2 Chronicles 35:6 – “Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and prepare for your fellow Israelites, doing what the Lord commanded through Moses.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, King Josiah is giving instructions to the Levites during the Passover celebration. He directs them to slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate themselves, and prepare to serve the people of Israel according to God’s commandments. The Levites, who were set apart to help with temple worship, were given specific duties to ensure that the Passover was observed correctly, as instructed by Moses in the Law.

The act of slaughtering the Passover lambs was central to the Passover celebration, symbolizing the sacrificial offering that was originally instituted during Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. By commanding the Levites to consecrate themselves, Josiah emphasizes the importance of spiritual purity and preparation for worship. The Levites were not only performing a ritual; they were participating in something sacred that connected them and the people back to God’s covenant and His saving acts.

Historical Context

The historical setting of this verse is during King Josiah’s reign in Judah, a time when the nation had largely forgotten and abandoned the proper worship of God. Josiah’s discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple led him to a personal and national renewal, focusing on restoring the proper observance of God’s commands, particularly in the context of temple worship.

The Passover celebration itself is one of the oldest and most significant events in Israel’s history, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt when God “passed over” the houses marked with the blood of a lamb during the tenth plague (Exodus 12). The Levites played a key role in organizing this event, ensuring that everything was done according to the law of Moses. In this context, Josiah was leading the people back to God, reestablishing the proper worship that had been neglected for many years.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key theological points. First, it underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Josiah doesn’t invent a new way to worship but follows the instructions given to Moses, showing that God’s standards for worship are not arbitrary but are rooted in His divine will. True worship is about aligning ourselves with God’s commands, not creating our own ways of doing things.

Second, the idea of consecration is significant. The Levites had to purify themselves before participating in the sacred act of leading the people in worship. This concept of spiritual preparation reflects the holiness of God and the need for those who serve Him to be pure in heart and action.

Third, the slaughter of the Passover lambs points to the concept of sacrifice and atonement. In the Old Testament, the lambs were sacrificed as part of the covenant between God and His people, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Literary Analysis

In terms of literary structure, this verse is direct and instructional, reflecting the seriousness and solemnity of the event being described. Josiah’s use of the phrase “doing what the Lord commanded through Moses” ties the current Passover celebration to the original institution of the festival, creating a sense of continuity between past and present.

The word “consecrate” is also significant, emphasizing the spiritual preparation needed before participating in worship. It’s not just about performing a task; it’s about being spiritually prepared and set apart for God’s service. The verse balances the practical aspects of preparing for the Passover (slaughtering the lambs) with the spiritual requirement of being holy before God.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 12:1-14: This passage outlines the original institution of the Passover, including the instructions for selecting and sacrificing the Passover lamb.
• Leviticus 8:6-12: Describes the consecration of the priests, highlighting the importance of spiritual purity for those who serve in God’s house.
• Numbers 8:5-22: This section provides details on the consecration of the Levites for service in the tabernacle, which parallels their need for consecration in Josiah’s time.
• Hebrews 9:22: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” This New Testament verse connects the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, including the Passover lamb, with the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse carries a powerful message about the importance of obedience, preparation, and the role of sacrifice in our relationship with God. Just as the Levites had to follow God’s commands carefully and consecrate themselves before serving, we too are called to approach God with reverence, purity, and a heart prepared to worship.

The call to “consecrate yourselves” reminds us that our relationship with God is not something we can take lightly. Worship is not just an external action; it requires inner purity and a heart that is fully committed to God. This challenges us to examine our own lives and make sure we are approaching God with the right attitude, seeking His holiness in all that we do.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s love in His desire to provide a way for His people to come to Him. The Passover celebration was a reminder of God’s saving work, delivering Israel from bondage in Egypt. It also points to His ongoing care for His people, as He provided the Levites to help guide them in worship and maintain the sacred traditions He had established.

God’s command to consecrate the Levites also reflects His love. By calling them to spiritual purity, God is showing His desire for a holy relationship with His people. He doesn’t just want empty rituals; He wants hearts and lives that are aligned with His will. God’s love is also seen in His patience, as He continues to offer His people a way back to Him, even after they have strayed.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse has a clear connection to Jesus Christ, particularly through the image of the Passover lamb. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Just as the Levites were instructed to sacrifice the Passover lambs, Jesus offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

The call to “consecrate yourselves” also finds fulfillment in Christ. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are made holy and consecrated to God. Hebrews 10:10 says, “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Jesus not only fulfills the role of the Passover lamb, but He also makes it possible for us to live lives that are consecrated and set apart for God’s service.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important for worship to be done according to God’s commands, as seen in Josiah’s instructions to the Levites?
2. What does it mean to consecrate yourself before worshiping God? How can we apply this in our daily lives?
3. How does the Passover celebration in this verse point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
4. What role does obedience play in our relationship with God? How can we ensure that we are living in obedience to His Word?
5. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually to serve God and others, just as the Levites prepared to serve the people of Israel?

This verse from 2 Chronicles 35:6 reminds us of the importance of obedience, preparation, and spiritual purity in our worship of God. It points us back to God’s saving work in the past and forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who makes it possible for us to live lives that are holy and pleasing to God.