2 Chronicles 35:16
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.
So on that day
This phrase refers to a specific day during the reign of King Josiah, a significant moment in the history of Judah. Josiah was known for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh. The "day" mentioned is the day of the Passover celebration, a pivotal event in Jewish religious life.

the entire service of the LORD was carried out
This indicates that all the prescribed rituals and ceremonies were performed in full accordance with the Law of Moses. The meticulous observance underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the revival of proper worship practices under Josiah's leadership.

for celebrating the Passover
The Passover is a foundational Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. It is a time of remembrance and gratitude for God's salvation. Josiah's observance of the Passover is notable for its scale and adherence to the ancient traditions, reflecting a return to covenant faithfulness.

and offering burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD
Burnt offerings were a central aspect of Old Testament worship, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. The altar of the LORD, located in the temple in Jerusalem, was the designated place for these sacrifices. This practice points to the seriousness of sin and the need for a sacrificial system, which Christians see as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

according to the command of King Josiah
King Josiah's command highlights his role as a reformer and restorer of true worship in Judah. His leadership was marked by a commitment to the Scriptures, as evidenced by his actions following the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple. Josiah's reforms were a fulfillment of the covenantal responsibilities of a king to lead the people in righteousness and obedience to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Josiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms and restored the observance of the Passover as commanded in the Law of Moses.

2. The Passover
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, symbolizing redemption and obedience to God's commands.

3. The Altar of the LORD
The sacred place where burnt offerings were made, representing worship and atonement for sin.

4. The Priests and Levites
Religious leaders responsible for conducting the sacrifices and ensuring the proper observance of the Passover.

5. Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the temple was located and where the Passover was celebrated.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
Josiah's actions demonstrate the importance of adhering to God's instructions, even when they have been neglected for a long time.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
Josiah's leadership was crucial in leading the nation back to God. Spiritual leaders today are called to guide others in truth and righteousness.

The Significance of Worship and Sacrifice
The preparation and offering of sacrifices highlight the importance of worship and the need for atonement, pointing to Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

The Importance of Community in Worship
The collective participation of the priests, Levites, and people underscores the communal aspect of worship and the shared responsibility in honoring God.

Revival and Reform
True revival involves returning to the foundational truths of Scripture and reforming practices to align with God's Word.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does King Josiah's commitment to restoring the Passover challenge us in our personal and communal worship practices today?

2. In what ways can we, like Josiah, lead others towards spiritual renewal and obedience to God's Word?

3. How does the observance of the Passover in 2 Chronicles 35:16 point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. What role does community play in our worship, and how can we foster a sense of shared responsibility in our faith communities?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced personal or communal revival. What steps were taken to return to the foundational truths of Scripture?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
The original institution of the Passover, providing the historical and theological foundation for its observance.

2 Kings 23
A parallel account of Josiah's reforms, highlighting his commitment to restoring true worship.

Deuteronomy 16
Instructions for the celebration of the Passover, emphasizing obedience to God's commands.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, connecting the Passover lamb to Christ as the Lamb of God.
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
Altar, Ascend, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Burnt-offerings, Carried, Cause, Celebrate, Celebration, Command, Commandment, Hold, Josiah, Josi'ah, Keeping, Needed, Offer, Offering, Offerings, Ordered, Orders, Passover, Prepared, Ready, Service, Worship
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 35:1-19

     7245   Judah, kingdom of
     8466   reformation

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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