Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethaneel, his brethren, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, chief of the Levites, gave unto the Levites for passover offerings five thousand small cattle, and five hundred oxen.
2 CHRONICLES 35:9KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 35:9 mean?
2 Chronicles 35:9 describes how several leaders among the Levites provided a large number of animals—five thousand small cattle (such as sheep or goats) and five hundred oxen—as offerings for the Passover celebration. These gifts were given to help other Levites participate in the festival by supplying what was needed for the required sacrifices.
This verse is set during King Josiah’s reign, as he organizes a major Passover celebration in Jerusalem. The leaders named—Conaniah, Shemaiah, Nethaneel, Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad—are Levites who take responsibility for making sure their fellow Levites have enough animals for the ritual sacrifices. The verse highlights the generosity and leadership of these men in supporting the worship practices of their community.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 35:9
- לְוִיִּם (Leviyim / Levites, H3881): This word refers to the tribe set apart for temple service. The verse emphasizes that both the leaders and the recipients are Levites, showing a sense of shared responsibility within the group.
- נְסָכִים (nesakhim / offerings, H6453): The word used here for "offerings" often refers to sacrifices or gifts presented in worship. It highlights that these animals were not just for eating but were specifically set aside for the Passover ritual.
- שָׂרֵי (saré / chief, H8269): This term means "leaders" or "chiefs," indicating that those giving the offerings held positions of authority among the Levites. Their leadership role included caring for the spiritual and practical needs of their peers.
Why 2 Chronicles 35:9 matters
- This verse shows the importance of shared leadership and generosity in Israel’s worship life, especially during major festivals like Passover.
- The mention of specific numbers and types of animals underlines the scale and seriousness of the preparations, reflecting the community’s commitment to honoring God’s instructions.
- By naming the leaders and their actions, the verse connects the Passover celebration to real people and their choices, making the story more concrete and relatable within the larger narrative of Josiah’s reforms.