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2 Chronicles 35:2

2 Chronicles 35:2 in Multiple Translations

He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD.

And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,

And he set the priests in their offices, and encouraged them to the service of the house of Jehovah.

And he gave the priests their places, making them strong for the work of the house of God.

He assigned the priests to their respective duties and encouraged them in their ministry at the Lord's Temple.

And he appointed the Priestes to their charges, and incouraged them to the seruice of the house of the Lord,

and he stationeth the priests over their charges, and strengtheneth them for the service of the house of Jehovah,

He set the priests in their offices and encouraged them in the service of the LORD’s house.

And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,

And he set the priests in their offices, and exhorted them to minister in the house of the Lord.

Josiah assigned to the priests the tasks that they should perform at the temple and encouraged them to do their work well.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 35:2

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Chronicles 35:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּעֲמֵ֥ד הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים עַל מִשְׁמְרוֹתָ֑/ם וַֽ/יְחַזְּקֵ֔/ם לַ/עֲבוֹדַ֖ת בֵּ֥ית יְהוָֽה
וַ/יַּעֲמֵ֥ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-mp
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
מִשְׁמְרוֹתָ֑/ם mishmereth H4931 charge N-fp | Suff
וַֽ/יְחַזְּקֵ֔/ם châzaq H2388 to strengthen Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
לַ/עֲבוֹדַ֖ת ʻăbôdâh H5656 service Prep | N-fs
בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 place N-ms
יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 35:2

וַ/יַּעֲמֵ֥ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מִשְׁמְרוֹתָ֑/ם mishmereth H4931 "charge" N-fp | Suff
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
וַֽ/יְחַזְּקֵ֔/ם châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
לַ/עֲבוֹדַ֖ת ʻăbôdâh H5656 "service" Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.
Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.
בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 35:2

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Chronicles 31:2 Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.
2 1 Chronicles 22:19 Now set your heart and soul to seek the LORD your God. Get started building the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy articles of God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD.”
3 2 Chronicles 29:5–11 “Listen to me, O Levites,” he said. “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove from the Holy Place every impurity. For our fathers were unfaithful and did evil in the sight of the LORD our God. They abandoned Him, turned their faces away from the dwelling place of the LORD, and turned their backs on Him. They also shut the doors of the portico and extinguished the lamps. They did not burn incense or present burnt offerings in the Holy Place of the God of Israel. Therefore, the wrath of the LORD has fallen upon Judah and Jerusalem, and He has made them an object of terror, horror, and mockery, as you can see with your own eyes. For behold, this is why our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and daughters and wives are in captivity. Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us. Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”
4 Ezra 6:18 They also appointed the priests by their divisions and the Levites by their groups to the service of God in Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses.
5 2 Chronicles 23:8 So the Levites and all Judah did everything that Jehoiada the priest had ordered. Each of them took his men—those coming on duty on the Sabbath and those going off duty—for Jehoiada the priest had not released any of the divisions.
6 2 Chronicles 23:18 Moreover, Jehoiada put the oversight of the house of the LORD into the hands of the Levitical priests, whom David had appointed over the house of the LORD, to offer burnt offerings to the LORD as is written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and song, as ordained by David.
7 1 Chronicles 24:1–31 These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. Since more leaders were found among Eleazar’s descendants than those of Ithamar, they were divided accordingly. There were sixteen heads of families from the descendants of Eleazar and eight from the descendants of Ithamar. Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants. The scribe, Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officers: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar, and then one from Ithamar. The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin, the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab, the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer, the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez, the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel, the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul, the twenty-third to Delaiah, and the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. This was their appointed order for service when they entered the house of the LORD, according to the regulations prescribed for them by their forefather Aaron, as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded him. Now these were the remaining descendants of Levi: From the sons of Amram: Shubael; from the sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah. As for Rehabiah, from his sons: The first was Isshiah. From the Izharites: Shelomoth; from the sons of Shelomoth: Jahath. From the sons of Hebron: Jeriah was the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. From the sons of Uzziel: Micah; from the sons of Micah: Shamir. The brother of Micah: Isshiah; from the sons of Isshiah: Zechariah. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The son of Jaaziah: Beno. The descendants of Merari from Jaaziah: Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri. From Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons. From Kish: Jerahmeel the son of Kish. And the sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites, according to their families. As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike.
8 Numbers 18:5–7 And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting. But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”

2 Chronicles 35:2 Summary

[This verse shows us that Josiah wanted to make sure the priests were doing their jobs and that they felt supported and encouraged in their work. He wanted them to be able to serve God and the people well, just like we see in Psalm 100:2, where we are called to serve God with gladness. By doing this, Josiah was helping to restore the proper worship of God in Judah, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:1-7. This is an important reminder for us today to make sure we are supporting and encouraging those who serve God, whether in our churches or in our communities.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was it important for Josiah to appoint the priests to their duties?

Appointing the priests to their duties was crucial for the proper functioning of the temple and the spiritual well-being of the people, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:1-8 and Numbers 18:1-7, which outline the roles and responsibilities of the priests.

What does it mean to be encouraged in the service of the house of the LORD?

Being encouraged in the service of the house of the LORD means to be motivated and supported in one's role in serving God, as mentioned in Hebrews 10:24-25, where believers are encouraged to spur one another on towards love and good deeds.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of 2 Chronicles 35?

This verse is part of Josiah's efforts to reform Judah and restore the proper worship of God, as described in 2 Chronicles 34:1-7, and is a key step in preparing for the celebration of the Passover in 2 Chronicles 35:1.

What can we learn from Josiah's example in this verse?

We can learn the importance of leadership and organization in serving God, as well as the value of encouraging and supporting those who serve in various roles, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Ephesians 4:11-12.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can be encouraged in my own service to God, and how can I encourage others?
  2. How can I, like Josiah, take steps to ensure that my own 'house' - my family, my church, my community - is properly ordered and serving God?
  3. What are some duties or responsibilities that God has called me to, and how can I be faithful in fulfilling them?
  4. In what ways can I support and motivate others in their service to God, just as Josiah encouraged the priests?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 35:2

And he set the priests in their charges,.... In their offices, and in their proper places, to execute them: and encouraged them to the service of the house of the Lord; to attend it with cheerfulness

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 35:2

And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD, No JFB commentary on this verse.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 35:2

2 Chronicles 35:2 And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,Ver. 2. And he set the priests in their charges.] His idolatrous predecessors had put all out of order; and perhaps had made some priests that were not of the tribe of Levi, as Jeroboam had done.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 35:2

(2) Set the priests in their charges.—Literally, over their wards (2 Chronicles 8:14). The king appointed them to discharge their proper duties in connection with the rite. Encouraged them.—By exhortation and instruction. (See an instance in 2 Chronicles 29:5 seq.)

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 35:2

2. in their charges] i.e. at their duties. encouraged them] As Hezekiah had done; cp. 2 Chronicles 29:5-11; 2 Chronicles 30:22.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 35:2

2. Set the priests in their charges — Arranged them according to their several divisions, or classes, and indicated the duties for which each class would be held responsible.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 35:2

SermonDescription
Shane Idleman Priorities - Here Today, Gone Tomorrow by Shane Idleman This sermon emphasizes the importance of reordering our priorities to seek God first, even when we don't feel like it. It highlights the need to set our hearts to continually seek
Chuck Smith The Building of the House of the Lord by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the building of the house of the Lord as described in First Chronicles. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of God's presence a

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