2 Chronicles 35:3

And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; [it shall] not [be] a burden upon [your] shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,

And said {H559} unto the Levites {H3881} that taught {H995}{H4000} all Israel {H3478}, which were holy {H6918} unto the LORD {H3068}, Put {H5414} the holy {H6944} ark {H727} in the house {H1004} which Solomon {H8010} the son {H1121} of David {H1732} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} did build {H1129}; it shall not be a burden {H4853} upon your shoulders {H3802}: serve {H5647} now the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, and his people {H5971} Israel {H3478},

To the L'vi'im who were teaching all Isra'el and were holy for ADONAI he said, "Put the holy ark in the house which Shlomo the son of David, king of Isra'el, built; after this, you will not have to carry it again. Now serve ADONAI your God and his people Isra'el.

To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: โ€œPut the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel.

And he said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, that were holy unto Jehovah, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; there shall no more be a burden upon your shoulders. Now serve Jehovah your God, and his people Israel;

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of King Josiah's extensive religious reforms in Judah, culminating in a magnificent Passover celebration described in 2 Chronicles 35. Josiah, a righteous king who began his reign at eight years old, had already initiated a nationwide spiritual cleansing, removing idolatry and repairing the Temple of the Lord (2 Chronicles 34:3-7). The rediscovery of the Book of the Law during the Temple's repair spurred even greater commitment to God's commands (2 Kings 22:8). In this specific verse, Josiah addresses the Levites, who were responsible for Temple service and for instructing the people in God's law. His command to place the Ark of the Covenant permanently back in the Temple signifies the restoration of proper worship and order after periods of neglect or even desecration under previous kings.

Key Themes

  • Restoration of Proper Worship: Josiah's command to place the holy Ark of the Covenant back into the Temple built by Solomon was crucial. The Ark symbolized God's presence among His people and was the central object of worship in the Holy of Holies. Its likely removal or displacement during idolatrous reigns (perhaps to protect it, or it was moved by impious kings) meant that the Temple was not functioning as God intended. Josiah's action re-established the sanctity and proper order of the Temple.
  • Relief and Re-focus for the Levites: The phrase "it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders" is significant. Historically, the Ark was carried by the Levites during Israel's wilderness wanderings and during significant events (Numbers 4:15). Once the Temple was built, its permanent resting place was established. Josiah's statement indicates that for some time, the Ark had been moved, requiring the Levites to carry it, distracting them from their primary duties. By securing it in the Temple, their burden was lifted, allowing them to focus on serving "the LORD your God, and his people Israel" through teaching, music, and other Temple ministries.
  • The Levites' Role as Teachers and Servants: The verse highlights the dual role of the Levites: they "taught all Israel" and were "holy unto the LORD." This underscores their spiritual authority and responsibility for instructing the nation in God's ways, alongside their priestly duties. Their holiness was essential for their service in the sacred Temple.

Linguistic Insights

The term "burden upon your shoulders" (Hebrew: ืžึทืฉึธึผื‚ื ืขึทืœึพื›ึธึผืชึตืฃ, massa al-katef) literally refers to the physical carrying of the Ark. However, it also carries a symbolic weight, implying a distraction or deviation from their established roles. Once the Ark was settled, the Levites could fully engage in their designated functions of worship and instruction, which was a "service" (ืขึฒื‘ึนื“ึธื”, avodah) to God and Israel, a term often used for sacred work.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as Josiah sought to restore proper order in worship, we are called to ensure that our spiritual lives are aligned with God's design. When things are out of place, whether it's priorities, relationships, or commitments, it can become a "burden" that hinders our effective service. By putting God first and allowing Him to establish order, we are freed from unnecessary burdens and can dedicate ourselves fully to serving Him and His people. Our "holy" calling, like that of the Levites, is to faithfully teach and live out God's truth, becoming a blessing to those around us.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 23:26

    And also unto the Levites; they shall no [more] carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:22

    And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the LORD: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers.

  • Deuteronomy 33:10

    They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar.

  • 2 Chronicles 17:8

    And with them [he sent] Levites, [even] Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.

  • 2 Chronicles 17:9

    And they taught in Judah, and [had] the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.

  • Malachi 2:7

    For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

  • 2 Chronicles 5:7

    And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy [place, even] under the wings of the cherubims:
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