And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,

2 CHRONICLES 35:3KJV
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2 Chronicles 35:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 35:3 mean?

2 Chronicles 35:3 records King Josiah instructing the Levites, who were responsible for teaching Israel and set apart for God, to place the holy ark in the temple that Solomon built. Josiah tells them they no longer need to carry the ark on their shoulders and instead should focus on serving God and the people of Israel.

In this verse, Josiah is speaking directly to the Levites during preparations for the Passover. He reminds them that the ark, called "holy" (set apart), now belongs in its permanent home—the temple built by Solomon, David’s son. This marks a shift from the earlier practice of transporting the ark and highlights the Levites’ ongoing role in worship and teaching.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:3

  • לְוִיִּי (Leviyy, "Levites"): This word refers to the tribe set apart for temple duties and teaching. The verse highlights their special status as "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) to the LORD.
  • אָרוֹן (aron, "ark"): The ark is called "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) here, emphasizing its sacredness. Josiah’s command to put it in the temple signals a return to proper worship practices.
  • בַּיִת (bayit, "house"): This word means "house" or "temple." Josiah refers to the temple as the rightful place for the ark, stressing the importance of worshiping according to God’s instructions.
  • עָבַד (avad, "serve"): Josiah tells the Levites to "serve" the LORD and Israel, shifting their focus from carrying the ark to their broader duties in worship and teaching.

Why 2 Chronicles 35:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the ark’s place is now permanently in the temple, not to be moved around as it was in earlier times. It marks a return to the order established by Solomon.
  • Josiah’s instructions show his commitment to restoring proper worship and temple service, which had been neglected in previous generations.
  • The verse connects the Levites’ teaching role with their service in the temple, showing that their responsibilities went beyond physical tasks to include spiritual leadership for Israel.

Where else these words appear

“shoulders” Hebrew H3802 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 27:14 The hangings of one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.
  • Joshua 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.
  • Isaiah 49:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

“burden” Hebrew H4853 · used in 60 verses

  • Exodus 23:5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
  • Isaiah 23:1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

“holy” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Kings 19:22 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
  • Isaiah 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.