2 Chronicles 35:2

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

Study Bible

He appointed the priests to their duties
This phrase highlights King Josiah's commitment to restoring proper worship in Judah. The appointment of priests to their duties reflects adherence to the Levitical laws outlined in the Torah, particularly in the books of Exodus and Leviticus, where the roles and responsibilities of the priests are detailed. Josiah's actions are reminiscent of the reforms of earlier kings like Hezekiah, who also sought to restore temple worship (2 Chronicles 29:4-5). This appointment underscores the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the spiritual health of the nation and ensuring that worship was conducted according to God's commandments.

and encouraged them
Josiah's encouragement of the priests indicates his active role in spiritual leadership. This encouragement can be seen as a form of exhortation, urging the priests to fulfill their roles with diligence and faithfulness. It reflects a leader who not only commands but also inspires and supports his people. This mirrors the New Testament exhortations found in passages like Hebrews 10:24-25, where believers are encouraged to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Josiah's encouragement would have been crucial in a time when the nation was turning back to God after periods of idolatry and neglect of the temple.

in the service of the house of the LORD
The service of the house of the LORD refers to the various duties performed in the temple, including sacrifices, offerings, and maintaining the sacred space. This service was central to the religious life of Israel, as the temple was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The phrase emphasizes the importance of worship and the proper conduct of religious rites. It also points to the temple as a type of Christ, who in the New Testament is described as the true temple (John 2:19-21). Josiah's reforms and the restoration of temple service foreshadow the ultimate restoration and fulfillment found in Jesus Christ, who provides the perfect and final sacrifice for sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Josiah
The King of Judah who initiated religious reforms and restored the observance of the Passover. His leadership is central to this passage.

2. Priests
The religious leaders appointed by Josiah to perform their duties in the temple. They played a crucial role in the spiritual life of Israel.

3. House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, where the priests performed their duties.

4. Passover
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. Josiah's observance of the Passover was a return to covenant faithfulness.

5. Encouragement
Josiah's act of encouraging the priests highlights his commitment to spiritual renewal and the proper worship of God.

Teaching Points

Leadership in Worship
Josiah's example shows the importance of godly leadership in guiding others toward proper worship and service to God.

Encouragement in Ministry
Encouraging those who serve in ministry is vital for the health and vitality of the church. Leaders should actively support and uplift those in spiritual service.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
Josiah's observance of the Passover demonstrates the importance of adhering to God's commands and the blessings that come from obedience.

Revival and Reform
Spiritual revival often begins with a return to foundational truths and practices, as seen in Josiah's reforms and the renewed observance of the Passover.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Josiah's leadership in appointing the priests reflect the qualities of a godly leader, and how can we apply these qualities in our own leadership roles?

2. In what ways can we encourage those who serve in our churches today, similar to how Josiah encouraged the priests?

3. What are some modern-day "Passovers" or spiritual practices that we might need to restore or emphasize in our personal or communal faith life?

4. How does the role of the priests in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament understanding of the priesthood of all believers?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced spiritual renewal. What practices or changes led to that renewal, and how can you maintain it in your daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The original institution of the Passover, providing the historical and theological background for Josiah's observance.

1 Chronicles 23-24
Details the organization of the priests and Levites, which Josiah would have drawn upon to appoint the priests to their duties.

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

Hebrews 10
Discusses the role of Christ as our High Priest, drawing a connection between the Old Testament priesthood and the New Covenant.