So all the service of the LORD was prepared the same day, to keep the passover, and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD, according to the commandment of king Josiah.

2 CHRONICLES 35:16KJV
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2 Chronicles 35:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:16 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:16 describes how all the preparations for serving the LORD were completed on the same day, so that the Passover could be observed and burnt offerings could be made on the altar, just as King Josiah had commanded. The verse highlights the careful organization and obedience to Josiah’s instructions during this important religious event.

The setting is the reign of King Josiah in Jerusalem, where he is leading a major religious reform. The verse summarizes the successful carrying out of Passover rituals by the priests and Levites, following the king’s orders. This verse shows the community’s dedication to following God’s law and Josiah’s leadership in restoring proper worship.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:16

  • “service” (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This word often means “work” or “service,” and here it refers to the organized religious duties performed by the priests and Levites during the Passover.
  • “prepared” (כּוּן, kun): This word means “to establish” or “to make ready.” It emphasizes that everything was set up properly and with care for the Passover observance.
  • “passover” (פֶּסַח, pesach): This is the specific festival being observed, a central event in Israel’s religious life, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
  • “commandment” (מִצְוָה, mitzvah): This word means “command” or “instruction,” pointing to Josiah’s authority and his role in ensuring the Passover was kept according to the proper rules.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Passover was not just a spontaneous event but was carefully prepared and carried out according to the king’s instructions, showing the importance of order and obedience in worship.
  • The mention of both the Passover and burnt offerings connects this event to the broader system of worship in ancient Israel, highlighting the completeness of the celebration.
  • By emphasizing Josiah’s command, the verse links the religious revival directly to his leadership, showing how a faithful leader can influence the spiritual life of a nation.

Where else these words appear

“passover” Hebrew H6453 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
  • Numbers 28:16 And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 30:17 For there were many in the congregation that were not sanctified: therefore the Levites had the charge of the killing of the passovers for every one that was not clean, to sanctify them unto the LORD.

“Josiah” Hebrew H2977 · used in 48 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:25 But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.
  • Jeremiah 3:6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

“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.