BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home  › Bibles  › Berean Standard Bible  › 2 Chronicles 35

2 Chronicles 35

BSB
‹ Chapter 34 2 Chronicles — All Chapters Chapter 36 ›

1 Then Josiah celebrated the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month. 2 He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD. 3 To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel. 4 Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and Solomon his son. 5 Moreover, stand in the Holy Place by the divisions of the families of your kinsmen the lay people, and by the divisions of the families of the Levites. 6 Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your fellow countrymen to carry out the word of the LORD given by Moses." 7 From his own flocks and herds Josiah contributed 30,000 lambs and goats plus 3,000 bulls for the Passover offerings for all the people who were present. 8 His officials also contributed willingly to the people and priests and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the administrators of the house of God, gave the priests 2,600 Passover offerings and 300 bulls. 9 Additionally, Conaniah and his brothers Shemaiah and Nethanel, as well as Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, officers of the Levites, donated to the Levites 5,000 Passover offerings and 500 bulls. 10 So the service was prepared; the priests stood in their places and the Levites in their divisions according to the king’s command. 11 And they slaughtered the Passover lambs, while the priests sprinkled the blood handed to them and the Levites skinned the animals. 12 They set aside the burnt offerings to be given to the divisions of the families of the people to offer to the LORD, as is written in the Book of Moses; and they did the same with the bulls. 13 They roasted the Passover animals on the fire according to the regulation, and they boiled the other holy offerings in pots, kettles, and bowls and quickly brought them to all the people. 14 Afterward, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, since the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were offering up burnt offerings and fat until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the priests, the descendants of Aaron. 15 The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their position, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them. 16 So on that day the entire service of the LORD was carried out for celebrating the Passover and offering burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, according to the command of King Josiah. 17 The Israelites who were present also observed the Passover at that time, as well as the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. 18 No such Passover had been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel ever observed a Passover like the one that Josiah observed with the priests, the Levites, all Judah, the Israelites who were present, and the people of Jerusalem. 19 In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed. 20 After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Neco king of Egypt marched up to fight at Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him. 21 But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty. God told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!" 22 Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo. 23 There the archers shot King Josiah, who said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am badly wounded!" 24 So his servants took him out of his chariot, put him in his second chariot, and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. And Josiah was buried in the tomb of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him. 25 Then Jeremiah lamented over Josiah, and to this day all the choirs of men and women sing laments over Josiah. They established them as a statute for Israel, and indeed they are written in the Book of Laments. 26 As for the rest of the acts of Josiah, along with his deeds of loving devotion according to what is written in the Law of the LORD— 27 his acts from beginning to end—they are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.

‹ Chapter 34 2 Chronicles — All Chapters Chapter 36 ›

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 35

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the description of King Josiah's obedience to God, as he kept the Passover in the eighteenth year of his reign, as written in 2 Chronicles 35:1. The Passover had not been kept for many years, but Josiah was determined to follow God's commands. The chapter then describes the preparations for the Passover, including the consecration of the priests and the slaughtering of the lambs. The Passover was kept with great joy and celebration, and the chapter ends with the death of King Josiah in battle. Key verses such as 2 Chronicles 35:18 and 2 Chronicles 35:20 highlight the significance of Josiah's obedience and the consequences of his eventual disobedience.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 2 Chronicles, which describes the history of the kings of Judah. The chapter follows the reign of King Josiah, who is described as one of the most obedient kings in Judah's history. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's relationship with His people and His plan of redemption. As seen in 2 Chronicles 35:1-19, the chapter highlights the significance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience, which is a theme that is continued in the New Testament, as seen in Romans 6:16-18.

Heart Application

This chapter challenges us to examine our own obedience to God's commands. Are we following God's will for our lives, or are we disobedient? The chapter encourages us to seek a renewed commitment to God's commands and to trust in His goodness and love. As seen in 2 Chronicles 35:18, the chapter highlights the importance of unity and participation in worship and obedience, which is a challenge to the body of Christ today, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of King Josiah, who obeyed God and led the nation of Judah in a great revival. The chapter describes the preparations for the Passover, which had not been kept for many years, and the joy and celebration that accompanied it, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:18. The chapter also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:20-25.

Voices from the Church

“The Passover was a shadow of the great sacrifice which Christ would offer for the sins of the world. The blood of the lamb was a type of the blood of Christ, which would be shed for the redemption of God's people, as seen in John 1:29.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The obedience of King Josiah was a remarkable example of the power of faith and the importance of following God's commands. His obedience led to a great revival in the nation, and it is a challenge to us to seek a similar commitment to God's will, as seen in Romans 12:1-2.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Obedience of King Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:1-6) — The chapter begins with the description of King Josiah's obedience to God, as he kept the Passover in the eighteenth year of his reign.
  2. The Preparations for the Passover (2 Chronicles 35:1-6) — The chapter describes the preparations for the Passover, including the consecration of the priests and the slaughtering of the lambs.
  3. The Keeping of the Passover (2 Chronicles 35:7-19) — The chapter describes the keeping of the Passover, which was characterized by great joy and celebration.
  4. The Death of King Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:20-27) — The chapter ends with the death of King Josiah in battle, which was a consequence of his disobedience to God's commands.
  5. The Significance of the Passover (2 Chronicles 35:18) — The chapter highlights the significance of the Passover, which was a shadow of the true Passover that Christ would fulfill, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:7.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in the example of King Josiah. Obedience is not just about following rules, but about trusting and loving God, as emphasized in 2 Chronicles 35:18.
The Role of Leadership
The chapter highlights the important role of leadership in promoting obedience to God. King Josiah's example and leadership led to a renewed commitment to God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:1-19.
The Unity of the People
The chapter describes the unity of the people in keeping the Passover. This unity was characterized by a shared commitment to God's commands and a desire to worship and obey Him, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:18.
The Significance of the Passover
The chapter highlights the significance of the Passover, which was a shadow of the true Passover that Christ would fulfill, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:7.

Lessons from 2 Chronicles 35

  1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in the example of King Josiah.
  2. The Role of Leadership — The chapter highlights the important role of leadership in promoting obedience to God, as seen in the example of King Josiah.
  3. The Unity of the People — The chapter describes the unity of the people in keeping the Passover, which was characterized by a shared commitment to God's commands.
  4. The Significance of the Passover — The chapter highlights the significance of the Passover, which was a shadow of the true Passover that Christ would fulfill.
  5. The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter describes the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as seen in the death of King Josiah in battle.

Themes from 2 Chronicles 35

  1. Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in the example of King Josiah.
  2. Leadership — The chapter highlights the important role of leadership in promoting obedience to God, as seen in the example of King Josiah.
  3. Unity — The chapter describes the unity of the people in keeping the Passover, which was characterized by a shared commitment to God's commands.
  4. Passover — The chapter highlights the significance of the Passover, which was a shadow of the true Passover that Christ would fulfill.
  5. Disobedience — The chapter describes the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as seen in the death of King Josiah in battle.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways that I can demonstrate obedience to God's commands in my own life, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:1-19?
  2. How can I promote unity and participation in worship and obedience, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:18?
  3. What are some consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:20-25?
  4. How can I trust in God's goodness and love, even in the face of difficult circumstances, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:18?
  5. What are some ways that I can seek a renewed commitment to God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:1-19?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Obedience of King Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:1-6)

35:1 The chapter begins with the description of King Josiah's obedience to God, as he kept the Passover in the eighteenth year of his reign.
35:2 The king commanded the Levites to put the ark of the covenant in the house that Solomon the son of David king of Israel had built.

2. The Preparations for the Passover (2 Chronicles 35:1-6)

35:3 Then the Levites and all Judah did according to all that King Josiah had commanded.
35:4 The king commanded the Levites to put the ark of the covenant in the house that Solomon the son of David king of Israel had built.

3. The Keeping of the Passover (2 Chronicles 35:7-19)

35:7 Josiah gave to the lay people, to all who were present, flocks of lambs and kids, all for the Passover offerings, numbering thirty thousand, plus three thousand cattle; all these were from the king's possessions.
35:8 His princes 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 sheep and three hundred cattle.

4. The Death of King Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:20-27)

35:20 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.
35:21 But Necho sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I am not coming against you today, but against the house with which I am at war; and God has commanded me to make haste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Passover in this chapter?

The Passover was a significant event in the Israelites' calendar, commemorating their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this chapter, it represents the obedience of King Josiah and the people to God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:1-19.

Why did King Josiah die in battle?

King Josiah died in battle because he disobeyed God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:20-25. Despite his initial obedience, Josiah failed to listen to God's warning and went out against Necho king of Egypt, resulting in his death.

What is the importance of unity and participation in worship and obedience?

The chapter describes the unity of the people in keeping the Passover, which was characterized by a shared commitment to God's commands. This unity is important for the body of Christ today, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Chronicles 35:1 → Leviticus 23:5 The Passover was a significant event in the Israelites' calendar, commemorating their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this chapter, it represents the obedience of King Josiah and the people to God's commands.
2 2 Chronicles 35:18 → 1 Corinthians 5:7 The chapter highlights the significance of the Passover, which was a shadow of the true Passover that Christ would fulfill.
3 2 Chronicles 35:20 → Matthew 26:52 King Josiah died in battle because he disobeyed God's commands. This is a reminder that obedience to God's will is crucial, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
4 2 Chronicles 35:21 → Isaiah 31:1 The chapter describes the foolishness of trusting in human strength and military power, rather than in God's wisdom and guidance.
5 2 Chronicles 35:22 → Proverbs 21:30 The chapter emphasizes the importance of listening to God's warning and seeking His guidance, rather than relying on human wisdom and strength.
6 2 Chronicles 35:23 → Psalm 118:8 The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's goodness and love, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
7 2 Chronicles 35:24 → Jeremiah 17:5 The chapter describes the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, which is a theme that is continued in the New Testament.
8 2 Chronicles 35:25 → Lamentations 1:1 The chapter ends with a lament for the death of King Josiah, which is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.
9 2 Chronicles 35:26 → 2 Kings 23:28 The chapter provides a summary of the reign of King Josiah, which is also described in 2 Kings 23:28.
10 2 Chronicles 35:27 → Matthew 1:1 The chapter ends with a reference to the genealogy of Jesus Christ, which is a reminder of God's plan of redemption and the significance of the Passover.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 35

SermonDescription
Thomas Brooks Blessed Are Those Who Mourn by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound blessing of mourning for sin, illustrating that true mourning reflects a deep sorrow akin to the loss of a loved one. He explains that this mo
F.B. Meyer Thou Shalt Be Gathered Intothou Shalt Be Gathered Into by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer discusses the paradox of Josiah's death, which was prophesied to be peaceful yet ended in conflict due to his own choices. He emphasizes that while God desires to bless

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 35

The chapter describes the obedience of King Josiah, who kept the Passover in the eighteenth year of his reign. The Passover was a significant event in the Israelites' calendar, commemorating their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this chapter, it represents the obedience of King Josiah and the people to God's commands. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, the role of leadership in promoting obedience, and the unity of the people in worship and obedience. As seen in 2 Chronicles 35:18, the chapter emphasizes the significance of the Passover, which was a shadow of the true Passover that Christ would fulfill. The chapter also describes the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as seen in the death of King Josiah in battle. This is a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's goodness and love, even in the face of difficult circumstances, as emphasized in Psalm 23:4. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Importance of Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. King Josiah's obedience led to a great revival in the nation, while his eventual disobedience led to his death. This highlights the significance of following God's will, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:20-25.

The Role of Leadership

The chapter highlights the important role of leadership in promoting obedience to God. King Josiah's example and leadership led to a renewed commitment to God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:1-19. This emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to promote godliness and obedience.

The Unity of the People

The chapter describes the unity of the people in keeping the Passover. This unity was characterized by a shared commitment to God's commands and a desire to worship and obey Him, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:18. This highlights the importance of unity in the body of Christ, as emphasized in John 17:21-23.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate