2 Chronicles 35:1

Then Josiah celebrated the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month.

Study Bible

Then Josiah kept the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem
Josiah, the king of Judah, is noted for his religious reforms and dedication to the worship of Yahweh. His observance of the Passover is significant as it marks a return to the covenantal practices outlined in the Law of Moses. The Passover, instituted in Exodus 12, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, symbolizing redemption and divine protection. Josiah's actions align with the Deuteronomic reforms, emphasizing the centralization of worship in Jerusalem, the chosen city of God. This observance underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness and the restoration of proper worship practices.

and the Passover lamb was slaughtered
The slaughtering of the Passover lamb is a direct reference to the instructions given in Exodus 12:6, where each household was to sacrifice a lamb. This act is rich in typology, foreshadowing the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), who takes away the sin of the world. The lamb's blood, which protected the Israelites from the angel of death, prefigures the atoning blood of Christ, offering salvation and protection from spiritual death.

on the fourteenth day of the first month
The timing of the Passover is crucial, as it is celebrated on the fourteenth day of Nisan (the first month of the Hebrew calendar), as commanded in Exodus 12:18. This date marks the beginning of the Jewish religious year and is a time of renewal and reflection. The precise observance of this date by Josiah highlights his commitment to adhering to the Mosaic Law and restoring the proper worship calendar, which had been neglected by previous kings. This observance also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's appointed times and seasons, emphasizing divine order and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Josiah
The King of Judah who reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. Known for his religious reforms and dedication to restoring the worship of Yahweh.

2. Passover
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It involves the sacrifice of a lamb and is celebrated on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan).

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah and the spiritual center for the Jewish people, where the temple was located and where the Passover was celebrated.

4. The Passover Lamb
The sacrificial animal that symbolizes the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. It is a type of Christ, the Lamb of God, in Christian theology.

5. The Fourteenth Day of the First Month
This date is significant as it aligns with the instructions given in Exodus for the celebration of Passover, emphasizing obedience to God's commands.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Josiah's celebration of the Passover as prescribed in the Law demonstrates the importance of adhering to God's instructions. Believers today are called to live in obedience to God's Word.

Spiritual Renewal and Reform
Josiah's actions were part of a broader reform to restore true worship. Christians are encouraged to seek personal and communal renewal, aligning their lives with biblical principles.

The Significance of Remembrance
The Passover serves as a reminder of God's deliverance. Similarly, Christians are called to remember Christ's sacrifice through practices like Communion.

Leadership in Worship
Josiah's leadership in reinstating the Passover highlights the role of leaders in guiding others in worship and spiritual practices.

Typology of Christ
The Passover lamb is a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice. Understanding this typology enriches the Christian appreciation of the Old Testament.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Josiah's celebration of the Passover reflect his commitment to God's Word, and what can we learn from his example about the importance of obedience?

2. In what ways does the Passover serve as a reminder of God's deliverance, and how can Christians today incorporate similar practices of remembrance in their spiritual lives?

3. How does the account of Josiah's reforms challenge us to seek spiritual renewal in our own lives and communities?

4. What role does leadership play in guiding others toward true worship, and how can we apply this in our church or community settings?

5. How does understanding the typology of the Passover lamb enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice, and how can this understanding impact our faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Provides the original instructions for the Passover, highlighting its significance as a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites.

2 Kings 23
Offers a parallel account of Josiah's reforms and the celebration of the Passover, emphasizing his commitment to the covenant.

1 Corinthians 5:7
Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, drawing a direct connection between the Old Testament Passover and the sacrifice of Jesus.

Hebrews 11:28
Mentions the faith of Moses in keeping the Passover, illustrating the importance of faith in God's deliverance.