2 Chronicles 35:11

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

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.

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.

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

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

Commentary

2 Chronicles 35:11 offers a vivid glimpse into the meticulous and sacred procedures of the Passover celebration orchestrated by King Josiah. This verse specifically details the roles of the priests and Levites in handling the sacrificial animals, underscoring the strict adherence to the Mosaic Law during this significant religious event.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Passover described in 2 Chronicles 35 was an unprecedented national event, noted as the grandest celebration of its kind since the days of Samuel the prophet (2 Chronicles 35:18). King Josiah, known for his fervent commitment to God, initiated widespread religious reforms to eradicate idolatry and restore proper worship in Judah. This verse reflects the practical, hands-on aspects of that restoration. The killing of the Passover lambs was a sacred act, followed by the specific duties assigned to the priestly class. The priests were responsible for receiving and sprinkling the blood, a crucial ritual act signifying atonement and purification (Leviticus 17:11). Meanwhile, the Levites, who assisted the priests in temple service, performed the necessary preparatory tasks like flaying (skinning) the animals, ensuring they were ready for the subsequent stages of the sacrifice, whether for burning on the altar or consumption.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Obedience to Mosaic Law: The verse highlights the precise and diligent adherence to the ancient laws governing the Passover sacrifice, reflecting Josiah's commitment to divine commands.
  • The Centrality of Sacrifice: It underscores the fundamental role of animal sacrifice in Old Testament worship as a means of atonement and communion with God.
  • Order and Roles in Service: The distinct responsibilities of the priests (handling blood) and Levites (preparing carcasses) illustrate the well-defined and organized structure of temple service, ensuring the sanctity and proper execution of rituals.
  • The Purity of Worship: The meticulous nature of the process points to the high standard of purity and reverence required in approaching God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "killed" in this context is shachat (ืฉึธืื—ึทื˜), which specifically denotes the ritual slaughter of an animal for sacrifice. The term "sprinkled" comes from zaraq (ื–ึธืจึทืง), indicating a specific ritual action of tossing or flinging the blood onto the altar. This was not a casual act but a precise, divinely ordained method for applying the sacrificial blood. "Flayed" is from the Hebrew pashat (ืคึธึผืฉึทืื˜), meaning to strip off or skin, a necessary step in preparing the animal for its prescribed use in the sacrificial system.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, 2 Chronicles 35:11 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Understanding Christ's Atonement: The detailed and bloody nature of the Passover sacrifice helps us grasp the profound significance and cost of Christ's singular, all-sufficient sacrifice. His blood shed on the cross permanently cleanses us from sin, fulfilling what the animal sacrifices foreshadowed.
  • Reverence in Worship: The meticulous care taken by the priests and Levites serves as a reminder for us to approach God in worship with reverence, sincerity, and a deep understanding of His holiness.
  • Service and Order in the Church: Just as the priests and Levites had specific roles, believers today are called to serve God using their unique gifts and talents, contributing to the harmonious functioning of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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