And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.

2 CHRONICLES 35:17KJV
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2 Chronicles 35:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:17 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:17 describes how the Israelites who were present at that time faithfully observed the Passover and then continued to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. The verse highlights the careful keeping of these important religious festivals as part of their worship.

This verse is part of the account of King Josiah’s reforms, where he led the people of Judah and Israel in a renewed observance of God’s laws. The writer is emphasizing that those who were present followed the traditional instructions for Passover and the week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread, showing a return to proper worship practices after a period of neglect.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:17

  • "Passover" (פֶּסַח, pesach): This word refers to the special meal and ceremony remembering Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. Its use here shows the people were observing a foundational event in their faith.
  • "Feast" (חַג, chag): This term means a festival or celebration, and in this context, it points to the week-long observance that followed Passover.
  • "Unleavened bread" (מַצָּה, matzah): This word refers to bread made without yeast, symbolizing the haste of the Exodus. The focus on eating only this bread for seven days (שֶׁבַע, sheva; "seven") underscores the careful attention to the details of the law.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:17 matters

  • This verse shows that Josiah’s reforms were not just about leadership but involved the active participation of the people in restoring traditional worship.
  • The mention of both Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread connects this event to the original instructions given in Exodus, highlighting a return to foundational practices.
  • By noting that those "present" kept the festivals, the verse hints that not everyone participated—perhaps due to exile or absence—making the faithfulness of those who did all the more significant.

Where else these words appear

“bread” Hebrew H4682 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
  • Leviticus 2:4 And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.
  • Deuteronomy 16:8 Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work therein.

“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.

“feast” Hebrew H2282 · used in 55 verses

  • Exodus 10:9 And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD.
  • Deuteronomy 16:14 And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates.
  • Psalms 81:3 Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.