2 Chronicles 35:11 – “The Passover lambs were slaughtered, and the priests splashed against the altar the blood handed to them, while the Levites skinned the animals.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse gives a detailed description of the process involved in the celebration of the Passover under King Josiah. The Passover lambs were slaughtered as part of the ceremony, and the priests took the blood and sprinkled it on the altar, following the instructions given in the Law of Moses. Meanwhile, the Levites assisted by preparing the animals, skinning them for the sacrifice. Each person had a role to play in this process, and together, they ensured that the Passover was observed according to God’s commands.

The act of slaughtering the lambs and sprinkling their blood was central to the Passover. It reminded the Israelites of their deliverance from Egypt when the blood of the lamb marked their homes and protected them from the final plague (Exodus 12). This act of sacrifice signified the importance of atonement and the covering of sin through the shedding of blood.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse is the religious reform initiated by King Josiah, who sought to bring the people of Judah back to the proper worship of God after years of neglect. The Passover had not been celebrated in the way prescribed by the Law for a long time, and Josiah took careful steps to restore this crucial festival. The Passover itself was one of the most important events in Israel’s history, commemorating God’s act of deliverance from slavery in Egypt.

In this verse, we see the detailed and orderly process by which the Passover sacrifices were made. The priests and Levites, who were responsible for conducting the sacrifices, worked together to ensure that the rituals were done properly. This was part of the larger effort to renew the nation’s covenant relationship with God by observing the religious practices outlined in the Law.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse highlights the importance of sacrifice in worship. In the Old Testament, the shedding of blood was necessary for the atonement of sins, and the Passover lambs were a key part of this sacrificial system. This practice pointed to the seriousness of sin and the need for it to be covered by a substitutionary sacrifice. The sprinkling of the blood on the altar symbolized the people’s sins being atoned for and their relationship with God being restored.

It also emphasizes the role of spiritual leadership. The priests and Levites had specific duties in leading the people in worship. The priests handled the blood, which was central to the sacrificial process, while the Levites provided practical assistance by preparing the animals. This division of roles shows that worship involves both spiritual and practical elements, and it underscores the importance of proper leadership in guiding the people toward God.

Literary Analysis

From a literary perspective, this verse uses vivid imagery to describe the sacrificial process. The mention of the lambs being slaughtered and the blood being splashed against the altar evokes a sense of the gravity and sacredness of the moment. The imagery of blood plays a crucial role throughout the Bible, symbolizing life, atonement, and covenant.

The reference to the priests and Levites working together reflects the unity and order in the worship of God’s people. The priests had the spiritual responsibility of handling the blood, while the Levites had the practical role of preparing the sacrifices. This unity in fulfilling their duties shows how the community worked together to honor God.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 12:1-13: The original institution of the Passover, where the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites during the final plague in Egypt.
• Leviticus 17:11: This verse emphasizes the importance of blood in the sacrificial system, saying, “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar.”
• Hebrews 9:22: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” This New Testament passage explains the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, connecting it to the sacrificial system in the Old Testament.
• 1 Peter 1:18-19: Describes Jesus as the “lamb without blemish or defect,” pointing to His role as the ultimate Passover lamb.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of sacrifice in our relationship with God. In the Old Testament, the blood of lambs was required to atone for the people’s sins, but today, we look to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed once and for all for the forgiveness of our sins. The Passover lambs pointed forward to Christ, the true Lamb of God, whose sacrifice on the cross has provided atonement for all who believe.

This passage also highlights the importance of unity and order in worship. Just as the priests and Levites worked together to ensure the proper observance of the Passover, we are called to serve God together in our churches and communities, each playing a role in the body of Christ. Worship is not just an individual act but a communal one where we support one another and fulfill the roles God has given us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in this verse through the provision of a way for His people to be forgiven and restored to Him. The sacrificial system, though temporary, was a sign of God’s grace, showing that He desired to forgive His people and be in relationship with them. The Passover itself was a celebration of God’s love and faithfulness in delivering Israel from slavery, and the ongoing observance of the Passover reminded the people of His continued care for them.

Ultimately, this sacrificial system pointed forward to the greatest act of love—the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. God’s love for us is fully revealed in the fact that He sent His only Son to be the final sacrifice for our sins, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe in Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects directly to Jesus Christ through the imagery of the Passover lamb. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Just as the blood of the Passover lambs protected the Israelites from death, Jesus’ blood protects us from eternal separation from God and offers us forgiveness.

In Hebrews 9:12, we are told that Jesus “entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” The priests in 2 Chronicles 35:11 sprinkled the blood of lambs on the altar, but Jesus offered His own blood, making a once-and-for-all sacrifice that fulfilled the requirements of the Old Testament law. His sacrifice means that we no longer need to offer repeated sacrifices for sin, because He has paid the price in full.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the practice of sacrifice in the Old Testament help us understand the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?
2. What does this passage teach us about the importance of spiritual leadership and the roles that each of us plays in the worship of God?
3. How does this verse point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how does His sacrifice change the way we think about forgiveness and grace?
4. In what ways can we, like the priests and Levites, work together in our communities to serve God and support one another in worship?
5. How does understanding the sacrificial system in the Old Testament deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross?

This verse from 2 Chronicles 35:11 shows the importance of sacrifice, order, and spiritual leadership in the worship of God’s people. It also points us to the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for our forgiveness and salvation. Through His sacrifice, we are invited into a restored relationship with God, free from the burden of sin.