Josiah’s Observance of the Passover
Preparation for the Passover
2 Chronicles 35 describes King Josiah’s meticulous preparations for celebrating the Passover, an event underscoring his commitment to reinstating religious practices as prescribed in the Law of Moses. Josiah commands all the people to observe the Passover and appoints the priests and Levites to their duties in the temple. He personally donates thousands of animals—lambs and goats for the Passover offerings and cattle for additional offerings—to ensure that both the priests and the people can participate in the festival (2 Chronicles 35:1-9).
Celebration of the Passover
The Passover is celebrated with great care and adherence to the commandments written by David, Solomon, and prescribed in the book of Moses. This particular observance of the Passover is noted to be unmatched since the days of the prophet Samuel, with no king of Israel having kept such a Passover as Josiah did. The Levites prepare themselves and stand in their places, and the priests sprinkle the blood handed to them by the Levites. The entire ceremony is conducted with a focus on scriptural fidelity and communal participation, reflecting a high point in Josiah’s reign and in the spiritual life of Judah (2 Chronicles 35:10-19).
Josiah’s Death in Battle
Josiah’s Encounter with Pharaoh Necho
After the Passover, Josiah’s story takes a tragic turn. Pharaoh Necho of Egypt marches to the Euphrates to engage in battle at Carchemish, and Josiah decides to confront him. Necho sends messengers to Josiah, claiming that his quarrel is not with Josiah but with another kingdom and that God has instructed him to hurry. Necho warns Josiah against opposing God, who is with him, hinting that divine will is at play in his actions. Despite this warning, Josiah disguises himself and enters the battle (2 Chronicles 35:20-22).
Josiah’s Death
In the battle, Josiah is struck by archers and severely wounded. He orders his servants to take him away from the battlefield, but he dies from his injuries and is brought back to Jerusalem, where he is buried in the tombs of his ancestors. His death is deeply mourned by all of Judah and Jerusalem, and the prophet Jeremiah specifically laments for Josiah, highlighting the significant impact of his reign and the sorrow over his untimely death (2 Chronicles 35:23-25).
Theological Significance
Connection to Jesus Christ
Josiah’s observance of the Passover points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice fulfills and transcends the symbolic offerings of the Old Testament. Christ’s death at Passover time is the true and final atonement for sin, establishing a new covenant between God and humanity.
Divine Love and Relationship
The detailed account of Josiah’s Passover celebration reflects God’s desire for His people to remember and participate in the rituals that signify His past deliverance and ongoing relationship with them. It illustrates the depth of God’s love, inviting His people into a continual remembrance of His salvation and providence.
Contemporary Relevance
Why 2 Chronicles 35 Still Matters Today
Importance of Commemorative Practices
The chapter underscores the importance of ritual and commemoration in maintaining a community’s faith and collective memory. It reminds believers of the value of observing traditions that celebrate and teach about God’s historical interventions in human history.
Heeding Divine Warnings
Josiah’s death serves as a somber lesson about the consequences of not heeding warnings, even those that might initially seem contrary to one’s own understanding of God’s will. It challenges believers to seek discernment and to be open to God’s guidance, even when it comes through unexpected channels.
Legacy of Righteous Leadership
Josiah’s reign, marked by a commitment to God’s law and to the spiritual welfare of his people, leaves a legacy of what godly leadership looks like. It inspires leaders in all spheres of life to prioritize spiritual integrity and the well-being of those they lead.
2 Chronicles 35 not only recounts the significant events of Josiah’s final years but also provides enduring lessons on the impact of faithful observance, the importance of listening to divine guidance, and the lasting influence of a leader dedicated to God’s ways.