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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 35:1–19. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The destruction which Josiah made of idols and idolatry was more largely related in the Kings, but just mentioned here in the foregoing chapter (v. 33); but his solemnizing the passover, which was touched upon there (Kg2 23:21), is very particularly related here. Many were the feasts of the Lord, appointed by the ceremonial law, but the passover was the chief. It began them all in the night wherein Israel came out of Egypt; it concluded them all in the night wherein Christ was betrayed; and in the celebration of it Hezekiah and Josiah, those two great reformers, revived religion in their day. The ordinance of the Lord's supper resembles the passover more than it does any of the Jewish festivals; and the due observance of that ordinance, according to the rule, is an instance and means both of the growing purity and beauty of churches and of the growing piety and devotion of particular Christians. Religion cannot flourish where that passover is either wholly neglected or not duly observed; return to that, revive that, make a solemn business of that affecting binding ordinance, and then, it is to be hoped, there will be a reformation in other instances also.
In the account we had of Hezekiah's passover the great zeal of the people was observable, and the transport of devout affection that they were in; but little of the same spirit appears here. It was more in compliance with the king that they all kept the passover (Ch2 35:17, Ch2 35:18) than from any great inclination they had to it themselves. Some pride they took in this form of godliness, but little pleasure in the power of it. But, whatever defect there was among the people in the spirit of the duty, both the magistrates and the ministers did their part and took care that the external part of the service should be performed with due solemnity.
I.The king exhorted and directed, quickened and encouraged, the priests and Levites to do their office in this solemnity.
Perhaps he saw them remiss and indifferent, unwilling to go out of their road or mend their pace. If ministers are so, it is not amiss for any, but most proper for magistrates, to stir them up to their business. Say to Archippus, Take heed to thy ministry, Col 4:17. Let us see how this good king managed his clergy upon this occasion.
1.He reduced them to the office they were appointed to by the law of Moses (Ch2 35:6) and the order they were put into by David and Solomon, Ch2 35:4. He set them in their charge, Ch2 35:2. He did not cut them out new work, nor put them into any new method, but called them back to their institution. Their courses were settled in writing; let them have recourse to that writing, and marshal themselves according to the divisions of their families, Ch2 35:5. Our rule is settled in the written word; let magistrates take care that ministers walk according to that rule and they do their duty.
2.He ordered the ark to be put in its place. It should seem, it had of late been displaced, either by the wicked kings, to make room for their idols in the most holy place, or by Hezekiah, to make room for the workmen that repaired the temple. However it was, Josiah bids the Levites put the ark in the house (Ch2 35:3), and not carry it about from place to place, as perhaps of late they had done, justifying themselves therein by the practice before the temple was built. Now that the priests were discharged from this burden of the ark they must be careful in other services about it.
3.He charged them to serve God and his people Israel, Ch2 35:3. Ministers must look upon themselves as servants both to Christ and to his church for his sake, Co2 4:5. They must take care, and take pains, and lay out themselves to the utmost,
(1.)For the glory and honour of God, and to advance the interests of his kingdom among men. Paul, a servant of God, Tit 1:1.
(2.)For the welfare and benefit of his people, not as having dominion over their faith, but as helpers of their holiness and joy; and there will be no difficulty, in the strength of God, in honestly serving these two masters.
4.He charged them to sanctify themselves, and prepare their brethren, Ch2 35:6. Ministers' work must begin at home, and they must sanctify themselves in the first place, purify themselves from sin, sequester themselves from the world, and devote themselves to God. But it must not end there; they must do what they can to prepare their brethren by admonishing, instructing, exhorting, quickening, and comforting, them. The preparation of the heart is indeed from the Lord; but ministers must be instruments in his hand.
5.He encouraged them to the service, Ch2 35:2. He spoke comfortably to them, as Hezekiah did, Ch2 30:22. He promised them his countenance. Note, Those whom we charge we should encourage. Most people love to be commended, and will be wrought upon by encouragements more than by threats.
II.The king and the princes, influenced by his example, gave liberally for the bearing of the charges of this passover.
The ceremonial services were expensive, which perhaps was one reason why they had been neglected. People had not zeal enough to be at the charge of them; nor were they now very fond of them, for that reason, and therefore,
1.Josiah, at his own proper cost, furnished the congregation with paschal lambs, and other sacrifices, to be offered during the seven days of the feast. He allowed out of his own estate 30,000 lambs for passover offerings, which the offerers were to feast upon, and 3000 bullocks (Ch2 35:7) to be offered during the following seven days. Note, Those who are serious in religion should, when they persuade others to do that which is good, make it as cheap and easy to them as may be. And where God sows plentifully he expects to reap accordingly. It is to be feared that the congregation generally had not come provided; so that, if Josiah had not furnished them, the work of God must have stood still.
2.The chief of the priests, who were men of great estates, contributed towards the priests' charges, as Josiah did towards the people's. The princes (Ch2 35:8), that is, the chief of the priests, the princes of the holy tribe, rulers of the house of God, bore the priests' charges. And some of the rich and great men of the Levites furnished them also with cattle, both great and small, for offerings, Ch2 35:9. For, as to those that sincerely desire to be found in the way of their duty, Providence sometimes raises up friends to bear them out in it, beyond what they could have expected.
III.The priests and Levites performed their office very readily, Ch2 35:10.
They killed the paschal lambs in the court of the temple, the priests sprinkled the blood upon the altar, the Levites flayed them, and then gave the flesh to the people according to their families (Ch2 35:11, Ch2 35:12), not fewer than ten, nor more than twenty, to a lamb. They took it to their several apartments, roasted it, and ate it according to the ordinance, Ch2 35:13. As for the other sacrifices that were eucharistical, the flesh of them was boiled according to the law of the peace-offerings and was divided speedily among the people, that they might feast upon it as a token of their joy in the atonement made and their reconciliation to God thereby. And, lastly, The priests and Levites took care to honour God by eating of the passover themselves, Ch2 35:14. Let not ministers think that the care they take for the souls of others will excuse their neglect of their own, or that being employed so much in public worship will supersede the religious exercises of their closets and families. The Levites here mace ready for themselves and for the priests, because the priests were wholly taken up all day in the service of the altar; therefore, that they might not have their lamb to dress when they should eat it, the Levites got it ready for them against supper time. Let ministers learn hence to help one another, and to forward one another's work, as brethren, and fellow-servants of the same Master.
IV.The singers and porters attended in their places, and did their office, Ch2 35:15.
The singers with their sacred songs and music expressed and excited the joy of the congregation, and made the service very pleasant to them; and the porters at the gates took care that there should be no breaking in of any thing to defile or disquiet the assembly, nor going out of any from it, that none should steal away till the service was done. While they were thus employed their brethren the Levites prepared paschal lambs for them.
V.The whole solemnity was performed with great exactness, according to the law (Ch2 35:16, Ch2 35:17), and, upon that account, there was none like it since Samuel's time (Ch2 35:18), for in Hezekiah's passover there were several irregularities. And bishop Patrick observes that in this also it exceeded the other passovers which the preceding kings had kept, that though Josiah was by no means so rich as David, and Solomon, and Jehoshaphat, yet he furnished the whole congregation with beasts for sacrifice, both paschal and eucharistical, at his own proper cost and charge, which was more than any king ever did before him.
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Summary
2 Chronicles 35:10 vividly portrays the meticulous and reverent execution of the Passover service during King Josiah's reign, emphasizing the precise positioning and duties of the priests and Levites. This verse marks a pivotal moment in Josiah's extensive religious reforms, underscoring the restoration of proper temple worship and the unified obedience to the king's directives, which were deeply rooted in the rediscovered Law of God. It paints a detailed picture of a kingdom diligently preparing to honor the Lord with order, dedication, and adherence to divine instruction.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of King Josiah's unparalleled Passover celebration, detailed in 2 Chronicles 35. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 35:1-9) meticulously describe Josiah's personal commitment to the Passover, his generous provision of immense quantities of animals for the sacrifices, and his specific, detailed instructions to the Levites regarding their roles and the sanctification of the temple. Verse 10, therefore, serves as a crucial transitional point, illustrating the immediate and orderly implementation of these directives. It sets the stage for the sacrificial process that follows in 2 Chronicles 35:11-19, which continues to describe the distribution of the offerings and the profound impact of this Passover, deemed the most significant since the days of Samuel. The entire chapter underscores the restoration of covenant faithfulness under Josiah's righteous leadership.
Historical & Cultural Context
King Josiah reigned over Judah from 640-609 BC, a period marked by significant spiritual decline following the wicked reigns of his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon. Josiah ascended the throne at a young age and, unlike his predecessors, initiated a profound spiritual reformation. This included purging idolatry from the land, repairing the temple, and most crucially, rediscovering the Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy) during the temple renovations, as powerfully recounted in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21. The discovery of the Law profoundly impacted Josiah, leading him to renew the covenant with God and command the people to observe the Passover as prescribed. Culturally, the Passover was a central annual feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12), requiring specific rituals, sacrifices, and a high degree of priestly and Levitical coordination. The emphasis on "place" and "courses" reflects the long-established, divinely ordained system of temple service, which had fallen into disuse or disarray during periods of apostasy, making its restoration a significant marker of spiritual revival.
Key Themes
This verse strongly reinforces several overarching themes found throughout 2 Chronicles and the broader historical books. Firstly, Order and Preparation in Worship is paramount. The meticulous arrangement of the "service," priests, and Levites underscores the biblical principle that worship, especially corporate worship, should be conducted with intentionality, reverence, and adherence to divine instruction. Secondly, Obedience to Rightful Authority is highlighted, as the entire operation proceeds "according to the king's commandment." Josiah's authority here is portrayed as legitimate because it aligns with God's revealed will, making obedience to him an act of obedience to God. This reflects the Chronicler's emphasis on righteous kingship as a conduit for national blessing and spiritual revival, a theme also prominent in the accounts of David and Solomon. Finally, the verse clearly delineates The Distinct Roles of Priests and Levites, a foundational aspect of Israelite worship. The priests were responsible for the sacrificial rites on the altar, while the Levites, in their "courses," assisted, maintained the temple, and performed various supportive roles, including music and gatekeeping, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 23-26. This division of labor ensured the sanctity and efficiency of the complex temple liturgy, reflecting God's design for His house.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H5656, עֲבוֹדָה) is rich in meaning, encompassing work, labor, and worship. In a cultic context, it specifically refers to the sacred duties performed in the tabernacle or temple. Its use here emphasizes that the religious acts of the priests and Levites were not merely ritualistic but involved diligent, purposeful effort and dedication. It denotes the structured, organized performance of sacred duties, reflecting the seriousness and intentionality required for true worship.
Derived from the primitive root (H3559, כּוּן), this verb properly means "to be erect" or "to stand perpendicular." In its causative Hiphil form (as implied by "was prepared"), it signifies "to establish," "to make ready," "to set in order," or "to prepare." The passive voice ("was prepared") suggests that the service was not spontaneously assembled but meticulously set up, likely by Josiah's command and the diligent work of the Levites, ensuring everything was in its proper place and ready for the sacred proceedings.
This noun (H4256, מַחֲלָקוֹת, appearing in the plural in the verse) refers to divisions, classes, or shifts. It specifically denotes the organizational structure established by King David for the priests and Levites, dividing them into groups that would serve in the temple on a rotational basis (1 Chronicles 24:1, 1 Chronicles 25:1). This system ensured continuous, orderly, and efficient service, preventing chaos and ensuring that all necessary duties were performed by trained personnel. Its mention here signifies the restoration of this divinely inspired order after a period of neglect.
Verse Breakdown
"So the service was prepared,"
This opening clause indicates the successful completion of the preliminary arrangements for the Passover celebration. It speaks to the meticulous planning and execution required for such a grand and biblically faithful event. The "service" refers to the entire complex of ritual duties, sacrifices, and liturgical acts associated with the Passover, all of which had to be set in order before the main proceedings could commence.
"and the priests stood in their place,"
This signifies the priests' readiness and adherence to their designated roles within the temple precincts. According to Mosaic Law and Davidic organization, priests had specific areas and functions, primarily related to offering sacrifices on the altar. Their "place" was not arbitrary but divinely ordained, ensuring the sanctity and proper execution of the sacrificial system. Their standing implies a posture of readiness, reverence, and obedience.
"and the Levites in their courses,"
Complementing the priests, the Levites also occupied their pre-assigned positions. Their "courses" refer to the rotational divisions established by David, ensuring that each group served for a specific period. The Levites had a broader range of duties, including assisting the priests, maintaining the temple, providing music, and guarding the gates. Their presence "in their courses" highlights the restoration of the comprehensive, orderly system of temple service.
"according to the king's commandment."
This concluding phrase attributes the entire organized operation to the authority of King Josiah. It emphasizes that the order and preparation were not accidental or self-initiated but were a direct result of the king's directives. Crucially, Josiah's commandments were not arbitrary but were rooted in the rediscovered Law of Moses, making his leadership an instrument of God's will and signifying a period of profound spiritual revival and national obedience.
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. Parallelism is evident in the balanced phrasing "the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their courses," which highlights the distinct yet complementary roles of these two groups in the temple service. This structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the restored order. Emphasis on order and preparation is achieved through the repeated use of terms like "prepared," "stood in their place," and "in their courses," collectively painting a vivid picture of meticulous organization and readiness. The concluding phrase "according to the king's commandment" serves as a form of Attribution, clearly identifying the source of this restored order and underscoring Josiah's righteous leadership as instrumental in the spiritual revival. The overall tone is one of Restoration and Fulfillment, celebrating the return to proper worship practices as prescribed by God's Law.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse powerfully illustrates the biblical emphasis on order, reverence, and obedience in worship, reflecting God's character as a God of order, not confusion. The meticulous preparation and precise roles of the priests and Levites underscore that worship is not a haphazard activity but a sacred duty requiring intentionality and adherence to divine design. Josiah's command, rooted in the rediscovered Law, highlights the importance of righteous leadership in guiding a people back to covenant faithfulness. This passage serves as a model for how a community, under godly authority, can collectively commit to honoring God through structured and sincere acts of devotion, demonstrating that true worship involves both the heart and the careful execution of prescribed forms, leading to spiritual flourishing and divine favor.
Reflection and Application
2 Chronicles 35:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding the nature of worship and service. The meticulous preparation and ordered execution of the temple service during Josiah's Passover remind us that our engagement with God, whether individually or corporately, should be marked by intentionality, reverence, and excellence. Just as the priests and Levites knew their specific "place" and "courses," so too are believers called to understand and faithfully fulfill their unique roles within the body of Christ. This isn't about rigid legalism, but about honoring God with our best, ensuring that our collective worship environments are conducive to His presence and that our personal spiritual disciplines are pursued with diligence. The obedience to Josiah's command, which aligned with God's Law, further teaches us the importance of submitting to godly authority and aligning our lives with biblical principles. Our "service" to God, in all its forms, should be a prepared, purposeful, and Spirit-led offering, reflecting our love and devotion to Him and contributing to the harmonious functioning of the church.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of the priests and Levites being in their "place" and "courses"?
The significance was profound, pointing to the restoration of divinely ordained order in worship. "Place" refers to the specific physical locations and functional responsibilities assigned to the priests, primarily related to the altar and sacrificial rites, as prescribed in Mosaic Law. "Courses" refers to the organized divisions or shifts of both priests and Levites, established by King David (e.g., 1 Chronicles 24 and 1 Chronicles 25), ensuring continuous, orderly service in the temple. Their adherence to these designated roles meant that the complex, intricate rituals of the Passover could be performed efficiently, reverently, and according to God's precise instructions, which had been neglected during previous reigns. It symbolized a return to covenant faithfulness and proper temple protocol.
How does King Josiah's commandment relate to God's Law in this context?
King Josiah's commandment was not an arbitrary decree but was deeply rooted in the recently rediscovered Book of the Law (likely a copy of Deuteronomy or a substantial portion of the Pentateuch), as described in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21. Upon hearing the Law, Josiah was profoundly convicted of Judah's sin and committed to a nationwide reformation. His commands regarding the Passover and the temple service were direct implementations of the divine statutes found in that Law. Therefore, the phrase "according to the king's commandment" signifies that Josiah was acting as a righteous leader who faithfully enforced God's will, making obedience to his directives an act of obedience to God's revealed word. This highlights a period of spiritual revival where human authority was aligned with divine authority.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 2 Chronicles 35:10 describes the meticulous preparation for an Old Covenant Passover, its principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Jesus Christ is the ultimate High Priest, who perfectly fulfilled all the requirements of the Law and offered the one, definitive sacrifice for sin, rendering the Levitical system obsolete (Hebrews 9:11-14). His "service" was perfectly prepared and executed, not according to a human king's commandment, but according to the eternal will of God the Father (John 6:38). Through His finished work on the cross, He established a new covenant where all believers are now a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds (Hebrews 13:15-16). The "order" and "place" in the New Covenant church are defined by Christ's headship and the Spirit's gifting, where each member contributes to the edification of the body under the ultimate "commandment" of Christ's love (Ephesians 4:11-16). Thus, the Old Testament emphasis on external order and ritual points forward to the perfect, internal, and spiritual order established by Christ, enabling true worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).