2 Kings 23:21 – “The king gave this order to all the people: ‘Celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, King Josiah commands the people of Judah to celebrate the Passover, following the instructions found in the Book of the Covenant, which had recently been rediscovered during Josiah’s reforms. Passover was a critical feast that commemorated God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. By ordering the nation to observe this feast, Josiah sought to bring the people back to proper worship, aligning their practices with God’s commands. The celebration of Passover symbolized a renewal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. After years of neglect, this revival of Passover under Josiah’s leadership marked a return to obedience and a desire to honor God in the way He had prescribed.
Historical Context
The Passover had not been celebrated properly for many years by the people of Judah. During the reigns of several previous kings, the worship of foreign gods and the neglect of the laws found in the Torah had become widespread. King Josiah’s reforms were a direct response to the discovery of the Book of the Law (likely the Torah), which had been forgotten in the temple. Upon reading the law, Josiah realized how far the nation had strayed from God’s commands and sought to restore true worship. The Passover was a key part of this restoration, as it reminded the people of their identity as God’s chosen people, delivered from bondage and called to live in obedience to Him.
Theological Implications
This verse illustrates the importance of obedience to God’s Word in worship. Josiah didn’t simply command the people to worship God in any way they chose; he directed them to celebrate Passover “as it is written.” This highlights the need to follow God’s instructions closely, especially in how He is to be worshiped. Theologically, the Passover itself represents God’s saving power and faithfulness. It reminded the people of God’s deliverance from Egypt and His covenant with them. For modern believers, this points to the importance of remembering God’s acts of salvation and maintaining faithfulness to His Word.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse is straightforward and commanding. Josiah’s directive is clear and firm, leaving no room for ambiguity. The reference to “the Book of the Covenant” emphasizes that this celebration was not based on Josiah’s own ideas but on God’s established law. The use of the term “celebrate” adds a positive, joyful tone, reminding the reader that the Passover was both a solemn remembrance and a celebration of God’s saving grace. This verse functions as a turning point in the narrative, moving from the destructive aspects of Josiah’s reforms (tearing down idols) to the constructive rebuilding of proper worship.
Biblical Cross-References
Key cross-references include Exodus 12:1-14, which outlines the original Passover instructions given to Moses, and 2 Chronicles 35:1-19, which offers additional details about Josiah’s Passover celebration. Deuteronomy 16:1-8 also provides instructions for the Passover, reminding the people to observe it in the way that God had commanded. Another significant reference is Joshua 5:10-12, where the Israelites celebrated the Passover after entering the Promised Land. Josiah’s revival of the Passover connects to this rich history, underscoring its importance in Israel’s religious life.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern Christians, this verse is a reminder of the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s acts of salvation. While Passover was a specific celebration for Israel, it points forward to the ultimate act of deliverance through Jesus Christ, who is described as our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as Josiah called the people back to the practice of God’s commands, we are called to live in faithful obedience to God’s Word today. This includes honoring the ways in which God has called us to remember His saving work, such as through Communion, which commemorates Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s love through His desire for His people to remember His faithfulness and deliverance. By commanding the celebration of Passover, God was calling His people to remember His saving acts, which were rooted in His covenant love for them. Passover was a reminder that God’s love had brought them out of slavery and into a relationship with Him. Josiah’s restoration of this practice shows that God is always inviting His people back to a place of remembrance and relationship, even after seasons of rebellion or neglect.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The Passover directly points to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the symbolism 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 mirrors the sacrifice of the Passover lamb, whose blood saved the Israelites from death. In 1 Corinthians 5:7, Paul explicitly connects Jesus to the Passover, stating, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Just as the Israelites were delivered from Egypt through the blood of the lamb, Christians are delivered from sin and death through the blood of Jesus. Josiah’s revival of the Passover celebration foreshadows the greater deliverance that would come through Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does remembering God’s past acts of deliverance help you stay faithful to Him in your daily life?
- What practices can you incorporate into your life to ensure that you are following God’s Word as closely as Josiah did in commanding the Passover?
- How does Jesus, as the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb, deepen your understanding of God’s plan of salvation?
- In what ways can you honor and celebrate God’s saving work, both personally and within your community of faith?