2 Chronicles 35:18

KJV

And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was no passover {H6453} like {H3644} to that kept {H6213} in Israel {H3478} from the days {H3117} of Samuel {H8050} the prophet {H5030}; neither did {H6213} all the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478} keep {H6213} such a passover {H6453} as Josiah {H2977} kept {H6213}, and the priests {H3548}, and the Levites {H3881}, and all Judah {H3063} and Israel {H3478} that were present {H4672}, and the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No Pesach like that had been kept in Isra'el since the days of Sh'mu'el the prophet, and none of the kings of Isra'el observe a Pesach such as Yoshiyahu observed, with the cohanim, L'vi'im, all Y'hudah, those of Isra'el who were present, and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

No such Passover had been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel ever observed a Passover like the one that Josiah observed with the priests, the Levites, all Judah, the Israelites who were present, and the people of Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did any of the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 35:18 declares King Josiah's Passover celebration to be an unparalleled event in Israelite history, surpassing all previous observances since the time of Samuel the prophet. This verse serves as the climactic affirmation of the profound spiritual revival and national unity achieved under Josiah's righteous leadership, meticulously detailing the widespread participation of the king, priests, Levites, and all the people from both Judah and the remnants of Israel, culminating in a moment of extraordinary devotion and adherence to God's Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as the triumphant culmination of King Josiah's extensive spiritual reforms, meticulously chronicled in 2 Chronicles 34. Following a prolonged period of severe idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness under his predecessors, Manasseh and Amon, Josiah, who began his reign at the tender age of eight, initiated a nationwide purging of pagan worship and commenced the repair of the Temple. The pivotal moment arrived with the [discovery of the Book of the Law](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") during the Temple's renovation, which profoundly convicted Josiah and the entire nation. His response was immediate and comprehensive: he tore his clothes in genuine repentance, consulted the prophetess Huldah, renewed the covenant with God before all the people, and then issued a command for the nationwide observance of the Passover. Thus, 2 Chronicles 35:18 functions as the ultimate summary statement, highlighting the most significant act of corporate worship that resulted from Josiah's radical obedience and the rediscovery of God's revealed Word, marking the spiritual zenith of his reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah from 640-609 BC. This period was characterized by the significant decline of the mighty Assyrian Empire, which had previously exerted dominant control over Judah. This shift in geopolitical power provided a crucial window of opportunity for Josiah to implement far-reaching religious reforms without substantial external interference. The Passover feast, first instituted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"), was a foundational annual celebration commemorating Israel's miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Its meticulous observance was not merely a ritual but a central pillar of Israelite identity, covenant faithfulness, and national memory. The Chronicler's comparison of Josiah's Passover to "the days of Samuel the prophet" (roughly 1050-1010 BC) is highly significant, as Samuel's era was remembered as a time of remarkable spiritual integrity, prophetic leadership, and national devotion, preceding the complexities and compromises that often arose with the establishment of the monarchy. The inclusion of "all Judah and Israel" is particularly noteworthy, indicating a rare moment of unity between the southern kingdom of Judah and the remnants of the northern kingdom of Israel, underscoring the broad scope and unifying power of Josiah's revival.
* **Key Themes:** The unparalleled Passover under King Josiah powerfully encapsulates several major themes woven throughout 2 Chronicles and the broader historical books of the Old Testament. Firstly, it stands as a prime example of **Spiritual Revival and Restoration**, demonstrating how genuine repentance and a return to God's Word can lead to profound national transformation, even after generations of deep-seated apostasy, as vividly seen in [2 Chronicles 34:33](/2_chronicles/34-33 "2 Chronicles 34:33 - Josiah's Reforms"). Secondly, the narrative highlights the critical importance of **Obedience to God's Law**, as the meticulous celebration was a direct and comprehensive response to the rediscovered Book of the Law, emphasizing that true worship and covenant faithfulness are always in accordance with divine commands. Thirdly, the account underscores the transformative impact of **Godly Leadership**, illustrating how a righteous king like Josiah, through his personal devotion, courageous initiative, and proactive reforms, could inspire and guide an entire nation back to God, a theme echoed in the reigns of other faithful kings like Hezekiah in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms"). Finally, the widespread participation of all segments of society—the king, priests, Levites, and the entire populace—emphasizes the unifying and communal power of **Corporate Worship and Unity**, showcasing how common devotion to God can bridge societal divides and foster national cohesion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Passover (Hebrew, _peçach'_):** This term (H6453) refers to the annual festival commemorating the Israelite liberation from slavery in Egypt, specifically the night when the angel of death "passed over" the houses marked with the blood of a lamb. Its observance was a perpetual statute, central to Israel's covenant identity and memory. In 2 Chronicles 35:18, the emphasis is not just on the act of keeping Passover, but on the *unprecedented quality* and *meticulous adherence* to its original stipulations, distinguishing it from all other previous celebrations.
* **like (Hebrew, _kᵉmôw'_):** This word (H3644) functions as a comparative particle, indicating similarity or correspondence. In this context, when combined with the preceding negation ("no passover like to that"), it forms a powerful superlative. It emphatically declares that Josiah's Passover was absolutely unique and superior, signifying that no other observance in Israel's history, from the time of Samuel onward, matched its spiritual depth, purity of worship, and comprehensive participation.
* **Josiah (Hebrew, _Yôʼshîyâh'_):** This proper noun (H2977), meaning "founded of Jah" or "Yahweh supports," identifies the righteous king under whose leadership this unparalleled Passover was kept. His name is central to the verse, as he is the primary agent of this extraordinary spiritual revival. The Chronicler highlights Josiah's singular commitment to God's commands and his success in leading the nation in true worship, making this Passover a direct reflection of his godly reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the extraordinary and unparalleled nature of Josiah's Passover. By comparing it to the era of Samuel, a period of profound spiritual integrity and obedience approximately 800 years prior, the Chronicler highlights the unprecedented scale, devotion, and meticulous adherence to the Law that characterized this particular celebration. It signifies a profound spiritual revival that had not been witnessed for centuries, underscoring its unique historical and theological significance.
* **"neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept,":** This phrase further emphasizes the exceptional nature of Josiah's Passover by contrasting it with the observances of all previous kings, encompassing both the united monarchy (Saul, David, Solomon) and the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It implies that even the relatively righteous kings did not achieve the same level of comprehensive and faithful observance. This underscores Josiah's singular commitment to God's commands and his success in leading the entire nation in a truly pure and devoted act of worship.
* **"and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.":** This final clause meticulously lists the diverse participants, emphasizing the broad and inclusive nature of the celebration. It highlights the corporate unity and widespread involvement of all segments of society: the king (Josiah), the religious leaders (priests and Levites), and the entire populace, including those from the former northern kingdom of Israel who had gathered. This collective participation signifies a national moment of repentance and devotion, making the Passover truly comprehensive in its scope and impact.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices to powerfully emphasize the unparalleled nature and profound significance of Josiah's Passover. **Hyperbole** (or **Exaggeration for Emphasis**) is evident in the emphatic declaration that "there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet." While other Passovers certainly occurred, this statement is not meant to be a literal absence but rather a powerful rhetorical device to convey the exceptional quality, spiritual depth, and meticulous adherence to the Law that set Josiah's observance apart. **Comparison** is central to the verse's structure, specifically the explicit contrast with the Passovers kept by "all the kings of Israel" and the highly favorable comparison to the "days of Samuel the prophet," serving to elevate Josiah's achievement to an unprecedented level. The detailed listing of participants—"the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem"—is a form of **Enumeration** or **Inclusivity**, underscoring the comprehensive, unifying, and national scope of the event. Finally, the verse functions as a **Culmination**, serving as the grand finale and ultimate testament to the success and spiritual impact of Josiah's extensive religious reforms detailed in the preceding chapters.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Josiah's unparalleled Passover in 2 Chronicles 35:18 stands as a profound theological statement about the nature of true worship, the transformative power of God's Word, and the enduring possibility of national spiritual renewal. It demonstrates that genuine repentance, sparked by the rediscovery and diligent application of divine truth, can lead to a corporate experience of God's presence and blessing that transcends generations of spiritual decline. The meticulous adherence to the Law's stipulations for the Passover underscores that worship is not merely an emotional experience but a deliberate act of obedience to God's revealed will. This event serves as a powerful reminder that God desires not just ritual, but a heart fully devoted to Him, expressed through faithful obedience to His covenant commands, leading to a unified expression of faith across all societal strata.

* [Exodus 12:26-27](/exodus/12-26 "Exodus 12:26-27 - Purpose of the Passover")
* [Deuteronomy 16:1-8](/deuteronomy/16-1-8 "Deuteronomy 16:1-8 - Instructions for Passover")
* [Nehemiah 8:1-8](/nehemiah/8-1-8 "Nehemiah 8:1-8 - Reading of the Law and Revival")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Josiah's Passover offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today, both individually and corporately. It challenges us to critically examine the depth of our own commitment to God's Word and the authenticity of our worship. Just as the discovery of the Book of the Law ignited a national revival in Josiah's time, so too does consistent and sincere engagement with Scripture serve as the indispensable catalyst for personal and communal transformation. This narrative calls us to move beyond superficial religiosity or mere tradition to a profound, Spirit-led obedience that impacts every facet of our lives and communities. It reminds us that even after extended periods of spiritual decline or apathy, God is faithful to bring about restoration when His people turn to Him with sincere hearts, led by those who are committed to His truth. Our corporate gatherings, whether in church services or communal acts of service, should, like the Passover, be marked by unity, intentionality, and a deep reverence for God, reflecting His glory and drawing us closer to Him and to one another in genuine fellowship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Book of the Law" or spiritual truths might we have neglected or forgotten in our personal lives or churches that need to be "rediscovered" for genuine revival today?**
* **How does the meticulous and comprehensive nature of Josiah's Passover challenge our own approach to worship and obedience? Are we merely going through the motions, or are we seeking to honor God in spirit and truth?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community of faith, foster the kind of unity, widespread participation, and shared devotion that characterized Josiah's Passover?**
* **What role does godly leadership play in inspiring and sustaining spiritual renewal in our families, churches, and broader society today?**

### FAQ
**Why was Josiah's Passover considered so unique and unparalleled?**

Answer: Josiah's Passover was deemed unparalleled primarily for three interconnected reasons: its meticulous adherence to the Law, its widespread and inclusive participation, and the profound spiritual revival it represented. After generations of widespread idolatry and neglect, the rediscovered Book of the Law (likely a scroll containing [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law")) spurred Josiah to ensure the Passover was observed precisely according to God's commands, something that had not been done for centuries. Furthermore, the participation was truly national, involving the king, priests, Levites, and people from both Judah and the remnants of Israel, signifying a rare moment of unity and collective devotion. This combination of purity, scope, and spiritual fervor made it stand out from all previous Passovers since the time of Samuel the prophet, a period remembered for its spiritual integrity.

**What was the significance of comparing Josiah's Passover to the "days of Samuel the prophet"?**

Answer: The comparison to "the days of Samuel the prophet" is highly significant because Samuel's era (roughly 11th century BC) was remembered as a golden age of spiritual purity, prophetic leadership, and national adherence to God's covenant before the widespread spiritual decline that often accompanied the monarchy. By drawing this parallel, the Chronicler emphasizes that Josiah's Passover was not just a large or well-attended event, but one that marked a profound return to the foundational spiritual principles and covenant faithfulness that characterized Israel in its earlier, purer days. It underscores the depth of the revival and its historical importance as a benchmark of true devotion and obedience to God.

**How does this account of national revival relate to the concept of corporate worship today?**

Answer: Josiah's Passover offers a powerful and enduring model for corporate worship today. It highlights that true worship is not merely an individual act but a communal expression of devotion and obedience to God. The participation of "all Judah and Israel" underscores the unifying power of shared faith and common adherence to God's Word. For contemporary corporate worship, this means striving for unity in spirit and purpose, ensuring that our practices are rooted in biblical truth, and fostering an environment where all members can participate meaningfully and sincerely in expressing their devotion to God. It reminds us that genuine revival often manifests in a collective turning to God, impacting and transforming the entire community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 35:18 details a historical Passover, its profound themes of deliverance, covenant renewal, and meticulous sacrifice find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Passover, with its slain lamb whose blood protected Israel from bondage and death, was a powerful type pointing directly to the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the blood of the Passover lamb provided salvation for Israel, so too does the precious blood of Christ provide atonement and eternal life for all who believe, ushering in a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") sealed by His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. Josiah's Passover, marked by a return to the Law and a national cleansing from idolatry, foreshadows the spiritual cleansing and new life offered through Christ, who is not merely a king leading a nation, but the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of kings and Lord of lords") who establishes an eternal kingdom. The unparalleled nature of Josiah's Passover points to the absolute uniqueness, sufficiency, and finality of Christ's singular sacrifice, which perfects forever those who are being sanctified ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Therefore, while Josiah's Passover was the greatest in Israel's history, it ultimately serves as a shadow and foretaste of the infinitely greater spiritual reality found in our [Passover Lamb, Christ Jesus](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ, Our Passover Lamb"), through whom we experience true and eternal deliverance.

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

2 Chronicles 30:5

So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done [it] of a long [time in such sort] as it was written.

2 Kings 23:21

And the king commanded all the people, saying, Keep the passover unto the LORD your God, as [it is] written in the book of this covenant.

2 Kings 23:23

But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, [wherein] this passover was holden to the LORD in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 30:26

So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel [there was] not the like in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 30:27

Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came [up] to his holy dwelling place, [even] unto heaven.