2 Chronicles 35:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 35:16 powerfully encapsulates the culmination of King Josiah's extensive religious reforms, detailing the meticulous and comprehensive execution of the Passover celebration in Jerusalem. This verse underscores the diligent preparation and strict adherence to divine command that characterized the restoration of proper worship to the LORD, emphasizing that every aspect of the sacred service, from the Passover itself to the burnt offerings, was performed precisely as King Josiah had commanded, reflecting a nationwide commitment to covenant faithfulness and spiritual renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic summary statement for the elaborate preparations detailed in the preceding verses of [2 Chronicles 35](/2_chronicles/35 "2 Chronicles 35 - Josiah's Great Passover"). Following Josiah's initial sweeping reforms and the momentous discovery of the Book of the Law in [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms and the Discovery of the Law"), chapter 35 meticulously describes the intricate organization of the Levites, priests, and the people to ensure the Passover was celebrated according to its ancient regulations. Verses 1-15 outline the specific roles of the Levites in preparing the sacrifices, the priests in their duties, and the generous contributions of the king and his officials to provide the necessary animals. Verse 16, therefore, acts as a concluding affirmation that all these elaborate arrangements were successfully brought to fruition on the appointed day, leading directly into the unparalleled historical significance highlighted in [2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unprecedented Passover"). It marks the successful completion of a massive undertaking of national spiritual restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) marked a crucial turning point in Judah's spiritual history, following generations of deep apostasy under kings like Manasseh and Amon, who had introduced widespread idolatry, pagan worship, and defiled the temple. The discovery of the Book of the Law (likely a copy of Deuteronomy) during temple repairs in [2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") ignited a fervent reform movement led by Josiah, who, unlike his predecessors, wholeheartedly sought the LORD. This Passover celebration, held in the eighteenth year of his reign, was not merely a religious festival but a profound act of national repentance and covenant renewal, symbolizing a radical break from past idolatry and a return to the LORD's exclusive worship. Culturally, the Passover was the most significant annual festival, commemorating God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"), and its proper observance was central to Israel's identity, covenant relationship with God, and their understanding of divine redemption.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous execution of the Passover under Josiah powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Chronicler's narrative and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Restoration and Reformation**, as Judah, under Josiah's leadership, actively returned to covenant faithfulness after generations of spiritual decline, making this Passover a profound symbol of national cleansing and renewal. This restoration was profoundly characterized by **Diligent Obedience** to God's commands, evident in the thorough preparation and precise execution of "all the service of the LORD" on "the same day," highlighting a commitment to God's law that transcended mere ritual and demanded comprehensive adherence. The emphasis on "burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD, according to the commandment" underscores the theme of **Proper Worship**, stressing that worship must align with divine prescription rather than human innovation or convenience, ensuring its legitimacy and efficacy. Finally, the verse powerfully highlights the **Impact of Godly Leadership**, as King Josiah's personal piety and firm "commandment" were instrumental in inspiring and directing this comprehensive spiritual revival, demonstrating how a faithful leader can guide a nation back to God's ways and foster genuine spiritual transformation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Service (Hebrew, _ʿăḇôḏâ'_):** This term (H5656), often translated as "service," "work," or "worship," refers to the comprehensive duties, rituals, and acts of worship performed by the priests and Levites in the temple. In this context, "all the service of the LORD" signifies the entire liturgical system and all the prescribed actions associated with the Passover and the offerings, indicating that no detail was overlooked and every aspect was performed according to the Law. It implies a holistic and thorough dedication to the prescribed worship, encompassing the full scope of the temple's operations.
* **Prepared (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** This root (H3559) means "to be erect," and causatively, "to set up," "establish," or "prepare." Here, it emphasizes that the "service" was not spontaneous or haphazard but meticulously "prepared" and "established" in advance. This speaks to the intentionality, organization, and diligent effort invested by all involved to ensure the worship was conducted properly and effectively, reflecting a deep commitment to God's commands.
* **Josiah (Hebrew, _Yôʼshîyâh'_):** This name (H2977) means "founded of Jah" or "Jehovah supports." The inclusion of King Josiah's name at the end of the verse highlights his pivotal role in orchestrating this national revival. His "commandment" was not an arbitrary decree but the faithful enforcement of God's rediscovered law, making him an instrument of divine will who led his people back to proper worship and covenant fidelity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So all the service of the LORD was prepared the same day":** This clause emphasizes the remarkable efficiency, organization, and dedication involved in this grand religious undertaking. "All the service" indicates the entirety of the complex liturgical requirements for the Passover, including the slaughtering, flaying, cooking, and presentation of numerous sacrifices, as well as the roles of the priests and Levites. "The same day" highlights the extraordinary coordination and diligence required to accomplish such a massive undertaking within a single day, underscoring the commitment of the priests, Levites, and the people to fulfill God's commands promptly and thoroughly, leaving no room for delay or negligence.
* **"to keep the passover, and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of the LORD":** This specifies the dual purpose and scope of the day's meticulous preparations. The phrase "to keep the passover" refers to the proper observance of the annual festival commemorating God's redemptive act in the Exodus, signifying not just a ritualistic act but a communal remembrance and renewal of the covenant, central to Israel's identity. The addition of "and to offer burnt offerings" indicates a broader act of worship and atonement beyond the specific Passover lamb. These offerings, completely consumed by fire on the designated altar, symbolized complete surrender, purification, and devotion to God, demonstrating the people's desire for reconciliation and consecration.
* **"according to the commandment of king Josiah":** This final phrase highlights the crucial role of Josiah's righteous leadership and its source of authority. It signifies that the entire elaborate worship service was conducted not by arbitrary human decision or tradition but in strict accordance with the divine law rediscovered under Josiah, which he then diligently enforced. Josiah's "commandment" here is not a personal whim but a faithful decree to ensure adherence to God's established statutes, making him an instrument of divine will for national restoration and a model of obedient leadership.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of comprehensive restoration and obedience. **Emphasis** is clearly achieved through phrases like "all the service" and "the same day," which highlight the comprehensive nature and remarkable efficiency of the Passover celebration. This hyperbole underscores the unprecedented scale and meticulousness of the event, contrasting it with previous periods of neglect and partial observance. There is also a strong sense of **Thematic Parallelism** with earlier accounts of faithful Passover observances, particularly those in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Institution of the Passover") and [Joshua 5](/joshua/5 "Joshua 5 - Israel Keeps the Passover"), implicitly positioning Josiah's reign as a return to the foundational acts of Israel's covenant with God and a restoration of true worship. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "the commandment of king Josiah" functions as a **Synecdoche**, where Josiah's command represents the enforcement of God's rediscovered law, thereby attributing the success of the revival to his obedient and proactive leadership, which faithfully implemented divine directives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates the theological principle that true worship is characterized by diligent obedience to God's revealed will. Josiah's Passover was not a spontaneous act of devotion but a meticulously planned and executed service, demonstrating that God desires worship offered "according to the commandment," not according to human convenience or innovation. It underscores the importance of returning to the foundational truths and practices of faith when a community has drifted, highlighting that genuine spiritual revival often involves a rediscovery and rigorous application of God's Word. The Chronicler emphasizes that when leaders and people align themselves fully with divine mandates, God blesses their efforts, leading to profound spiritual renewal and a re-establishment of the covenant relationship, providing a powerful example for all generations of believers.

* [Deuteronomy 16:1-8](/deuteronomy/16-1-8 "Deuteronomy 16:1-8 - Law of the Passover")
* [Ezra 6:19-22](/ezra/6-19-22 "Ezra 6:19-22 - Post-Exilic Passover Celebration")
* [Nehemiah 8:1-8](/nehemiah/8-1-8 "Nehemiah 8:1-8 - Ezra Reads the Law and Revival")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous preparation and comprehensive execution of the Passover under King Josiah in 2 Chronicles 35:16 offers a profound model for believers today, challenging us to consider the intentionality and diligence we bring to our own worship and service to God. Just as Josiah led Judah in a comprehensive return to God's commands, we are called to examine our lives, our families, and our communities for areas where we might have strayed from biblical truth and practice. This verse encourages us to pursue genuine spiritual reformation, ensuring that our devotion is not superficial or convenient, but deeply rooted in and aligned with the "commandment" of God's Word. It reminds us that true worship is not merely an emotional experience or a casual observance but a disciplined act of obedience, requiring careful preparation, adherence to divine instruction, and a heart fully dedicated to the Lord. Furthermore, it highlights the transformative power of faithful leadership in fostering an environment where true devotion can flourish, inspiring us to be leaders in our spheres of influence who champion God's truth and lead others into deeper obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my personal life or our community's spiritual practice might we be neglecting "all the service of the LORD" or failing to prepare diligently for worship?**
* **How does the emphasis on "according to the commandment of king Josiah" (representing God's law) challenge our modern tendency to worship God on our own terms or to prioritize convenience over biblical fidelity?**
* **What specific steps can I take to foster a deeper, more intentional, and biblically aligned approach to worship and service in my personal life and in my faith community, mirroring Josiah's commitment?**

### FAQ
**Why was Josiah's Passover considered so unique and significant, as implied by the meticulous description in 2 Chronicles 35:16?**

Answer: Josiah's Passover was unparalleled in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet, as explicitly stated in [2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unprecedented Passover"). Its uniqueness stemmed from several profound factors:
* **Comprehensive Obedience:** Unlike previous Passovers, this one was observed with an extraordinary level of meticulousness, adhering to "all the service of the LORD" and every detail of the Law, as rediscovered and enforced by Josiah. It wasn't just a ritual but a full-scale national commitment to divine instruction.
* **National Scope and Unity:** The celebration involved the entire nation—priests, Levites, and the common people—all united under Josiah's righteous leadership in a concerted effort of repentance and worship. This unity and widespread participation were rare after centuries of division and widespread idolatry.
* **Context of Radical Reform:** It followed a profound spiritual awakening and cleansing of the land from idolatry, making it a powerful symbol of a genuine return to covenant faithfulness after generations of deep apostasy. It was a true national recommitment to the LORD, demonstrating sincere repentance.
* **Royal Initiative:** King Josiah's personal piety and firm "commandment" were instrumental, providing the necessary leadership, resources, and unwavering resolve to ensure the Passover's proper execution, demonstrating the profound impact of a righteous ruler on national spirituality and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preparation and comprehensive observance of the Passover under King Josiah in 2 Chronicles 35:16, while a high point of Old Testament obedience, ultimately points forward to the ultimate and perfect "service of the LORD" offered by Jesus Christ. The Passover, with its sacrificial lamb and deliverance from bondage, foreshadowed the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus Himself became our Passover Lamb, whose perfect sacrifice on the cross secured our deliverance not from physical slavery but from the spiritual bondage of sin and death ([1 Corinthians 5:7-8](/1_corinthians/5-7-8 "1 Corinthians 5:7-8 - Christ our Passover Lamb")). The "burnt offerings" offered upon the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ's singular, once-for-all offering of Himself, which perfectly satisfied God's righteous demands and provided eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Josiah's "commandment" ensured adherence to the Law, but Christ's life and sacrifice perfectly fulfilled the Law, establishing a new covenant where true worship is offered in Spirit and truth, no longer bound by temple rituals but by a relationship with God through His Son ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, 2 Chronicles 35:16, with its emphasis on perfect obedience and sacrificial worship, serves as a poignant backdrop for understanding the infinitely superior and eternally effective work of Christ, who perfectly accomplished "all the service of the LORD" on our behalf.

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.