2 Chronicles 35:12
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.
They set aside the burnt offerings
In the context of ancient Israel, burnt offerings were a central aspect of worship and atonement. These offerings were completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God. The act of setting aside these offerings indicates a deliberate preparation and sanctification process, reflecting the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience.

to be given to the divisions of the families of the people
This phrase highlights the organized structure of Israelite society, where the Levites and priests were responsible for facilitating worship on behalf of the people. The divisions of families suggest a communal participation in worship, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the nation to uphold the covenant with God. This organization is reminiscent of the division of labor seen in the wilderness tabernacle service.

to offer to the LORD
The ultimate purpose of the offerings was to honor and worship Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This act of offering was not merely ritualistic but was intended to express devotion, gratitude, and repentance. It underscores the centrality of God in the life of the nation and the importance of maintaining a right relationship with Him.

as it is written in the Book of Moses
This reference to the Mosaic Law underscores the authority of Scripture in guiding worship practices. The Book of Moses, primarily the Pentateuch, contains detailed instructions for offerings and sacrifices, reflecting God's revealed will for His people. This adherence to the written law highlights the importance of Scripture as the foundation for faith and practice.

And they did the same with the bulls
Bulls were significant in sacrificial rituals, often used in burnt offerings and peace offerings. Their use here indicates the scale and seriousness of the worship event. The repetition of the process with the bulls suggests thoroughness and consistency in following God's commands, ensuring that all aspects of the sacrificial system were observed in accordance with divine instruction.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Josiah
The King of Judah who initiated religious reforms and restored the observance of the Passover.

2. Levites
The tribe assigned to religious duties, including the preparation and distribution of offerings.

3. The Book of Moses
Refers to the Torah, particularly the instructions regarding sacrifices and offerings.

4. Passover
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, which Josiah reinstated.

5. Jerusalem
The central place of worship where the Passover was celebrated.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Word
Josiah's actions highlight the importance of aligning our practices with Scripture. We should seek to understand and apply God's Word in our lives.

Role of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
Josiah's leadership was pivotal in leading the nation back to God. Spiritual leaders today have a responsibility to guide others in truth and righteousness.

Community Worship and Participation
The distribution of offerings to the families underscores the communal aspect of worship. Our faith is strengthened when we participate in corporate worship and fellowship.

Preservation of Tradition
By adhering to the instructions in the "Book of Moses," Josiah preserved the traditions that honored God. We should value and maintain the traditions that align with biblical truth.

Holistic Worship
The preparation and offering of sacrifices involved the whole community, indicating that worship is not just a personal act but a collective expression of faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Josiah's adherence to the "Book of Moses" challenge us to prioritize Scripture in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can spiritual leaders today emulate Josiah's example in leading others toward God?

3. How can we foster a sense of community and shared worship in our local church or fellowship group?

4. What traditions or practices in your life or church align with biblical teachings, and how can they be preserved or enhanced?

5. Reflect on a time when communal worship strengthened your faith. How can you encourage others to engage in corporate worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
Provides the original instructions for the Passover, which Josiah sought to follow.

Leviticus 1-7
Details the laws concerning burnt offerings and other sacrifices, which are referenced in the "Book of Moses."

2 Kings 23
Offers a parallel account of Josiah's reforms and the celebration of the Passover.

Deuteronomy 16
Discusses the observance of Passover and other feasts, emphasizing adherence to God's commands.
The Great Passover of JosiahT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 35:1-19
The Service of the LordW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 35:6-16
People
Aaron, Asaph, Charchemish, Conaniah, David, Hashabiah, Heman, Hilkiah, Jeduthun, Jehiel, Jeiel, Jeremiah, Josiah, Jozabad, Levites, Necho, Nethaneel, Samuel, Shemaiah, Solomon
Places
Carchemish, Egypt, Euphrates River, Holy Place, Jerusalem, Megiddo
Topics
Apart, Aside, Book, Bring, Bulls, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Burnt-offerings, Cattle, Classes, Distribute, Divisions, Families, Fathers, Groupings, Households, Houses, Lay, Offer, Offered, Offerings, Oxen, Portions, Present, Recorded, Removed, Sections, Sons, Subdivisions, Turn, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 35:12

     1611   Scripture, inspiration and authority
     5232   book

2 Chronicles 35:1-19

     7245   Judah, kingdom of
     8466   reformation

2 Chronicles 35:10-13

     4605   animals, religious role

Library
Cheer Up, My Comrades!
The first thing is to get every man into his proper place; the next thing is for every man to have a good spirit in his present place, so as to occupy it worthily. I will suppose, dear friends, that in the providence of God you are in your place, and that by the direction of God's Spirit you have also sought and found the precise form of usefulness in which you ought to exercise yourself. To-night it shall not be my business to arrange you; but assuming that it is well for you to keep where you are,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880

The New Temple and Its Worship
'And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo: and they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 16. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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