation's history. This tribute shows how deeply Josiah's reforms resonated with the people. The mention of his acts being recorded in the Law and in the annals of kings highlights the importance of his legacy. Josiah's commitment to righteousness and his efforts to restore worship in Israel left a lasting impact, ensuring that future generations would remember his dedication to God and the covenant.

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