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2 Chronicles 35

27 verses

TL;DR

Josiah re‑established the Passover and reorganized worship in Jerusalem, but later died in battle with the Egyptian king Necho.

Summary

Josiah celebrated the Passover, re‑setting the temple rites and restoring the duties of priests and Levites according to the royal instructions and the Torah. He provided extensive offerings—lambs, kids, cattle, and oxen—so that all present could participate. The priests and Levites performed the sacrifices, sang, and served as guards throughout the ceremony. After this religious renewal, Necho the Egyptian king advanced to fight the Amorites at Charchemish, and Josiah pursued him to the valley of Megiddo. The Egyptian archers wounded Josiah, who was later carried back to Jerusalem, where he died and was buried among the royal tombs. Jeremiah mourned for him, and the people of Judah remembered Josiah’s reforms for generations. The acts of Josiah are recorded in the annals of the kings of Israel and Judah.

Outline
  1. Restoration of Passover and temple worship
  2. Provision and distribution of offerings
  3. Conflict with Necho and Josiah’s death
Themes
Religious reform and obediencePolitical ambition versus divine guidanceLegacy and remembrance
Keywords
PassoverPriestLeviteReformNechoJeremiahDeathJerusalemAmen
People
JosiahHilkiahZechariahJehielConaniahShemaiahNethaneelHashabiahJeielJozabadNechoJeremiah
Places
JerusalemMegiddoCharchemishEuphrates
Things
PassoverArk of the CovenantPriestsLevitesBurnt offeringsLambsKidsCattleOxenSingersPortersAltar
Key Verses
  • 2 Chronicles 35:18: Highlights the uniqueness and thoroughness of Josiah’s Passover.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:21-22: Shows Josiah’s defiance of divine counsel and political conflict.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:24: Details Josiah’s death and the mourning of Judah.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:25: Records Jeremiah’s lament and the enduring remembrance of Josiah.
Questions
  • What motivated Josiah to restore the Passover after centuries of neglect?
  • How does Josiah’s interaction with Necho illustrate the tension between faith and politics?
  • In what ways does the chapter emphasize the importance of remembering reformers?
  • How might Josiah’s death have affected the religious reforms he championed?
  • What can modern readers learn from Josiah’s example of leadership and faith?
Sentiment

mixed
Positive regard for Josiah’s reforms, negative tone regarding his death and political conflict.