2 Chronicles 35:17 – “The Israelites who were present celebrated the Passover at that time and observed the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse describes how the Israelites who were present for the Passover celebration under King Josiah’s leadership faithfully observed the Passover and then continued to celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days. The Passover was a one-day event that marked Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt, while the Festival of Unleavened Bread was a weeklong festival that followed, commemorating the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, without time for their bread to rise.

This verse shows that the people were careful to observe both festivals, following the instructions given by God through Moses. It was a time of national remembrance, repentance, and worship, focused on God’s past deliverance and His ongoing care for His people.

Historical Context

This event occurred during the reign of King Josiah, a king who was known for his devotion to God and his efforts to bring Judah back to proper worship. After discovering the Book of the Law during temple repairs, Josiah led a spiritual revival in the nation, tearing down idols and restoring the worship of God in the temple. One of the key parts of this revival was the celebration of the Passover, which had been neglected for many years.

The Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were critical events in Israel’s history. They commemorated God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and His protection of them during the Exodus. By celebrating these festivals, Josiah was not only leading the people back to their religious roots but also helping them reconnect with their identity as God’s chosen people.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse emphasizes the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s acts of deliverance. The Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were not just religious rituals—they were meant to remind the people of God’s power, faithfulness, and mercy. In observing these festivals, the Israelites were reminded of God’s saving work in their history and were called to renew their commitment to Him.

This verse also highlights the importance of obedience in worship. The people observed the festivals as God had commanded, showing their desire to return to Him and honor His Word. True worship is about more than just emotions or feelings; it is about following God’s instructions and remembering His work in our lives.

Literary Analysis

This verse serves as a summary of the people’s faithfulness in observing the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The repetition of the festivals emphasizes their significance, and the phrase “the Israelites who were present” highlights the communal nature of the celebration. This was not just an individual act of worship; it was a national event that involved all who were there, uniting the people in their devotion to God.

The reference to the seven days of the Festival of Unleavened Bread reflects the thoroughness of their observance. The people didn’t just go through the motions—they fully engaged in the worship of God, dedicating an entire week to remember His deliverance and His faithfulness.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 12:1-20: Describes the original institution of the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread, showing the significance of these events in Israel’s history.
• Leviticus 23:5-8: Outlines the requirements for observing the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread, emphasizing the importance of following God’s commands in worship.
• Deuteronomy 16:1-8: A restatement of the instructions for these festivals, reinforcing their importance in the life of the nation.
• 1 Corinthians 5:7-8: Paul applies the imagery of the Passover and Unleavened Bread to Christ and the Christian life, showing how these Old Testament events point to Jesus.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s acts of deliverance in our own lives. Just as the Israelites celebrated the Passover to remember their deliverance from Egypt, we are called to remember and celebrate what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. Observances such as Communion, where we remember Christ’s sacrifice, are ways that we continue this practice of remembering God’s saving work.

This verse also emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness in worship. The Israelites followed God’s instructions for celebrating the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread, showing their desire to honor Him. In the same way, we are called to follow God’s Word in our worship, seeking to honor Him in all that we do.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in this verse through His desire for His people to remember His acts of deliverance and to live in relationship with Him. The Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were not just about rituals—they were about remembering how God had saved the Israelites from slavery and brought them into freedom. This was a sign of His deep love and care for them, and by observing these festivals, the people were responding to God’s love with gratitude and worship.

God’s love is also seen in His faithfulness. Even though the people of Judah had turned away from Him for many years, God was still ready to receive them when they returned to Him in obedience. This verse shows us that God’s love is patient and enduring, always inviting His people back into relationship with Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus Christ through the imagery of the Passover. 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 Israelites celebrated the Passover to remember God’s deliverance from Egypt, Christians remember Christ’s sacrifice, which delivers us from sin and death. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover lamb, whose blood was shed to bring us salvation.

The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which followed the Passover, also has significance for Christians. In 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, Paul urges believers to live lives of sincerity and truth, using the metaphor of unleavened bread to describe the purity and holiness that should characterize our lives in Christ. The unleavened bread symbolized the removal of sin and impurity, pointing to the new life we have in Jesus.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the observance of the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread in this verse remind us of the importance of remembering God’s work in our lives?
2. What can we learn from the Israelites’ obedience in celebrating these festivals, and how can we apply this to our own worship of God today?
3. How does the Passover in this verse point us to Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross? How should this affect the way we think about worship and thanksgiving?
4. In what ways can we, like the Israelites, set aside time to remember and celebrate God’s acts of deliverance in our own lives?
5. How does this passage reflect God’s love and faithfulness, and how can we respond to His love with renewed commitment and worship?

This verse from 2 Chronicles 35:17 reminds us of the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s acts of deliverance. It calls us to live lives of obedience and faithfulness, just as the Israelites observed the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread according to God’s instructions. Ultimately, it points us to Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice has brought us salvation and freedom. Through Christ, we are invited to live lives of gratitude and worship, remembering all that God has done for us.