2 Chronicles 35:17

KJV

And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} that were present {H4672} kept {H6213} the passover {H6453} at that time {H6256}, and the feast {H2282} of unleavened bread {H4682} seven {H7651} days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people of Isra'el who were present observed the Pesach at that time and the festival of Matzot for seven days.

Berean Standard Bible

The Israelites who were present also observed the Passover at that time, as well as the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days.

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 35:17 describes the climactic observance of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread during the reign of King Josiah, a pivotal moment of national spiritual renewal. This verse highlights the widespread participation of the children of Israel in a meticulously kept celebration, marking a significant return to the covenant commands of God after generations of spiritual decline and idolatry. It underscores the profound impact of Josiah's reforms, culminating in an act of corporate worship that re-established Israel's identity and devotion to Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of an extensive narrative detailing King Josiah's unparalleled Passover celebration. Chapters 34 and 35 of 2 Chronicles meticulously record Josiah's sweeping reforms, beginning with the [cleansing of the land and the Temple](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3 - Josiah's Cleansing") from idolatry, followed by the momentous [discovery of the Book of the Law](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") in the Temple. This discovery ignited a deep conviction in Josiah, leading to a national covenant renewal and a fervent desire to obey God's commands. Chapter 35 then outlines the elaborate preparations for the Passover, including the contributions from the king, the princes, and the Levites, ensuring that the sacrifices and services were performed according to the Law. Verse 17 thus serves as the triumphant summary of this grand observance, immediately preceding the chronicler's declaration in [2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unparalleled Passover") that "there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah's reign (c. 640-609 BC) occurred during a tumultuous period for Judah, nestled between the decline of the Assyrian Empire and the rise of Babylon. For generations prior, Judah had largely succumbed to idolatry, particularly under kings Manasseh and Amon, whose reigns were marked by widespread apostasy and syncretism. Josiah, coming to the throne at a young age, initiated a radical spiritual reformation, driven by a genuine desire to restore pure worship. The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were ancient, foundational observances, instituted at the time of the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"). Their meticulous observance, as described in this verse, was a powerful symbolic act of returning to the core of Israel's covenant identity and a rejection of the idolatrous practices that had plagued the nation. Culturally, these feasts were not merely religious rituals but central to Israel's national memory and identity, constantly reminding them of God's deliverance and their unique relationship with Him.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several key themes prevalent in 2 Chronicles. **Restoration and Obedience** are paramount, as Josiah's reforms represent a national turning back to God's commands, symbolized by the meticulous keeping of the Passover after decades of neglect. This was a profound act of **Covenant Renewal**, re-affirming Israel's commitment to Yahweh, reminiscent of the original covenant at Sinai. The phrase "the children of Israel that were present" emphasizes **Corporate Worship and Unity**, highlighting the collective nature of this spiritual revival. It wasn't just a royal decree but a widespread, national participation, bringing together people from both Judah and the remnants of the northern tribes. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Significance of Feasts** as divinely ordained means of remembering God's faithfulness and preserving national identity, serving as a powerful reminder of God's redemptive acts, particularly the [deliverance from Egyptian bondage](/exodus/12-27 "Exodus 12:27 - The Passover as a Memorial").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Passover (Hebrew, _Pesach'_):** This term literally means "passing over," referring to the divine act of judgment passing over the houses of the Israelites marked with the blood of the lamb in Egypt ([Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "Exodus 12:13 - The Sign of the Blood")). It is the central act of Israel's redemption from slavery, symbolizing God's protective and redemptive power through sacrifice. In this context, its observance signifies a national remembrance and re-engagement with this foundational act of salvation.
* **Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hebrew, _Chag HaMatzot'_):** Immediately following Passover, this seven-day feast involved eating unleavened bread (_matzah_). The unleavened bread symbolized the haste of Israel's departure from Egypt, as they had no time for their dough to rise ([Exodus 12:34](/exodus/12-34 "Exodus 12:34 - Departure from Egypt")). Spiritually, leaven often symbolizes sin or corruption in Scripture ([1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - Unleavened Bread of Sincerity and Truth")), so the eating of unleavened bread also represented purity, sincerity, and the putting away of wickedness.
* **Kept (Hebrew, _`asah'_):** While often translated simply as "made" or "did," in this context, _`asah_ carries the connotation of "to observe," "to perform," or "to celebrate" with meticulous care and due diligence. It implies not just a perfunctory act, but a diligent and reverent adherence to the prescribed rituals and commands, reflecting the depth of the national commitment under Josiah's leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel that were present":** This phrase emphasizes the broad, collective participation in this Passover. "The children of Israel" includes not just the people of Judah, but also potentially remnants from the northern tribes who had come to Jerusalem, highlighting a unified, national observance. "That were present" underscores the active, physical presence and engagement of the people in this significant religious event.
* **"kept the passover at that time":** This clause highlights the central act of the celebration – the observance of the Passover. "At that time" refers to the specific period during Josiah's reign, marking it as a distinct and historically significant moment. The act of "keeping" implies a faithful and thorough adherence to the Mosaic Law regarding the Passover rituals, a stark contrast to previous generations' neglect.
* **"and the feast of unleavened bread seven days":** This specifies the duration and the accompanying feast. The Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately followed the Passover, lasting for seven days. This extended period of celebration reinforced the themes of deliverance, purification, and remembrance, ensuring a prolonged focus on God's redemptive acts and the call to live a life free from spiritual "leaven."

#### Literary Devices
The chronicler employs several literary devices to emphasize the significance of this event. **Repetition** of "Passover" and "Feast of Unleavened Bread" throughout 2 Chronicles 35 underscores their centrality to the narrative and their importance in Israelite worship. **Symbolism** is inherent in the feasts themselves: the Passover lamb symbolizes atonement and deliverance, while the unleavened bread symbolizes purity and the haste of God's salvation. The verse also functions as a **Narrative Climax**, serving as the culmination of Josiah's extensive reforms and the rediscovery of the Law, portraying the nation's return to covenant faithfulness as a grand, unified act. The chronicler's detailed account of the preparations and the subsequent declaration of its unparalleled nature (in the following verse) further elevates this event, imbuing it with profound theological and historical weight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous observance of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread in 2 Chronicles 35:17 serves as a powerful testament to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they have strayed. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine repentance and a sincere return to God's commands can lead to profound national and spiritual renewal. This event demonstrates the transformative power of God's Word when it is rediscovered and obeyed, bringing about a corporate act of worship that re-establishes the people's identity and relationship with Yahweh. The feasts themselves are not mere rituals but divinely appointed memorials, designed to embed the memory of God's redemptive acts into the fabric of the nation, fostering gratitude, humility, and ongoing obedience.

* [Exodus 12:14](/exodus/12-14 "Passover as a Perpetual Ordinance")
* [Deuteronomy 16:1-8](/deuteronomy/16-1 "Laws Concerning Passover and Unleavened Bread")
* [1 Corinthians 5:7-8](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Josiah's Passover offers profound lessons for believers today, emphasizing the enduring importance of remembering God's redemptive acts and the call to live a life of sincere obedience. Just as Israel was called to remember their deliverance from Egypt, we are called to remember the ultimate deliverance from sin and death through Christ. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives and communities for areas where "leaven"—sin, apathy, or compromise—has crept in, urging us to pursue personal and corporate purity. Josiah's example of radical obedience and the subsequent national revival serve as an encouraging reminder that when God's Word is honored and His commands are diligently kept, spiritual transformation and renewed intimacy with Him are possible. It inspires us to seek genuine revival, both individually and within the church, by returning wholeheartedly to the truth of Scripture and living out its implications with joy and devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, both in biblical history and in our personal lives, shape our faith and obedience today?**
* **In what ways can we, individually and corporately, "put away the leaven" of sin and compromise from our lives, embracing spiritual purity and sincerity?**
* **What steps can we take to foster a spirit of genuine revival and a deeper commitment to God's commands within our families, churches, and communities?**

### FAQ
**Why was Josiah's Passover considered "unparalleled" or "like no other" in Israelite history?**

Answer: As stated in [2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unparalleled Passover"), Josiah's Passover was declared unparalleled since the days of Samuel the prophet. This distinction was due to several factors. Firstly, it was observed with an unprecedented level of meticulous adherence to the Law, following the rediscovery of the [Book of the Law](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") and Josiah's subsequent commitment to obey its every command. Secondly, it involved a remarkably widespread national participation, including people from both Judah and the remnants of the northern tribes, signifying a rare moment of unified repentance and worship. Finally, it was characterized by a profound sincerity and spiritual depth, driven by genuine conviction rather than mere ritualistic performance, making it a true act of national covenant renewal and revival.

**What is the significance of "seven days" for the Feast of Unleavened Bread?**

Answer: The Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately followed the single-day Passover observance and lasted for seven days. The number seven in biblical numerology often signifies completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. The duration of seven days for this feast reinforced its importance and provided an extended period for the Israelites to reflect on God's swift and complete deliverance from Egypt. It also allowed ample time for the symbolic act of purging all leaven from their homes and diets, signifying a thorough and complete commitment to purity and separation from sin, as they were called to live a new life in covenant with God, free from the "leaven" of their past bondage and idolatry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Passover, as observed by the children of Israel under Josiah, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The historical deliverance from Egyptian bondage, commemorated by the blood of the lamb, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin and death achieved through the sacrificial death of Jesus. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Blood of Christ")). Just as the unleavened bread symbolized purity and the putting away of leaven (sin), Christ Himself is our unleavened bread, the embodiment of perfect holiness and truth. As Paul declares in [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"), "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us." Therefore, the call to "keep the feast" for believers today is not through literal observance of the Old Testament rituals, but by living a life of sincerity and truth, continually putting away the "old leaven" of malice and wickedness, and walking in the newness of life that is found in Him ([1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - Unleavened Bread of Sincerity and Truth"); [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). The meticulous obedience to God's commands seen in Josiah's Passover points to the perfect obedience of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and inaugurated a new covenant, inviting all to partake in the ultimate feast of His redemptive work ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")).

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 12:15

Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

Exodus 12:20

Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

Numbers 28:16

¶ And in the fourteenth day of the first month [is] the passover of the LORD.

Numbers 28:25

And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work.

1 Corinthians 5:7

¶ Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

1 Corinthians 5:8

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth.

Exodus 34:18

¶ The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep. Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, as I commanded thee, in the time of the month Abib: for in the month Abib thou camest out from Egypt.