2 Chronicles 35:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:18 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:18 says that the Passover celebration held by King Josiah was unlike any Passover observed in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel, and none of the kings before Josiah had kept it in such a way, with all the priests, Levites, Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem’s inhabitants participating. This verse highlights the extraordinary nature and unity of Josiah’s Passover compared to previous generations.

The writer of Chronicles is describing a moment during Josiah’s reign when the nation came together for a Passover that stood out in Israel’s history. The verse emphasizes that not even the kings before Josiah, nor the people since Samuel’s time, had celebrated Passover with such completeness and involvement. This shows Josiah’s commitment to restoring worship and following the law as described earlier in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:18

• "passover" (פֶּסַח, pesach): This word refers to the central festival remembering Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. The verse’s focus on this word shows the importance of the event Josiah restored.
• "kept" (עָשָׂה, asah): This verb means “to do” or “to make.” Here, it highlights the act of observing or carrying out the Passover, stressing Josiah’s active leadership in making it happen.
• "like" (כָּמֹהוּ, kamohu): This word means “like” or “such as.” The verse uses it to stress that no previous Passover matched the one Josiah held, pointing to its unique character.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:18 matters

• The verse clears up any idea that Passover was always celebrated the same way; it shows that Josiah’s observance was unusually thorough and inclusive.
• It connects Josiah’s reforms to earlier faithful periods in Israel’s history, especially the time of Samuel, highlighting a return to spiritual roots.
• The verse underscores the unity of all groups—priests, Levites, people of Judah and Israel, and Jerusalem’s residents—showing a rare moment of national togetherness in worship.