So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their courses, according to the king's commandment.

2 CHRONICLES 35:10KJV
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2 Chronicles 35:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:10 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:10 describes how the preparations for the Passover service were completed, with the priests and Levites each taking their assigned positions as directed by the king. The verse highlights the careful organization and obedience to the king’s instructions in carrying out this important religious event.

This verse is part of the account of King Josiah’s great Passover celebration in Jerusalem. The priests (descendants of Aaron) and the Levites (members of the tribe of Levi with various temple duties) are shown standing ready in their designated roles. The verse emphasizes the orderliness and unity in following the king’s command, setting the stage for the Passover rituals to proceed as intended.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:10

  • "service" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This word often refers to religious or temple service, especially the duties performed by priests and Levites. Here, it points to the organized worship and sacrifices of the Passover.
  • "courses" (מַחְלְקוֹת, machleqot): This term refers to the divisions or shifts of Levites. The Levites served in rotating groups, so this highlights the structured way temple duties were shared.
  • "commandment" (מִצְוָה, mitzvah): This word means a command or instruction, in this case, specifically the directive given by King Josiah for how the Passover should be conducted.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:10 matters

  • This verse shows the importance of order and obedience in worship, with everyone fulfilling their specific roles as part of a larger community effort.
  • The mention of the king’s commandment ties the religious observance directly to Josiah’s leadership, underlining his role in restoring proper worship in Judah.
  • By describing the priests and Levites in their places, the verse connects to the broader theme of renewal and faithfulness during Josiah’s reforms, showing a return to the traditions laid out in the law of Moses.

Where else these words appear

“place” Hebrew H5977 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 30:16 And they stood in their place after their manner, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood, which they received of the hand of the Levites.
  • Nehemiah 9:3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
  • Daniel 8:18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.

“courses” Hebrew H4256 · used in 36 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:5 The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:13 Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.

“service” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:24 These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.