Overview

2 Chronicles 35 records the observance of the Passover under King Josiah, a remarkable event that demonstrated his devotion to the Lord and his desire to lead Judah back to covenant faithfulness. This Passover celebration is presented as unparalleled in its grandeur and faithfulness to the commands given to Moses, signifying a spiritual high point in Josiah’s reign. The chapter also recounts Josiah’s tragic death in battle against Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, a sobering conclusion to his reign and a pivotal moment in Judah’s history.

The Passover celebration highlights Josiah’s commitment to restoring true worship and obeying God’s commands. It was a communal act of remembrance and gratitude for God’s deliverance, symbolizing Israel’s covenant relationship with the Lord. Josiah’s meticulous preparation, his personal involvement, and the participation of all Judah demonstrate the importance of worship that aligns with God’s Word.

Josiah’s death in battle is a complex narrative. He intervened in a conflict between Egypt and Babylon despite Pharaoh’s warning, which was attributed to a divine message. Josiah’s refusal to heed the warning resulted in his untimely death, bringing his reign to an abrupt and tragic end. This event serves as a reminder of the consequences of failing to discern God’s will, even for a faithful leader.

Theologically, this chapter emphasizes the importance of worship, obedience, and humility before God. It reminds readers of the necessity of aligning with God’s purposes and the centrality of worship in maintaining covenant faithfulness.

Historical and Literary Context

Josiah’s Passover took place in 622 BC, during a period of religious reform and national renewal. The celebration followed the discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Chronicles 34), which had revealed the depth of Judah’s unfaithfulness and sparked Josiah’s efforts to restore proper worship. The Passover was not merely a ritual observance; it was a return to the covenantal practices outlined in Exodus and Leviticus, emphasizing God’s deliverance of His people from Egypt and their ongoing relationship with Him.

The account of Josiah’s death in battle reflects the geopolitical tensions of the late seventh century BC, as Egypt sought to support the declining Assyrian Empire against the rising Babylonian threat. Josiah’s decision to confront Pharaoh Necho at Megiddo appears to have been politically motivated, but it ultimately led to his death and marked the beginning of Judah’s rapid decline toward exile.

Literarily, 2 Chronicles 35 continues the Chronicler’s focus on Josiah as a model of faithfulness, while also highlighting the limitations of human leadership. His observance of the Passover is presented as a high point in Judah’s history, contrasting with the disobedience and decline that followed his death.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

The first theme in this chapter is the centrality of worship in the life of God’s people. The Passover celebration underscores the importance of remembering and honoring God’s redemptive work. It was a communal act of obedience and gratitude, demonstrating that worship must be grounded in God’s Word and involve the whole community.

Another theme is the necessity of obedience to God’s commands. Josiah’s meticulous preparation for the Passover and his adherence to the instructions in the Book of the Law highlight the importance of aligning worship and practice with God’s revealed will. This obedience was a response to God’s covenant and a demonstration of faithfulness.

The chapter also emphasizes the consequences of failing to discern God’s will. Josiah’s decision to engage Pharaoh Necho in battle, despite being warned, serves as a cautionary tale. Even a faithful leader like Josiah was not immune to the consequences of misjudgment and failure to seek God’s guidance.

Finally, the chapter points to the limitations of human leadership. Josiah’s death marked the end of a period of reform and renewal, reminding readers that no human leader can bring ultimate salvation. This foreshadows the need for a perfect King, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who provides eternal deliverance and leads His people in perfect obedience and worship.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Verses 1-3

“Josiah celebrated the Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month.”

Josiah’s observance of the Passover demonstrated his commitment to restoring proper worship according to the Law of Moses. This verse places the event in its correct timing, aligning with the instructions in Exodus 12:6 and Leviticus 23:5. The celebration signified a return to the covenantal practice of remembering God’s deliverance from Egypt, central to Israel’s identity as God’s people.

Cross-Reference: Exodus 12:14-20 commands the observance of the Passover as a lasting ordinance, highlighting its role in remembering God’s redemptive acts.

Doctrinal Insight: Worship grounded in obedience to God’s Word honors Him and reinforces the faith of His people. The Passover reflects God’s deliverance and points to Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Application: Consider how worship in your own life aligns with the instructions of Scripture. Are you prioritizing time to remember and celebrate God’s deliverance and faithfulness?

Verses 4-6

“Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and by his son Solomon.”

Josiah instructed the priests and Levites to prepare for their duties in the Passover, ensuring that the celebration followed the detailed instructions given by David and Solomon. This demonstrates Josiah’s meticulous attention to aligning worship with God’s prescribed order.

Cross-Reference: Numbers 3:5-10 outlines the responsibilities of the Levites in caring for the tabernacle and assisting the priests. Josiah’s reforms reflect a return to these foundational practices.

Doctrinal Insight: Proper preparation for worship reflects reverence for God and a desire to honor Him fully. Worship is not casual but should be approached with intentionality and a heart aligned with God’s purposes.

Application: Are you preparing your heart for worship? Consider ways to approach worship with greater intentionality and reverence, both personally and corporately.

Verses 10-13

“The service was arranged, and the priests stood in their places with the Levites in their divisions as the king had ordered.”

This section highlights the organized nature of the Passover celebration. The priests and Levites played key roles in slaughtering the Passover lambs and ensuring that the instructions were carried out faithfully. The communal nature of the celebration emphasized the unity of God’s people in worship.

Cross-Reference: Deuteronomy 16:2-8 gives specific instructions for the Passover, including the slaughtering of lambs and the sacred assembly. Josiah’s adherence to these commands reflects his dedication to God’s Word.

Doctrinal Insight: Worship is a communal act that unites God’s people in their shared faith and obedience. It also serves as a reminder of God’s covenant faithfulness and His redemptive acts.

Application: Reflect on how worship strengthens your connection with your community of faith. How can you participate more fully in worship that honors God and builds unity among His people?

Verses 16-19

“The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as Josiah did.”

The text emphasizes the exceptional nature of Josiah’s Passover. It was the most faithful and comprehensive observance since the days of Samuel, signifying a high point in Israel’s worship. This statement underscores the spiritual renewal brought about by Josiah’s leadership.

Cross-Reference: 2 Kings 23:21-23 provides a parallel account of Josiah’s Passover, emphasizing its unprecedented nature in Israel’s history.

Doctrinal Insight: Faithful leadership can bring about significant spiritual renewal, but lasting transformation requires a continued commitment to God’s Word and covenant.

Application: How can you, in your sphere of influence, encourage others to pursue faithful worship and obedience to God? Reflect on ways to lead by example in your family, church, or community.

Verses 20-24

“Josiah would not turn away from him but disguised himself to engage him in battle. He would not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo.”

Josiah’s decision to confront Pharaoh Necho, despite a clear warning attributed to God, led to his death. This marks a tragic conclusion to an otherwise faithful reign. Josiah’s failure to discern God’s will in this instance serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of presumption.

Cross-Reference: Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Josiah’s actions, while perhaps well-intentioned, demonstrate the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all decisions.

Doctrinal Insight: Even the most faithful leaders are fallible. This reinforces the need for continual dependence on God and humility in decision-making.

Application: In what areas of your life do you need to seek God’s guidance more intentionally? Reflect on the importance of prayer and discernment in your decisions.

Verse 25

“Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah, and to this day all the male and female singers commemorate Josiah in the laments.”

Josiah’s death was deeply mourned by the people of Judah, including the prophet Jeremiah, reflecting the significance of his leadership and the void left by his passing. This lamentation became a lasting part of Judah’s history.

Cross-Reference: Lamentations 4:20 may allude to Josiah, describing a leader as “the Lord’s anointed” who was taken in judgment. This highlights the communal grief and the recognition of Josiah’s importance to Judah.

Doctrinal Insight: Godly leaders are a gift to His people, but they are not the ultimate source of salvation. This points to the need for a perfect leader, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Application: How can you honor and support godly leadership in your church or community? Reflect on ways to express gratitude for those who lead faithfully, while ultimately placing your trust in Christ, the perfect King.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

2 Chronicles 35 profoundly points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover and the broader redemptive story. Josiah’s meticulous observance of the Passover symbolizes the need to remember God’s deliverance, which finds its ultimate expression in Christ’s atoning work. The Passover lamb foreshadows Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice on the cross brings eternal redemption. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites during the Exodus, the blood of Christ secures forgiveness and eternal life for all who trust in Him.

The communal nature of the Passover celebration prefigures the unity found in Christ’s body, the Church. The gathering of all Judah under Josiah’s leadership mirrors the call of Christ to all people to come to Him for salvation. Josiah’s leadership in renewing worship and obedience to God points to Jesus as the perfect King who not only leads His people but also secures their salvation through His perfect obedience and sacrifice.

Josiah’s tragic death also foreshadows the necessity of a righteous King who would lay down His life for His people. While Josiah’s death resulted from a failure to discern God’s will, Christ willingly and perfectly submitted to the Father’s plan, dying for the sins of the world. Josiah’s death marked the decline of Judah, while Christ’s death and resurrection inaugurated the new covenant and the hope of eternal life.

How the Chapter Connects to the Father

The chapter reveals the Father’s character as a God of order, faithfulness, and covenant love. The Passover celebration reflects the Father’s provision of a means of deliverance for His people, showcasing His desire for their redemption and relationship with Him. Through the rediscovery of the Law and the faithful observance of the Passover, the Father’s expectations for worship and obedience are made clear, emphasizing His holiness and the need for His people to approach Him on His terms.

The Father’s response to Josiah’s leadership demonstrates His delight in those who seek Him wholeheartedly. Josiah’s efforts to lead Judah in obedience and worship reflect the Father’s ongoing call for His people to remember His faithfulness and live in covenant relationship with Him. The Father’s sovereignty is also evident in His allowance of events, including Josiah’s death, to serve His ultimate redemptive purposes.

How the Chapter Connects to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit’s work is evident in the conviction and zeal that drove Josiah to lead Judah in worship and reform. The rediscovery of the Book of the Law and its impact on Josiah reflect the Spirit’s role in illuminating God’s Word and convicting hearts of the need for repentance and renewal. The Spirit’s presence can also be seen in the unity of the people as they came together to celebrate the Passover, demonstrating the Spirit’s work in fostering communal worship and obedience.

The Spirit’s influence is further seen in the ongoing impact of Josiah’s reforms. Though Josiah’s life ended tragically, the Spirit ensured that the lessons of his reign and the significance of his leadership would continue to shape Judah’s understanding of faithfulness and worship. The Spirit’s work in guiding and sustaining God’s people is a reminder of His role in empowering believers for obedience and worship today.

Connection to God’s Love

This chapter beautifully reveals God’s love for His people through His provision of the Passover, a means of remembering and celebrating His deliverance. The institution of the Passover itself is an expression of God’s care, reminding His people of His redemptive work and His desire to dwell among them. Josiah’s leadership in restoring proper worship demonstrates how God raises up faithful leaders to guide His people back to Him, further reflecting His loving care.

God’s love is also seen in His patience and faithfulness to the covenant, despite Judah’s history of rebellion. The rediscovery of the Law and the observance of the Passover underscore God’s commitment to His people, providing them with opportunities for renewal and restoration. Even Josiah’s death, though tragic, serves as a reminder of the limitations of human leaders and the need for a perfect King, ultimately pointing to the sacrificial love of Christ.

In 2 Chronicles 35, God’s love is portrayed as redemptive, patient, and restorative. Through the Passover and Josiah’s reforms, the chapter demonstrates that God continually calls His people to return to Him, offering them the opportunity to experience His grace and renewal. This love is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God’s care for humanity and secures eternal redemption for all who believe.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “The Faithful King and the Perfect King: Lessons from Josiah’s Passover”
Big Idea: True worship, obedience to God’s Word, and humility in decision-making lead to spiritual renewal, while reminding us of our need for Christ, the perfect King.

Introduction

• Hook: Share a story about rediscovering something valuable—perhaps a forgotten letter or heirloom—and the joy or change it brought. Relate this to Josiah’s rediscovery of the Book of the Law and his efforts to restore true worship in Judah.
• Transition: 2 Chronicles 35 tells the story of Josiah’s faithful observance of the Passover and his tragic end. It challenges us to worship God wholeheartedly, align our lives with His Word, and seek His guidance in all things.
• Big Question: How can we, like Josiah, lead lives of faithful worship and obedience while recognizing our need for the perfect leadership of Jesus Christ?

Main Points

I. Worship That Honors God (Verses 1-19)

• Explanation: Josiah’s Passover was a monumental act of worship, meticulously planned and faithful to God’s instructions. It was a communal event that united Judah in remembering God’s deliverance.
• Transition: True worship is grounded in obedience to God’s Word and involves both the heart and the community.
• Application: Examine your own worship. Is it centered on God’s Word and offered with reverence? Consider how you can foster communal worship in your church or family.
• Illustration: Compare Josiah’s Passover to a family reunion where everyone comes together to remember their shared history. Just as families celebrate milestones, God’s people come together in worship to celebrate His faithfulness.

II. The Transformative Power of God’s Word (Verses 14-19)

• Explanation: The rediscovery of the Book of the Law shaped Josiah’s reforms and the Passover celebration. God’s Word provided clarity, conviction, and direction for the people.
• Transition: Engaging with Scripture transforms our hearts and aligns our lives with God’s purposes.
• Application: Are you regularly reading and applying God’s Word? Commit to a consistent time of Scripture reading, seeking its guidance for your life.
• Illustration: Use the analogy of a GPS. Just as a GPS provides direction and course correction, God’s Word guides us through life’s challenges and keeps us on the right path.

III. The Danger of Presumption (Verses 20-24)

• Explanation: Josiah’s decision to confront Pharaoh Necho without seeking God’s guidance led to his death. This tragic ending shows the consequences of failing to discern God’s will, even for a faithful leader.
• Transition: Faithfulness requires humility and reliance on God, especially in critical decisions.
• Application: Reflect on areas where you may be relying on your own understanding instead of seeking God’s guidance. How can you cultivate a habit of prayerful discernment?
• Illustration: Share a story of someone who faced unnecessary consequences because they acted without seeking counsel or wisdom. Relate this to Josiah’s actions and the importance of humility.

Conclusion

• Summary: Josiah’s story teaches us the importance of worship that honors God, the transformative power of His Word, and the necessity of humility in decision-making. While Josiah’s leadership brought temporary renewal, it also highlights the need for a perfect King, Jesus Christ, who leads His people in eternal worship and obedience.
• Call to Action: Reflect on your own worship, engagement with God’s Word, and decision-making. Commit to seeking God more intentionally in these areas this week. Trust in Christ, the perfect King, to lead you in faithfulness and renewal.
• Closing Illustration: End with the story of a restored piece of art. Just as the art’s beauty is revealed through careful restoration, our lives reflect God’s glory when we worship Him, follow His Word, and submit to His will.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Rediscovery Story: Share a story of finding something valuable or meaningful that had been forgotten, such as a childhood treasure or a family heirloom, to illustrate the joy and transformation that come from rediscovering God’s Word.
2. GPS Analogy: Compare God’s Word to a GPS, emphasizing how it provides direction and correction in our spiritual journey.
3. Family Reunion: Use the analogy of a family reunion to explain the communal nature of worship and the importance of remembering shared history.
4. Unnecessary Consequences: Share a modern example of someone facing avoidable difficulties due to acting without seeking guidance, paralleling Josiah’s tragic decision.

Application for Today’s Christian

1. Worship with Intention and Reverence
   Approach worship as a time to honor God and remember His faithfulness. Participate fully in communal worship, recognizing its role in uniting the body of Christ and strengthening your faith.
2. Engage with God’s Word Daily
   Make Scripture reading a priority, allowing it to guide, convict, and transform you. Seek ways to apply God’s Word in your daily life, ensuring that your actions align with His commands.
3. Seek God’s Guidance in Decisions
   Cultivate a habit of prayerful discernment, especially when facing important decisions. Acknowledge your need for God’s wisdom and avoid acting presumptuously.
4. Lead Others in Faithfulness
   Follow Josiah’s example by encouraging others to pursue worship, obedience, and renewal. Use your influence to inspire faithfulness in your family, church, or community.
5. Trust in Christ, the Perfect King
   Remember that human leaders are fallible, but Christ is the perfect King who provides eternal guidance and salvation. Place your ultimate trust in Him as you seek to live faithfully.

Reflection Questions

1. Josiah’s Passover was marked by meticulous preparation and adherence to God’s instructions. How does your worship reflect reverence for God and alignment with His Word?
2. In what ways can you prepare your heart and mind for worship, both personally and in a communal setting?
3. The rediscovery of the Book of the Law transformed Josiah’s leadership and the nation’s worship. How has engaging with Scripture impacted your decisions or priorities?
4. Are there areas of your life where you need to let God’s Word bring clarity and guidance? What steps can you take to make Scripture a greater part of your daily life?
5. Josiah’s failure to discern God’s will in confronting Pharaoh Necho led to tragic consequences. How do you seek God’s guidance when making important decisions?
6. Are there areas where pride or self-reliance might be hindering your ability to follow God’s direction? How can you cultivate a more humble and prayerful attitude?