2 Chronicles 35:2

KJV

And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,

KJV (with Strong's)

And he set {H5975} the priests {H3548} in their charges {H4931}, and encouraged {H2388} them to the service {H5656} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068},

Complete Jewish Bible

He assigned the cohanim to their posts and encouraged them to perform the service of the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And he set the priests in their offices, and encouraged them to the service of the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Josiah, a pivotal figure in Judah's spiritual renewal, meticulously prepared for the unparalleled Passover celebration by actively organizing and empowering the Levitical priests. This verse highlights his diligent leadership in restoring proper Temple worship, ensuring that the sacred duties were carried out with both structural order and spiritual fervor, thereby setting the stage for a nationwide return to covenant faithfulness and the worship of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Josiah's extensive religious reforms, which began with the purging of idolatry and culminated in the discovery of the Book of the Law in [the house of the LORD](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"). Chapter 34 details his initial actions, including the cleansing of the land and the Temple, followed by the covenant renewal. Chapter 35 then describes the meticulous preparation for and the subsequent celebration of the greatest Passover since the days of Samuel. Verse 2 specifically details Josiah's administrative and pastoral efforts to ensure the priests were properly arrayed for their critical roles in the upcoming, divinely mandated feast, emphasizing his commitment to order and spiritual integrity in the restoration of Yahweh worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah reigned from 640-609 BC, a period following decades of rampant idolatry under his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon. During these reigns, the Temple worship had fallen into severe disarray, and the priestly functions were likely neglected, corrupted, or even abandoned. The "charges" refer to the specific divisions and duties of the priests and Levites, meticulously laid out in Mosaic Law (e.g., [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - Duties of the Levites")) and further organized by King David (e.g., [1 Chronicles 23-26](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23-26 - Divisions of Levites and Priests")). Josiah's actions were a deliberate and comprehensive return to these ancient, divinely ordained structures, signifying a profound cultural and religious shift back to Yahwism as the exclusive worship of Judah, a stark contrast to the syncretism that had plagued the nation.
* **Key Themes:** The verse strongly contributes to the overarching themes of **righteous leadership**, demonstrating a king who actively promotes God's commands and ensures their proper execution, rather than merely issuing decrees. It underscores the **restoration of true worship**, highlighting the meticulous efforts required to re-establish the purity and order of Temple service after periods of profound apostasy, as seen in the preceding chapter's account of Manasseh's reign in [2 Chronicles 33](/2_chronicles/33 "2 Chronicles 33 - Manasseh's Idolatry and Repentance"). Furthermore, it emphasizes **order and accountability** within sacred service, as priests are "set in their charges," and **encouragement in ministry**, as Josiah "encouraged them." These actions reflect a deep commitment to the covenant found in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Book of the Law") and a fervent desire for the nation to once again honor God's presence in the "house of the LORD."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **set (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** From the primitive root H5975, meaning "to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry." Here, it signifies Josiah's authoritative and intentional act of organizing and appointing the priests to their specific roles and divisions. It indicates a firm establishment and restoration of order that had likely deteriorated over generations.
* **charges (Hebrew, _mishmereth'_):** From H4931, a feminine noun meaning "watch, i.e. the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e. (abstractly) duty or (objectively) a usage or party; charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinance, safeguard, ward, watch." This term refers to the prescribed responsibilities, divisions, and shifts of the Levitical priests and other Temple servants. These "charges" were divinely ordained and meticulously detailed in earlier biblical texts, emphasizing the importance of precise adherence to God's commands for Temple service.
* **encouraged (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From H2388, a primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer; aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand." This word conveys more than a mere pep talk; it implies that Josiah actively empowered, fortified, and instilled courage and resolve in the priests. Given the decades of neglect and idolatry, many priests might have been lax, fearful, or uncertain of their duties. Josiah's "encouragement" was vital for them to undertake their sacred responsibilities with renewed diligence and spiritual vigor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he set the priests in their charges":** This clause describes Josiah's administrative and organizational genius as a righteous king. He didn't merely command; he actively implemented the proper structure for Temple service. This involved assigning each priestly family and individual to their specific, divinely ordained duties, ensuring that the complex operations of the Temple were carried out systematically and in accordance with the Law. It speaks to the importance of order, defined roles, and faithful adherence to divine instruction in sacred service.
* **"and encouraged them":** This phrase reveals Josiah's pastoral heart and discerning leadership wisdom. Beyond mere organization, he understood the human element of service. He motivated, strengthened, and instilled confidence in the priests, perhaps reminding them of the sanctity of their calling and the profound importance of their role in the nation's spiritual life. This "encouragement" was crucial for overcoming potential apathy, fear, or past complacency that might have settled in during the long period of spiritual decline.
* **"to the service of the house of the LORD":** This final phrase clarifies the ultimate purpose and direction of Josiah's actions: the restoration and proper execution of worship in the Jerusalem Temple. Every organizational detail and every word of encouragement was directed towards facilitating genuine, reverent, and effective service to God. It underscores the profound theological truth that all human efforts in ministry, whether administrative or pastoral, must ultimately point to the glory and worship of the Lord, who is the true object of their devotion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Praxis** as a didactic tool, presenting Josiah's actions as an exemplary model of righteous leadership. His dual approach of establishing **Order** ("set the priests in their charges") and providing **Motivation** ("encouraged them") highlights a holistic leadership philosophy—structure without spirit is dead, and spirit without structure can be chaotic. The phrase "house of the LORD" functions as a **Metonymy**, representing not just the physical Temple building but the entire system of worship, the divine presence, and the covenant relationship it symbolized. The **Juxtaposition** of administrative organization with spiritual encouragement emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Josiah's reform, recognizing that both external order and internal disposition are vital for true worship and effective ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the theological principle that true worship requires both divine order and human dedication. Josiah's actions demonstrate that leadership in God's kingdom involves not only adherence to prescribed forms but also a deep concern for the spiritual well-being and motivation of those who serve. It underscores that the restoration of outward practices must be accompanied by an internal renewal of heart and spirit. The meticulous organization of the priests for the Passover foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on orderly worship and dedicated service, recognizing that God is a God of order, and He desires His people to serve Him with both diligence and joy, empowered by His Spirit.

* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Orderly Worship")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Mutual Encouragement and Assembly")
* [1 Peter 4:10-11](/1_peter/4-10-11 "1 Peter 4:10-11 - Serving with God's Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Josiah's leadership in 2 Chronicles 35:2 offers timeless principles for spiritual leaders and every believer today. It reminds us that effective ministry and vibrant worship require both careful planning and heartfelt encouragement. Leaders are called not merely to delegate tasks but to empower, equip, and inspire those under their care, fostering an environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to use their gifts for God's glory. For every believer, this verse underscores the importance of diligently fulfilling our "charges"—our unique callings and responsibilities within the body of Christ and in our daily lives—with a spirit of willingness and dedication. It challenges us to consider how we can contribute to the "service of the house of the LORD," whether in formal ministry or through our daily vocations, ensuring that our actions are both orderly and Spirit-filled, always aiming to honor God and build up His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I, as a leader or a participant, contribute to both the "order" and the "encouragement" within my spiritual community or areas of service?**
* **What are my specific "charges" or responsibilities in the "house of the LORD" today, and how can I approach them with greater diligence, spiritual fervor, and a heart of worship?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively encourage others in their service to God, reflecting Josiah's pastoral heart and strengthening their resolve?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary for Josiah to "set" and "encourage" the priests when their duties were already prescribed by Mosaic Law?**

Answer: While the duties of the priests and Levites were indeed prescribed by Mosaic Law and later organized by King David (as seen in [1 Chronicles 23-26](/1_chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23-26 - Divisions of Levites and Priests")), centuries of neglect and rampant idolatry under kings like Manasseh and Amon had led to significant disarray. The Temple itself had been defiled and its services abandoned or corrupted, as vividly described in [2 Chronicles 33](/2_chronicles/33 "2 Chronicles 33 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign and Repentance"). Therefore, Josiah's reforms required a complete re-establishment of proper procedures. "Setting" them in their charges meant re-organizing and re-assigning roles that had fallen into disuse or been forgotten, ensuring the meticulous order God required for His worship. "Encouraging" them was crucial because years of spiritual apathy, fear under idolatrous kings, or even a lack of training would have left the priests disheartened, complacent, or uncertain. They needed their resolve strengthened and their purpose reaffirmed to undertake the demanding and sacred work of restoring true worship. Josiah's actions were not merely administrative but deeply pastoral, addressing both the structural and spiritual needs of the priestly order to facilitate a genuine national revival.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Josiah, as a righteous king who meticulously restored worship and empowered the priesthood, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Josiah "set the priests in their charges" and "encouraged them," so Christ, the ultimate High Priest and King, establishes a new order of worship and empowers His people for service. He does not merely assign duties but equips and enables His church, a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). The "service of the house of the LORD" under Josiah pointed to the spiritual worship now offered in Christ, who is Himself the true Temple, having declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). He perfectly fulfills the Law, establishing a worship not bound by physical location but offered "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Christ is the ultimate encourager, whose words of grace and promise strengthen His followers to persevere in their ministries and callings, enabling them to serve with diligence and joy until His glorious return, knowing that "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

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 31:2

And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 22:19

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 23:8

So the Levites and all Judah did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest had commanded, and took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that were to go [out] on the sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest dismissed not the courses.

Ezra 6:18

And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which [is] at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.

2 Chronicles 23:18

Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the LORD by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of the LORD, to offer the burnt offerings of the LORD, as [it is] written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, [as it was ordained] by David.

2 Chronicles 29:5

And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy [place].

2 Chronicles 29:11

My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.