And Josiah gave to the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all for the passover offerings, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks: these were of the king's substance.
2 CHRONICLES 35:7KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 35:7 mean?
2 Chronicles 35:7 describes how King Josiah provided a huge number of animals—lambs, kids, and bullocks—from his own resources so that all the people present could celebrate the Passover with the required offerings. This verse highlights Josiah’s generosity and his commitment to making sure everyone could participate in the festival.
King Josiah is the one giving these animals, and he is giving them to the people of Judah who have gathered for the Passover celebration in Jerusalem. The verse shows that Josiah personally supplied thirty thousand from the flock (lambs and kids) and three thousand bullocks, all from his own wealth, so that the Passover could be kept according to the law.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:7
- "gave" (רוּם, rum): This word often means "to lift up" or "to offer." Here, it emphasizes Josiah’s active role in providing for the people, not just passively allowing the celebration.
- "flock" (צֹאן, tson): This word covers both sheep and goats. The verse’s mention of "lambs" (כֶּבֶשׂ, keves) and "kids" (גְּדִי עֵזִים, gedi ezim) shows that Josiah provided a variety of animals, as required for the Passover.
- "offerings" (פֶּסַח, pesach): This is the specific word for the Passover sacrifice, reminding the reader that these animals were not just gifts but were meant for a key religious observance.
- "substance" (רְכוּשׁ, rekush): This word means Josiah’s personal wealth or property, underlining that the king gave from his own possessions, not from public or temple funds.
Why 2 Chronicles 35:7 matters
- The verse clears up that Josiah’s generosity was personal and intentional, not just a royal duty; he gave from his own resources to make sure everyone could take part.
- The scale of the numbers—thirty thousand from the flock and three thousand bullocks—shows the importance Josiah placed on the Passover and his desire for widespread participation.
- This verse connects to the wider chapter, which describes a major Passover celebration, showing Josiah’s efforts to restore proper worship and obedience to the law in Judah.