2 Chronicles 35:11

KJV

And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled [the blood] from their hands, and the Levites flayed [them].

KJV (with Strong's)

And they killed {H7819} the passover {H6453}, and the priests {H3548} sprinkled {H2236} the blood from their hands {H3027}, and the Levites {H3881} flayed {H6584} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

They slaughtered the Pesach lamb; the cohanim splashed [the blood, which they received from the L'vi'im], and the L'vi'im skinned and butchered them.

Berean Standard Bible

And they slaughtered the Passover lambs, while the priests sprinkled the blood handed to them and the Levites skinned the animals.

American Standard Version

And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled the blood which they received of their hand, and the Levites flayed them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 35:11 provides a precise glimpse into the intricate and sacred procedures of the Passover celebration under King Josiah, highlighting the distinct and complementary roles of the priests and Levites. This verse specifically details the ritual slaughter of the Passover animals, the priests' crucial act of sprinkling the blood upon the altar, and the Levites' subsequent task of flaying the carcasses, all executed with meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law. It underscores the profound commitment to restoring proper worship and the centrality of sacrifice in ancient Israelite devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of King Josiah's profound religious reforms and his grand celebration of the Passover, described in 2 Chronicles 35. Following the discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Chronicles 34:14-21) and Josiah's subsequent covenant renewal (2 Chronicles 34:29-33), he initiates a nationwide cleansing from idolatry and a restoration of true worship. The Passover described here is presented as unprecedented in scale and devotion since the days of Samuel (2 Chronicles 35:18). Verse 11 specifically details the practical, yet highly ritualized, steps taken by the priestly classes in preparing the sacrificial animals, immediately following the general command for the Levites to prepare the Passover (2 Chronicles 35:10) and preceding the cooking and distribution of the sacrifices (2 Chronicles 35:13-14). It showcases the meticulous execution of the divine commands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned over Judah from 640-609 BC, a period marked by a significant spiritual revival after generations of idolatry under kings like Manasseh and Amon. His reforms aimed to eradicate all forms of pagan worship and restore the worship of Yahweh according to the Mosaic Law. The Passover was the most significant annual festival, commemorating Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt (as recounted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). Culturally, the handling of sacrificial animals and their blood was a highly regulated and sacred task, requiring ritual purity and specific roles for the priests (descendants of Aaron) and Levites (the broader tribe of Levi, assisting the priests). The act of sprinkling blood was central to atonement and consecration, while flaying and preparing the animals were necessary steps before burning portions on the altar or consuming the meat. The sheer volume of animals for this Passover (2 Chronicles 35:7-9) necessitated a highly organized and efficient process.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 35:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Obedience to Mosaic Law**, demonstrating Josiah's fervent commitment to following God's precise instructions for worship, a stark contrast to previous reigns. The detailed description of roles and actions underscores the importance of proper adherence to divine commands. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Centrality of Sacrifice and Atonement** in Old Testament worship. The shedding and sprinkling of blood were indispensable for making atonement for sin and establishing communion with God, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice. This is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"). Thirdly, it emphasizes **Order and Roles in Sacred Service**. The distinct responsibilities of the priests (handling blood) and Levites (preparing carcasses) illustrate the divinely ordained, well-defined, and organized structure of temple service, ensuring the sanctity and proper execution of rituals. Finally, the meticulous nature of the process points to the **Purity and Reverence of Worship** required in approaching a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Killed (Hebrew, _shachat_):** This verb specifically refers to the ritual slaughter of an animal for sacrifice, not merely a general act of killing. It implies a precise, prescribed method of cutting the throat, ensuring the blood could be collected for the atonement ritual. In the context of the Passover, it signifies the solemn act of preparing the sacrificial lamb as commanded by God.
* **Sprinkled (Hebrew, _zaraq_):** This term describes a specific ritual action of tossing or flinging the blood onto the altar. It was not a gentle pouring or dabbing, but a vigorous action signifying the offering of life to God. The act of sprinkling the blood was the culminating moment of atonement, where the life of the animal, represented by its blood, was presented to God to make expiation for sin and consecrate the offering.
* **Flayed (Hebrew, _pashat_):** This verb means to strip off or skin an animal. It was a necessary practical step after the ritual slaughter, preparing the animal's carcass for further processing, whether for burning on the altar as a whole burnt offering or for consumption by the participants in the Passover meal. This task, while practical, was still part of the sacred service performed by the Levites.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they killed the passover":** This clause refers to the ritual slaughter of the Passover lambs. While the general "they" is used, 2 Chronicles 35:6, 10, and 14 clarify that the Levites were primarily responsible for this task, especially given the immense number of animals to be sacrificed. This was a critical first step in the Passover ritual, signifying the offering of a life for atonement.
* **"and the priests sprinkled [the blood] from their hands":** This highlights the exclusive and crucial role of the priests. After the Levites slaughtered the animals, the priests received the blood in vessels and, using their hands, performed the sacred act of sprinkling it against the base of the altar. This act was the central point of atonement, where the life (represented by the blood) was offered to God to cleanse and purify.
* **"and the Levites flayed [them]":** Following the collection and sprinkling of the blood by the priests, the Levites resumed their practical duties. "Them" refers to the slaughtered animals. Flaying, or skinning, was a preparatory step, making the carcasses ready for further processing—either for the portions to be burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord or for the meat to be roasted and consumed as part of the Passover meal. This demonstrates the division of labor and the meticulousness required in temple service.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. There is a clear use of **Metonymy**, where "the passover" stands for the Passover lambs or animals themselves, rather than the entire festival. This focuses the reader's attention on the sacrificial object. The phrase "from their hands" might be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "hands" represent the priests' direct involvement, authority, and the specific ritual action they performed. The detailed, almost procedural, description of the actions of both priests and Levites creates a sense of **Emphasis** on the meticulousness and order required in sacred worship. This precision underscores the gravity and sanctity of the Passover ritual, reflecting Josiah's commitment to restoring pure worship. Furthermore, the verse presents a subtle **Juxtaposition** of roles: the Levites performing the physical, preparatory tasks (killing, flaying) and the priests executing the highly symbolic and sacred act of blood sprinkling. This highlights the complementary nature of their service within the temple system.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous and bloody procedures described in 2 Chronicles 35:11 are deeply rooted in the Old Testament theology of atonement and God's holiness. The shedding of blood was divinely ordained as the means of making expiation for sin, signifying that life itself was being offered to God to cover human transgression. This ritualistic act underscored the gravity of sin and the cost required for reconciliation with a holy God. The distinct roles of priests and Levites further emphasize the order and sanctity God requires in worship, reminding us that approaching God is not a casual matter but a solemn privilege governed by divine principles. The entire Passover ritual, with its focus on sacrifice and blood, served as a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and the necessity of a substitute to bear the penalty of sin.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood and Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")
* [Exodus 12:7](/exodus/12-7 "Exodus 12:7 - The Blood on the Doorposts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Passover sacrifice in 2 Chronicles 35:11, though describing an ancient ritual, offers profound principles for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the immense cost of atonement and the seriousness with which God views sin. The meticulous care taken by the priests and Levites in handling the sacrificial animals and their blood should inspire a deep reverence in our own approach to God. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle of offering our best, with sincerity and devotion, remains. This verse calls us to appreciate the order and purpose within the body of Christ, recognizing that every member has a vital role, just as the priests and Levites had distinct, yet complementary, duties. It encourages us to serve with diligence and humility, understanding that all our efforts in worship and service ultimately point to the perfect sacrifice that fulfills all shadows.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness of the Passover ritual described in this verse deepen your understanding of God's holiness and the gravity of sin?**
* **In what ways can we, as New Covenant believers, demonstrate a similar reverence and intentionality in our worship and service, even without physical sacrifices?**
* **Considering the distinct roles of the priests and Levites, how does this verse inform your understanding of the importance of diverse gifts and ordered service within the church today?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Levites killing the Passover animals, not the priests?**

Answer: While the priests (descendants of Aaron) were primarily responsible for the altar duties, including sprinkling the blood, the sheer volume of animals to be slaughtered for Josiah's unprecedented Passover (2 Chronicles 35:7-9 mentions tens of thousands of animals) necessitated the assistance of the Levites. According to Mosaic law, particularly for communal sacrifices, Levites were permitted and indeed commanded to assist in the slaughter, especially if the priests were too few or ritually unclean (as seen in [2 Chronicles 29:34](/2_chronicles/29-34 "2 Chronicles 29:34 - Levites Assisting Priests in Slaughter")). The Levites were designated for temple service and were ritually clean, making them suitable to perform the practical, yet sacred, task of slaughtering the animals before the priests handled the blood for the altar.

**What was the significance of sprinkling the blood?**

Answer: Sprinkling the blood was the most critical and sacred act in the sacrificial system. The Bible teaches that "the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood and Atonement")). Therefore, sprinkling the blood on the altar symbolized the offering of life to God as a substitute for the life of the worshipper. It was the means by which sin was covered, reconciliation with God was achieved, and the worshipper (or the community) was consecrated. Without the shedding of blood, there was no forgiveness of sins ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")). This ritual highlighted God's demand for holiness and His provision for dealing with human sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 35:11, with its vivid depiction of the Passover sacrifice, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The "killing of the passover" lambs, the meticulous handling of their blood, and the subsequent preparation of the carcasses all point forward to the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected Israel from judgment, so the precious blood of Christ, shed once for all on the cross, cleanses believers from all sin and provides eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The Old Testament priests and Levites performed their duties repeatedly, year after year, but Christ, our great High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice, fulfilling all that the animal sacrifices could only symbolize ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Single Sacrifice for All Time")). He is our Passover Lamb, sacrificed for us ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")), and by His blood, we are redeemed, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with His precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Precious Blood")). Thus, the meticulous, bloody ritual of 2 Chronicles 35:11 finds its glorious and complete fulfillment in the finished work of Christ on Calvary, ushering in a new covenant of grace and forgiveness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 29:34

But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the [other] priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites [were] more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.

Leviticus 1:5

And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that [is by] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Leviticus 1:6

And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.

Numbers 18:7

Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office [unto you] as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

2 Chronicles 30:16

And they stood in their place after their manner, according to the law of Moses the man of God: the priests sprinkled the blood, [which they received] of the hand of the Levites.

Hebrews 9:21

Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

Hebrews 9:22

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.