Topical Encyclopedia
The Feast of the Passover, a pivotal observance in the Jewish calendar, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage as described in the Book of Exodus. During the reign of King Josiah, the Passover celebration took on extraordinary significance, marking a period of religious reform and national renewal in Judah.
Historical ContextKing Josiah, ascending to the throne of Judah at the tender age of eight, reigned from approximately 640 to 609 BC. His reign is noted for a profound religious reformation, as he sought to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry from the land. This reform was catalyzed by the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple during the eighteenth year of his reign (
2 Kings 22:8-13).
The Passover CelebrationThe Passover during Josiah's reign is particularly remarkable for its adherence to the prescriptions found in the rediscovered Book of the Law. The account of this celebration is detailed in
2 Chronicles 35:1-19 and
2 Kings 23:21-23. Josiah's observance of the Passover was unparalleled since the days of the judges and the kings of Israel and Judah.
2 Chronicles 35:1 states, "Then Josiah celebrated the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month." This observance was characterized by meticulous attention to the Mosaic Law, as Josiah sought to align the nation's worship with the divine commandments.
Significance of Josiah's PassoverJosiah's Passover was significant for several reasons:
1.
Restoration of Covenant Faithfulness: The celebration symbolized a return to covenant faithfulness, as Josiah led the nation in repentance and renewed commitment to the Lord. The king's actions demonstrated a desire to restore the spiritual integrity of Judah.
2.
National Unity: The Passover served as a unifying event for the people of Judah. It brought together the priests, Levites, and laypeople in a collective act of worship and remembrance, fostering a sense of national identity centered on their shared history and faith.
3.
Elimination of Idolatry: In preparation for the Passover, Josiah purged the land of idolatrous practices and objects, as recorded in
2 Kings 23:4-20. This cleansing was essential for the proper observance of the feast, as it underscored the exclusivity of worship due to Yahweh.
4.
Exemplary Leadership: Josiah's leadership during the Passover set a standard for future generations. His dedication to the Lord and His commandments was a model of godly kingship, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's word.
5.
Historical Precedent: The chronicler notes that such a Passover had not been observed since the days of Samuel the prophet, highlighting its exceptional nature (
2 Chronicles 35:18). This underscores the depth of Josiah's commitment to restoring true worship in Judah.
ConclusionThe Feast of the Passover during Josiah's reign stands as a testament to the power of religious reform and the importance of covenant fidelity. It serves as a reminder of the centrality of worship and obedience in the life of God's people, illustrating the profound impact of godly leadership in guiding a nation back to its spiritual roots.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 23:22,23Surely there was not held such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;
Torrey's Topical Textbook2 Chronicles 35:1,18
Moreover Josiah kept a passover to the LORD in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
What is a love feast? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the parables of fasting at the wedding feast, the old cloth, and the wineskins? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different Jewish festivals in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgFeast: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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