2 Chronicles 35:7 – “Josiah provided for all the lay people who were there a total of thirty thousand lambs and goats for the Passover offerings, and also three thousand cattle—all from the king’s own possessions.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse highlights King Josiah’s generosity and leadership in organizing the Passover celebration for the people of Judah. Josiah personally provided a significant number of animals for the Passover sacrifices—thirty thousand lambs and goats, along with three thousand cattle—ensuring that everyone, even those who might not have been able to afford their own sacrifice, could fully participate in the festival.
The offerings Josiah provided came from his own resources, showing his commitment to the spiritual renewal of his nation. By making these sacrifices available, Josiah was leading by example, showing his devotion to God and care for the people. His actions demonstrate the role of a godly leader who serves not only through words but through generous and practical means, allowing the entire community to engage in worship.
Historical Context
This verse is set during one of the most significant religious revivals in Judah’s history. King Josiah, after discovering the Book of the Law in the temple, led a national reformation that included tearing down idols, restoring the temple, and reinstituting the Passover celebration. This Passover was especially important because the people of Judah had neglected the proper observance of this event for many years.
In ancient Israel, the Passover was a remembrance of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, particularly the night when the angel of death “passed over” the homes marked with the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12). Sacrificing lambs and goats was central to this celebration. Josiah’s provision of these animals ensured that the people could honor God in the way He commanded, reflecting his desire to restore proper worship and obedience to God’s laws.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the principle of generosity in leadership. Josiah’s actions reflect the biblical idea that leaders are called to serve and provide for others, not just lead from a position of authority. Josiah used his personal wealth to ensure that all the people could participate in the Passover, showing that worship should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic status.
This also points to the idea of sacrifice in worship. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were a key element of worship and atonement, symbolizing the people’s dedication to God and their need for forgiveness. By providing these animals, Josiah was facilitating this crucial aspect of worship, allowing the people to properly offer sacrifices as commanded by God.
Literary Analysis
In terms of literary structure, this verse serves to emphasize the generosity and leadership of Josiah in a tangible way. The specific numbers—thirty thousand lambs and goats, and three thousand cattle—are meant to impress upon the reader the scale of Josiah’s provision and the seriousness with which he approached the Passover celebration.
The verse also underscores the personal nature of Josiah’s contribution. The phrase “from the king’s own possessions” reveals that this was not just a state-organized event, but something Josiah personally invested in. His generosity and leadership in providing for the people illustrate his devotion to God and his desire to see the nation return to proper worship.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:1-14: The institution of the Passover, where God commanded the Israelites to sacrifice lambs and goats and spread the blood on their doorposts, which is the event this celebration commemorates.
- 2 Samuel 24:24: King David also demonstrated a similar principle when he insisted on paying for the threshing floor and the sacrifices, saying, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”
- 1 Chronicles 29:2-9: This passage describes David’s generosity in providing resources for the building of the temple, which parallels Josiah’s provision for the Passover.
- Hebrews 9:22: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” This New Testament reference highlights the importance of sacrifice, which is reflected in the Passover tradition and ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity in worship and leadership. Josiah’s example challenges us to think about how we use our resources—whether time, money, or abilities—to support the worship of God and the needs of others. True leadership, whether in a church, community, or family, involves sacrificial giving and service to others.
This verse also reminds us of the importance of making worship accessible to all. Josiah’s provision of animals for the Passover ensured that everyone, regardless of their wealth or status, could participate in the communal act of worship. Today, we are called to create inclusive spaces where all can come to worship God, without barriers of wealth, class, or background.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in several ways. First, it shows that God desires all His people to be able to come to Him in worship. Through Josiah’s provision, God was ensuring that everyone could participate in the Passover celebration, which symbolized His deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt. This echoes the broader biblical theme that God wants all people to know Him and be able to worship Him freely.
Additionally, the Passover itself is a reminder of God’s great love and mercy. It was a celebration of God’s saving power, a moment when He passed over the Israelites’ homes and spared them from judgment. Josiah’s actions in facilitating this celebration underscore the reality that God’s love is both personal and communal, inviting all to experience His grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus Christ, particularly through the imagery of the Passover lamb. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29), and His sacrifice on the cross is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover. Just as the blood of the lambs in Egypt saved the Israelites from death, the blood of Christ saves us from sin and eternal separation from God.
Josiah’s provision of lambs and goats for the Passover points forward to the ultimate provision of Jesus, the perfect and final sacrifice. 1 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” In the same way that Josiah made sure the people had what they needed to participate in the Passover, God provided Jesus so that all people could be included in the new covenant of grace.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Josiah’s generosity in providing for the Passover challenge us to think about our own giving and service to others?
- What does this verse teach us about the role of leadership in providing for the spiritual and physical needs of the community?
- How can we ensure that our worship and church communities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic status?
- In what ways does the Passover celebration in this verse point to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Passover lamb?
- How does this verse encourage us to think about the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s past acts of deliverance in our lives?
This verse from 2 Chronicles 35:7 reminds us of the importance of generosity, leadership, and the significance of worshiping God according to His commands. It points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who provides for all of us, ensuring that we can participate fully in the life of faith and experience God’s saving grace.