2 Chronicles 35:13

KJV

And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the [other] holy [offerings] sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided [them] speedily among all the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they roasted {H1310} the passover {H6453} with fire {H784} according to the ordinance {H4941}: but the other holy {H6944} offerings sod {H1310} they in pots {H5518}, and in caldrons {H1731}, and in pans {H6745}, and divided them speedily {H7323} among all the people {H1121}{H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They roasted the Pesach lamb over fire, according to the rule; while they boiled the holy offerings in pots, kettles and pans and carried them quickly to all the ordinary people.

Berean Standard Bible

They roasted the Passover animals on the fire according to the regulation, and they boiled the other holy offerings in pots, kettles, and bowls and quickly brought them to all the people.

American Standard Version

And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: and the holy offerings boiled they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and carried them quickly to all the children of the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 35:13 meticulously describes the preparation of the Passover lamb and other holy offerings during King Josiah's unprecedented Passover celebration. It highlights the precise adherence to God's ancient commands for the Passover, specifying roasting with fire, while differentiating the preparation method for other sacrifices, which were boiled. The verse further underscores the diligent and efficient distribution of these offerings among the vast assembly, showcasing the profound commitment to divine ordinance and communal participation that characterized this pivotal moment in Judah's spiritual revival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 2 Chronicles 35, a chapter dedicated entirely to King Josiah's monumental Passover. The preceding verses detail the extensive preparations, including the king's generous contributions of animals for the Passover and other offerings ([2 Chronicles 35:7](/2_chronicles/35-7 "2 Chronicles 35:7-9 - Josiah's Contributions")). It also highlights the meticulous organization of the priests and Levites, who were assigned their duties according to the commands of David and Solomon ([2 Chronicles 35:4](/2_chronicles/35-4 "2 Chronicles 35:4 - Organization of Priests and Levites")). Following verse 13, the narrative continues to describe the completion of the Passover service, the burning of the fat on the altar, and the subsequent preparation of the burnt offerings ([2 Chronicles 35:14](/2_chronicles/35-14 "2 Chronicles 35:14-16 - Completion of the Service")). The chapter culminates in the declaration that no Passover like this had been observed since the days of Samuel the prophet ([2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unparalleled Passover")), emphasizing the extraordinary nature of Josiah's commitment to restoring true worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) marked a significant period of spiritual reformation in Judah, following decades of idolatry under his predecessors. After the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple ([2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14-21 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")), Josiah initiated a sweeping purge of idolatry and a restoration of covenant worship. The Passover celebration described in this chapter was the pinnacle of this revival, demonstrating a national commitment to the Mosaic Law. Culturally, the Passover was not merely a ritual but a foundational act of remembrance, commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). The specific instructions for its preparation, particularly the roasting of the lamb, were ancient and deeply symbolic, distinguishing it from other communal meals or sacrifices. The sheer scale of this Passover, involving tens of thousands of animals, necessitated immense logistical coordination among the priests and Levites to ensure proper handling and distribution, reflecting the communal and sacrificial aspects of Israelite worship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Obedience to Divine Ordinance**, highlighting Josiah's and the people's meticulous adherence to God's commands regarding the Passover, especially the specific method of preparation as outlined in [Exodus 12:8-9](/exodus/12-8 "Exodus 12:8-9 - Instructions for the Passover Lamb"). This obedience contrasts sharply with previous generations' neglect. Secondly, it illustrates the **Distinction in Sacrificial Preparation**, revealing a precise understanding and application of Levitical laws that differentiated the unique Passover sacrifice from other "holy offerings" (likely peace offerings or fellowship offerings, which could be boiled). This distinction emphasizes the sacredness and particularity of each type of offering. Finally, the verse highlights **Diligence and Efficiency** in service, demonstrating the organized and swift actions of the Levites in distributing the vast quantities of food, ensuring that all participants could partake in the communal aspect of the feast. This logistical excellence reflects a deep commitment to facilitating worship for the entire community, echoing the organizational principles found in [1 Chronicles 23](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23-26 - Organization of the Levites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Roasted (Hebrew, _tsalah'_):** This verb specifically means to roast or broil, particularly over fire. Its use here is crucial as it directly references the divine command for the Passover lamb in [Exodus 12:8](/exodus/12-8 "Exodus 12:8 - Passover Lamb Must Be Roasted"), which explicitly states that the lamb must be roasted whole with fire, not boiled. This method ensured a complete consumption and prevented any part from being left over, symbolizing the immediacy and totality of God's deliverance and the need for complete obedience.
* **Ordinance (Hebrew, _mishpat'_):** This term refers to a judgment, statute, or prescribed rule. In this context, it signifies a divine command or legal requirement that is binding and must be followed precisely. The phrase "according to the ordinance" emphasizes that the actions taken were not arbitrary or based on human preference, but were in direct conformity with God's established law, reinforcing the theme of faithful obedience.
* **Sod (Hebrew, _bashal'_):** An archaic English word meaning "boiled" or "cooked by boiling." The Hebrew verb _bashal_ means to boil, cook, or ripen. The contrast between _tsalah_ (roasted) for the Passover and _bashal_ (boiled) for the "other holy offerings" is significant. It demonstrates a sophisticated understanding and application of the various sacrificial laws, where different offerings had different preparation requirements, often for practical reasons of distribution and consumption, while maintaining the unique sacredness of the Passover.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance":** This clause emphasizes the precise and obedient execution of the core Passover ritual. The "passover" here refers specifically to the lamb sacrificed for the Passover meal. The method of "roasting... with fire" was a non-negotiable divine command given at the institution of the Passover in Egypt ([Exodus 12:8-9](/exodus/12-8 "Exodus 12:8-9 - Instructions for the Passover Lamb")). The phrase "according to the ordinance" underscores that this was not merely a traditional practice but a direct fulfillment of God's revealed will, highlighting the profound reverence and faithfulness of Josiah's celebration.
* **"but the [other] holy [offerings] sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans":** This segment introduces a crucial distinction. While the Passover lamb was roasted, other "holy offerings" were "sod" (boiled). These "other holy offerings" likely refer to the peace offerings or fellowship offerings that accompanied the Passover, which were consumed by the worshippers as part of a communal meal. Unlike the Passover lamb, which had strict preparation rules, these offerings could be boiled, a more practical method for cooking large quantities of meat efficiently for a vast number of people. The mention of "pots, and in caldrons, and in pans" illustrates the scale of the operation and the practical means employed for mass catering.
* **"and divided [them] speedily among all the people.":** This final clause highlights the logistical efficiency and dedication of the Levites (who were responsible for this task, as implied in [2 Chronicles 35:10](/2_chronicles/35-10 "2 Chronicles 35:10-11 - Levites' Role in the Passover")). Given the immense number of participants and offerings, swift distribution was essential to ensure that everyone could partake in the communal feast while the meat was still fresh and warm. This demonstrates a high level of organization and commitment to facilitating the worship experience for the entire congregation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** to highlight the distinct methods of preparing the Passover lamb versus other holy offerings, emphasizing the unique sacredness and specific requirements of the Passover. This deliberate differentiation underscores the meticulous adherence to divine law. There is also an element of **Emphasis** through detail, as the specific cooking vessels ("pots, caldrons, pans") and the speed of distribution are noted, drawing attention to the scale and efficiency of the operation. This detailed account serves to validate the unparalleled nature of Josiah's Passover, reinforcing the chronicler's theme of faithful obedience leading to blessing and the meticulous fulfillment of God's commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 35:13 is a powerful testament to the importance of precise obedience to God's revealed will in worship. The careful distinction between roasting the Passover lamb and boiling other offerings reflects a deep reverence for the specific commands of the Lord, recognizing that God's instructions are not arbitrary but carry theological significance. This meticulous adherence to the "ordinance" underscores the principle that true worship is not merely heartfelt but also rightly ordered, conforming to divine patterns. The efficiency and speed of distribution also speak to the communal aspect of Israelite worship, where the practicalities of serving a large congregation were handled with diligence, ensuring that all could participate in the sacred meal. This commitment to both the specific ritual and the communal experience reflects a holistic approach to covenant faithfulness.

* [Exodus 12:8-9](/exodus/12-8 "Specific Instructions for Passover Lamb")
* [Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "Eating of Peace Offerings")
* [2 Kings 23:21](/2_kings/23-21 "Josiah's Passover in Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous details of 2 Chronicles 35:13 offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as the Israelites under Josiah's leadership demonstrated unwavering commitment to following God's ancient commands regarding the Passover, we are called to a similar diligence in our walk with God. Our faith is not merely a matter of general good intentions but involves intentional obedience to God's revealed Word. This verse reminds us that there is a sacred order to God's ways, and while the specific rituals of the Old Covenant have been fulfilled in Christ, the principle of reverent attention to God's commands remains. Furthermore, the efficiency and communal focus in distributing the offerings highlight the importance of order, service, and hospitality within the body of Christ, ensuring that all are ministered to and can participate fully in the life of faith. It challenges us to consider how we can serve with greater intentionality, precision, and love, facilitating an environment where God's people can truly encounter Him and be nourished.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or spiritual practice might you be called to a more precise and diligent obedience to God's Word, rather than a general approach?**
* **How does the distinction between the roasted Passover and the boiled offerings inform your understanding of the unique significance of Christ's sacrifice compared to other spiritual disciplines or good works?**
* **What practical steps can you take to serve others in your faith community with greater efficiency and care, ensuring that all are included and ministered to?**
* **How does the historical account of Josiah's Passover inspire you to pursue a deeper, more comprehensive commitment to your faith?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Passover lamb roasted, while other offerings were boiled?**

Answer: The distinction was a direct divine command, emphasizing the unique nature of the Passover. The original instruction in [Exodus 12:8-9](/exodus/12-8 "Passover Lamb Preparation") specified that the Passover lamb must be roasted whole with fire, not boiled or eaten raw. This method ensured that the lamb was fully consumed and nothing was left over until morning, symbolizing the urgency and completeness of God's deliverance from Egypt. Boiling, on the other hand, was a common and practical method for preparing other "holy offerings" (likely peace offerings or fellowship offerings) which were consumed communally by a large number of people, allowing for easier and quicker distribution. This highlights the meticulous adherence to different sacrificial laws for different types of offerings.

**What is the significance of "speedily" dividing the offerings among the people?**

Answer: The term "speedily" (Hebrew: בְּמַהֲרָה, _bimaharah'_) underscores the immense logistical challenge and the dedication of the Levites in serving the vast congregation. Given the sheer volume of animals sacrificed and the communal nature of the feast, prompt distribution was crucial to ensure that everyone could partake in the meal while the meat was still fresh and warm. This efficiency reflects a high level of organization and a commitment to facilitating the worship experience for all participants, allowing the celebration to proceed smoothly and reverently. It emphasizes the practical outworking of faithful service in the context of corporate worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous obedience to the "ordinance" of roasting the Passover lamb, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:13, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Passover lamb, roasted whole and without blemish, was a powerful type of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who would be sacrificed for the sins of the world. Just as the Passover lamb's blood protected Israel from judgment, Christ's shed blood provides eternal salvation and deliverance from sin's penalty ([1 Peter 1:18](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). The specific command to roast the lamb, consuming it fully, foreshadows the complete and perfect sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the distinction between the uniquely prepared Passover lamb and other "holy offerings" points to the unparalleled nature of Christ's atoning work; His sacrifice is not merely one among many, but the singular, definitive, and all-sufficient offering that perfectly fulfills all previous sacrifices ([Hebrews 9:11](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). In Christ, the shadow gives way to the substance, and the "ordinance" of a temporary sacrifice is fulfilled in the eternal, living Lamb who takes away the sin of the world ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")).

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

Exodus 12:8

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; [and] with bitter [herbs] they shall eat it.

Exodus 12:9

Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast [with] fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.

1 Samuel 2:13

And the priests' custom with the people [was, that], when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

1 Samuel 2:15

Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

Leviticus 6:28

But the earthen vessel wherein it is sodden shall be broken: and if it be sodden in a brasen pot, it shall be both scoured, and rinsed in water.

Deuteronomy 16:7

And thou shalt roast and eat [it] in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents.

Psalms 22:14

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.