2 Chronicles 35:1 – “Josiah celebrated the Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse focuses on King Josiah’s celebration of the Passover, an important event in Israel’s history and worship. Josiah, the king of Judah, reigned during a time when the nation had strayed far from God. His reign is remembered for his efforts to restore true worship and obedience to God, and this verse highlights his leadership in celebrating the Passover—a key moment where the people remembered God’s deliverance from Egypt.
The Passover was not just a ceremony; it was a reminder of God’s faithfulness and mercy. By celebrating the Passover, Josiah was calling the people back to their covenant with God. His obedience and commitment to honoring God stand in contrast to the idolatry and neglect of previous kings.
Historical Context
Josiah became king at a young age and is often remembered as one of the few godly kings of Judah. His reign came at a time when Israel was divided, and the northern kingdom of Israel had already been taken captive by Assyria due to their disobedience. Judah, though still intact, was headed in a similar direction due to widespread idolatry and neglect of God’s laws.
During Josiah’s reign, the Book of the Law was rediscovered in the temple, sparking a national reform. This discovery led Josiah to renew the covenant with God, tear down idols, and restore proper worship. The celebration of the Passover in 2 Chronicles 35:1 is a crucial part of this reform. It had not been celebrated in such a grand manner since the days of the prophet Samuel. This Passover celebration marked a return to the worship that God had instituted for His people—a worship that centered on remembering God’s deliverance and faithfulness.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights the importance of remembering God’s acts of salvation. The Passover was a vivid reminder of God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, symbolizing God’s power and mercy. For the people of Judah, it was a call to remember who they were as God’s chosen people and to realign themselves with God’s commands.
The verse also points to the significance of obedience in worship. Josiah’s actions demonstrate that true worship isn’t about innovation or personal preference, but about honoring God according to His Word. The proper observance of the Passover reflected a heart of obedience and a desire to restore the nation’s relationship with God.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, 2 Chronicles 35:1 serves as a pivotal point in the narrative of Josiah’s reign. It’s not merely a historical record of a religious event but a symbol of the larger spiritual revival Josiah was leading. The Passover, with its emphasis on sacrifice and deliverance, foreshadows themes of atonement and redemption that run throughout the Bible.
The language is straightforward, yet it carries significant weight in its implications. The mention of the specific date (“fourteenth day of the first month”) ties the event to the instructions God gave to Moses in Exodus, emphasizing continuity in the story of God’s people and their worship.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:21-27: This passage outlines the original institution of the Passover, providing a backdrop for Josiah’s celebration.
- 2 Kings 23:21-23: Another account of Josiah’s Passover celebration, offering additional details about the reforms.
- Deuteronomy 16:1-8: Instructions for the observance of Passover in the Promised Land, which Josiah was seeking to follow.
- John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” This verse ties the Passover lamb to Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate Passover sacrifice.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, 2 Chronicles 35:1 reminds us of the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth. Just as Josiah called the people back to the covenant, we are called to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our true Passover Lamb, who delivers us from the bondage of sin.
This verse also encourages us to be faithful stewards of God’s Word. Josiah’s reforms came after rediscovering the Scriptures, which shows the power of God’s Word to bring about change and renewal in our lives and communities.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in this verse through His willingness to offer repeated chances for repentance and renewal. Even though Judah had turned away from Him, God used Josiah to restore true worship and give the people another opportunity to align themselves with His will. The Passover itself is a picture of God’s mercy and deliverance—rescuing His people from destruction, a pattern that points to His love throughout the Bible.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
2 Chronicles 35:1 points directly to Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the “Passover Lamb” in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as the Passover lamb was sacrificed to spare the Israelites from death, Jesus was sacrificed to deliver us from sin and death. His death on the cross fulfills the symbolism of the Passover, showing that God’s plan of salvation has been consistent throughout history.
The celebration of the Passover under Josiah’s leadership foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who fulfills the law and brings us into a new covenant with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Josiah’s celebration of the Passover was significant, especially in light of Judah’s history of neglecting God’s commands?
- How can we, like Josiah, restore proper worship and obedience to God in our own lives?
- In what ways does the Passover celebration foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ?
- What does this passage teach us about the importance of remembering God’s acts of deliverance in our own lives today?
- How does this verse challenge you to pursue a deeper understanding of God’s Word and its role in your life?
This verse, like much of Scripture, points to God’s relentless pursuit of His people and His desire for them to walk in His ways. It reminds us that God’s deliverance, whether through the Passover in Josiah’s time or the sacrifice of Jesus, is an expression of His deep love for us.