2 Chronicles 35:16

So all the service of the LORD was prepared the same day, to keep the passover, and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD, according to the commandment of king Josiah.

So all the service ^{H5656} of the LORD ^{H3068} was prepared ^{H3559} the same day ^{H3117}, to keep ^{H6213} the passover ^{H6453}, and to offer ^{H5927} burnt offerings ^{H5930} upon the altar ^{H4196} of the LORD ^{H3068}, according to the commandment ^{H4687} of king ^{H4428} Josiah ^{H2977}.

Thus all the service of ADONAI was prepared the same day for observing Pesach and offering burnt offerings on the altar of ADONAI, in accordance with the order of King Yoshiyahu.

So on that day the entire service of the LORD was carried out for celebrating the Passover and offering burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, according to the command of King Josiah.

So all the service of Jehovah was prepared the same day, to keep the passover, and to offer burnt-offerings upon the altar of Jehovah, according to the commandment of king Josiah.

2 Chronicles 35:16 describes the meticulous execution of the Passover celebration under King Josiah, emphasizing the thoroughness and preparation involved in restoring proper worship to the LORD.

Context

This verse is the culmination of King Josiah's extensive religious reforms, detailed throughout 2 Chronicles chapter 34 and the preceding verses of chapter 35. After the discovery of the Book of the Law and realizing how far Judah had strayed, Josiah initiated a nationwide spiritual cleansing, removing idolatry and restoring the temple. This specific Passover, celebrated in the eighteenth year of his reign, was unparalleled in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet, as noted in 2 Chronicles 35:18. The verse highlights that "all the service of the LORD" – every aspect of the complex ritual – was meticulously prepared and carried out in accordance with God's commands, as enforced by King Josiah's decree.

Key Themes

Restoration and Reformation: Josiah's reign was a period of significant spiritual renewal, bringing the nation back to covenant faithfulness after generations of apostasy. This Passover was a powerful symbol of that return to God.
Diligent Obedience: The phrase "prepared the same day" indicates a high level of organization and dedication. The priests, Levites, and people diligently followed the precise instructions for the Passover and burnt offerings, demonstrating a commitment to God's law.
Proper Worship: The emphasis on "burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD, according to the commandment" underscores the importance of worshipping God in the prescribed manner, not according to human invention. The Passover itself was a foundational act of worship, commemorating God's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:14).
Leadership's Impact: King Josiah's personal piety and firm leadership were instrumental in inspiring and directing this comprehensive spiritual revival. His "commandment" ensured the proper execution of the divine law.

Linguistic Insights

The term "service of the LORD" (Hebrew: ʿăḇōḏaṯ Yahweh) refers to the entire system of worship, rituals, and duties performed in the temple. The "Passover" (Hebrew: Pesach) is the central annual festival commemorating the Exodus from Egyptian bondage. "Burnt offerings" (Hebrew: ʿōlāh) were sacrifices completely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement for sin (Leviticus 1:3). The detailed nature of these preparations highlights the seriousness with which God's ancient people were to approach Him.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the importance of intentional and diligent worship. Just as Josiah led Judah to return to God's commands, we are called to examine our own lives and communities for areas where we might have drifted from biblical truth. It encourages us to pursue genuine spiritual reformation, ensuring that our worship and service are "according to the commandment" of God's Word, not merely human tradition or convenience. It also underscores the impact of faithful leadership in fostering an environment where true devotion can flourish.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.