2 Chronicles 35:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:14 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:14 describes how, after helping prepare the Passover sacrifices for the people, the Levites also made preparations for themselves and for the priests. The priests, who were descendants of Aaron, were so busy offering burnt offerings and handling the fat portions until nightfall that the Levites had to step in and prepare food for them as well as for themselves.

This verse takes place during King Josiah’s great Passover celebration in Jerusalem. The Levites, a group set apart for temple service, supported the priests (the sons of Aaron) because the priests were occupied with their duties at the altar. The verse highlights the teamwork and division of labor required to carry out such a large religious festival, showing the practical ways the Levites served both the people and the priests.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:14

• "Priests" (כֹּהֵן, kohen) and "sons" (בֵּן, ben) "of Aaron" (אַהֲרֹן, Aharon): The repeated mention of the priests as "sons of Aaron" emphasizes their special role and lineage, showing that only Aaron’s descendants could perform certain sacrifices.
• "Offering" (עָלָה, ‘alah) and "burnt offerings" (עֹלָה, ‘olah): Both words come from the same root, meaning to ascend or go up, because burnt offerings were completely burned and sent up in smoke to God. This highlights the intensity and duration of the priests’ work.
• "Fat" (חֵלֶב, chelev): The fat portions were considered the best part of the animal and were reserved for God in the offerings. Handling these was a key priestly duty, explaining why the priests were occupied until night.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:14 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Levites did not just serve the people but also supported the priests, making sure everyone could participate in the Passover despite the heavy workload.
• The verse helps explain the practical challenges of conducting a large-scale religious event, showing the need for careful organization and cooperation among different groups.
• By highlighting the priests’ and Levites’ roles, the verse connects to the broader theme of order and reverence in worship that runs through the account of Josiah’s Passover.