2 Chronicles 35:19

KJV

In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the eighteenth {H8083}{H6240} year {H8141} of the reign {H4438} of Josiah {H2977} was this passover {H6453} kept {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This Pesach was observed in the eighteenth year of Yoshiyahu.

Berean Standard Bible

In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed.

American Standard Version

In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 35:19 serves as a concise, concluding statement to the detailed account of King Josiah's unparalleled Passover celebration. This verse precisely dates the event to the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign, emphasizing its historical significance as the apex of his religious reforms and a pivotal moment of national repentance and spiritual renewal in Judah's history, highlighting the meticulous adherence to God's commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a concluding summary for the preceding detailed narrative of Josiah's magnificent Passover celebration, which spans [2 Chronicles 35:1-18](/2_chronicles/35-1 "2 Chronicles 35:1-18 - Josiah's Great Passover"). The preceding chapters, particularly [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms and the Discovery of the Law"), establish the foundation for this grand event, detailing Josiah's early reforms, the purification of the land, the repair of the Temple, and crucially, the discovery of the [Book of the Law](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"). The finding of the Law led to Josiah's personal repentance and a national covenant renewal ([2 Chronicles 34:29-33](/2_chronicles/34-29 "2 Chronicles 34:29-33 - Covenant Renewal")). Therefore, [2 Chronicles 35:19](/2_chronicles/35-19 "2 Chronicles 35:19 - Timing of the Passover") marks the culmination of this spiritual awakening, underscoring the unparalleled nature of this Passover as stated in [2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unparalleled Passover"). Following this high point, the narrative in [2 Chronicles 36](/2_chronicles/36 "2 Chronicles 36 - Decline and Exile") tragically recounts Judah's rapid decline after Josiah's death, making this Passover a poignant, final beacon of faithfulness before the impending exile.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah, who began his reign at the tender age of eight, was one of Judah's most righteous kings, consistently doing "that which was right in the sight of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 34:2](/2_chronicles/34-2 "2 Chronicles 34:2 - Josiah's Righteous Reign")). His reign was characterized by extensive religious reforms aimed at purging idolatry and restoring true worship, a process that began in his twelfth year and intensified in his eighteenth ([2 Chronicles 34:3-7](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3-7 - Josiah's Reforms")). The eighteenth year of his reign (approximately 622 BC) was particularly momentous. During the Temple repairs, the [Book of the Law was discovered](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"), profoundly impacting Josiah and leading to a national covenant renewal. This discovery served as the catalyst for the grand Passover described in [2 Chronicles 35:1-18](/2_chronicles/35-1 "2 Chronicles 35:1-18 - Josiah's Passover Celebration"). The Passover itself, originally instituted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - Institution of the Passover") as a remembrance of God's deliverance from Egypt, was a central annual feast. The chronicler emphasizes that this particular celebration under Josiah was unparalleled since the days of Samuel the prophet, and even among the kings of Israel, highlighting its immense scale, meticulous adherence to the Law, and profound spiritual depth ([2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unprecedented Passover")).

* **Key Themes:** The account of Josiah's Passover, culminating in [2 Chronicles 35:19](/2_chronicles/35-19 "2 Chronicles 35:19 - Timing of the Passover"), contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Obedience and Revival**. Josiah's meticulous adherence to God's commands, sparked by the discovery of the Law, led to a profound national spiritual renewal, demonstrating that obedience to divine instruction can bring about widespread revival. Secondly, the narrative underscores the **Centrality and Transformative Power of God's Word**. The discovery of the [Book of the Law](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") was the direct catalyst for all of Josiah's reforms and the subsequent Passover, highlighting how a return to and diligent application of God's revealed truth can profoundly transform individuals and nations. Thirdly, the Passover serves as a powerful act of **Covenant Renewal**. By observing this foundational feast, Judah reaffirmed its covenant relationship with the LORD, remembering His past deliverance and recommitting to His laws, echoing the original institution of the Passover in [Exodus 12:14](/exodus/12-14 "Exodus 12:14 - Passover as a Memorial"). Finally, the entire narrative showcases the vital role of **Godly Leadership**. Josiah's personal piety and zealous, uncompromising leadership were instrumental in guiding the nation back to faithful worship and adherence to the Mosaic Law, demonstrating the significant impact a righteous ruler can have on the spiritual health of a people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Passover (Hebrew, _Pesach_):** This term refers to the annual Jewish festival commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Its name, derived from the verb "to pass over," recalls the tenth plague, where the angel of death "passed over" the homes of the Israelites whose doorposts were marked with the blood of a lamb ([Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "Exodus 12:13 - The Sign of the Blood")). The Passover was a foundational feast, symbolizing redemption and covenant relationship, requiring specific rituals including the sacrifice and eating of a lamb, and the removal of leaven. Josiah's meticulous observance of this feast, as highlighted in the preceding verses, underscores its profound spiritual and national significance.
* **kept (Hebrew, _ʿāśâ_):** The verb _ʿāśâ_ is a common Hebrew word meaning "to do," "to make," or "to perform." In this context, it implies more than a mere perfunctory observance. It signifies that the Passover was actively and thoroughly "made" or "done" in accordance with the Law's detailed requirements. This emphasizes the intentionality, completeness, and meticulousness with which Josiah and the people executed the celebration, reflecting a deep commitment to fulfilling God's commands as they had rediscovered them in the Book of the Law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah":** This precise chronological marker is crucial. It firmly anchors the unparalleled Passover celebration within a specific and highly significant period of Josiah's reign. The eighteenth year was the culmination of his extensive religious reforms, marked by the discovery of the Book of the Law ([2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")) and the subsequent national covenant renewal ([2 Chronicles 34:29-33](/2_chronicles/34-29 "2 Chronicles 34:29-33 - Covenant Renewal")). This timing underscores that the Passover was not a routine observance but a direct, zealous response to God's rediscovered Word and a profound act of national repentance and rededication.
* **"was this passover kept":** This phrase directly refers back to the detailed account in [2 Chronicles 35:1-18](/2_chronicles/35-1 "2 Chronicles 35:1-18 - Josiah's Passover"). The demonstrative "this" highlights the specific, unique, and unprecedented nature of *this* particular Passover, as explicitly stated in [2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unparalleled Passover"). It signifies that the celebration was not merely performed, but "kept" or observed with an unparalleled level of adherence to the Mosaic Law, reflecting the nation's commitment to the renewed covenant. This statement serves as a final, emphatic declaration of the event's historical and spiritual magnitude.

#### Literary Devices
[2 Chronicles 35:19](/2_chronicles/35-19 "2 Chronicles 35:19 - Timing of the Passover") effectively employs several literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **Summarization** or **Concluding Statement**, serving to cap off the extensive and detailed narrative of Josiah's Passover from [2 Chronicles 35:1-18](/2_chronicles/35-1 "2 Chronicles 35:1-18 - Josiah's Great Passover"). This concise summary provides a definitive end to the account, emphasizing its historical placement. Secondly, the verse acts as a **Chronological Marker**, precisely dating the event to "the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah." This precision underscores the historical reliability of the account and highlights the significance of this specific year as a turning point in Judah's spiritual history. Finally, there is an element of **Emphasis** in the use of "this passover," subtly pointing back to the detailed description and the chronicler's assertion in [2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unprecedented Passover") that this was a Passover unlike any other since the days of Samuel. The verse, though brief, thus serves to solidify the importance and uniqueness of Josiah's great celebration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The precise dating of Josiah's Passover in [2 Chronicles 35:19](/2_chronicles/35-19 "2 Chronicles 35:19 - Timing of the Passover") underscores the theological significance of divine timing and the culmination of God's work through faithful human instruments. This unparalleled celebration, prompted by the rediscovery of God's Law, demonstrates God's persistent grace in calling His people back to Himself, even after generations of apostasy. It highlights that true national revival is rooted in a return to biblical truth and a zealous commitment to corporate worship and covenant faithfulness. The meticulous keeping of the Passover, a memorial of God's redemptive act, served as a powerful reminder of His character and His covenant obligations to Israel, even as it foreshadowed a greater redemption.

* [Exodus 12:1-14](/exodus/12-14 "Exodus 12:1-14 - Institution of the Passover")
* [Deuteronomy 16:1-8](/deuteronomy/16-1 "Deuteronomy 16:1-8 - Laws for the Passover")
* [2 Kings 23:21-23](/2_kings/23-21 "2 Kings 23:21-23 - Josiah's Passover in Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Josiah's unparalleled Passover, summarized in [2 Chronicles 35:19](/2_chronicles/35-19 "2 Chronicles 35:19 - Timing of the Passover"), offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as the discovery of the Law ignited a widespread spiritual revival in Judah, our own spiritual vitality, both individually and corporately, is inextricably linked to our engagement with God's Word. This narrative challenges us to consider the depth of our obedience and the sincerity of our worship. It reminds us that genuine spiritual transformation often begins with a renewed commitment to biblical truth, leading to repentance and a joyful, meticulous observance of God's commands. Moreover, Josiah's example highlights the transformative power of godly leadership and the importance of communal worship in fostering a vibrant faith. We are called to remember God's redemptive acts, to celebrate His faithfulness, and to live in continuous covenant with Him, allowing His Word to shape every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of "the eighteenth year" challenge me to consider the specific seasons and turning points in my own spiritual journey?**
* **What "Book of the Law" (God's Word) might I need to "rediscover" and apply more diligently in my life or in my community of faith?**
* **In what ways can my personal or corporate worship reflect the "meticulous keeping" and profound spiritual depth seen in Josiah's Passover?**
* **How can I, in my sphere of influence, emulate Josiah's zealous leadership in leading others toward greater obedience and spiritual renewal?**

### FAQ

**Why is the specific timing of this Passover, "the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah," so significant?**

Answer: The eighteenth year of Josiah's reign (approximately 622 BC) marks the culmination of his extensive religious reforms, which began earlier in his reign. Crucially, it was during this year that the [Book of the Law was discovered](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") during Temple repairs. This discovery profoundly impacted Josiah, leading him to tear his clothes in repentance and initiate a national covenant renewal ([2 Chronicles 34:19-33](/2_chronicles/34-19 "2 Chronicles 34:19-33 - Josiah's Response to the Law")). The Passover celebration, therefore, was not a routine annual event but a direct, zealous response to God's rediscovered Word, making it a unique and unparalleled moment of national repentance, rededication, and spiritual revival, as explicitly stated in [2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unprecedented Passover").

**What made Josiah's Passover "unparalleled" compared to previous Passover celebrations?**

Answer: The Chronicler explicitly states in [2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unprecedented Passover") that "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." This unparalleled nature stemmed from several factors: its immense scale, involving all of Judah and Israel ([2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unprecedented Passover")); its meticulous adherence to the specific commands of the Law, which had largely been neglected for centuries; and the profound spiritual depth and unity of purpose among the participants, driven by a genuine national repentance and covenant renewal initiated by Josiah after the discovery of the [Book of the Law](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"). It represented a comprehensive return to God's prescribed worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous keeping of the Passover in [2 Chronicles 35:19](/2_chronicles/35-19 "2 Chronicles 35:19 - Timing of the Passover"), commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt through the blood of a lamb, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the true and final Passover Lamb, whose sacrificial death accomplishes a far greater redemption than the Old Testament Passover ever could. As [John the Baptist declared](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus is "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" The apostle Paul explicitly states, "[Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ, Our Passover Lamb")" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ, Our Passover Lamb")), signifying that His shed blood provides deliverance from the bondage of sin and death. The communal meal of the Passover, which Josiah so diligently restored, is now superseded by the Christian celebration of the [Lord's Supper](/1_corinthians/11-23 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"), instituted by Christ Himself on the night before His crucifixion ([Matthew 26:26-28](/matthew/26-26 "Matthew 26:26-28 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). This new covenant meal commemorates His once-for-all sacrifice, inviting believers to participate in the spiritual reality of His redemptive work and anticipate His glorious return, fulfilling the shadows of the Old Testament feasts in a glorious, eternal reality.

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.