2 Chronicles 35:5

And stand in the holy [place] according to the divisions of the families of the fathers of your brethren the people, and [after] the division of the families of the Levites.

And stand in {H5975} the holy {H6944} place according to the divisions {H6391} of the families {H1004} of the fathers {H1} of your brethren {H251} the people {H1121}{H5971}, and after the division {H2515} of the families {H1}{H1004} of the Levites {H3881}.

Stand in the Holy Place according to the divisions of the clans of your kinsmen the ordinary people, with part of a clan of L'vi'im serving each clan [of Isra'el].

Moreover, stand in the Holy Place by the divisions of the families of your kinsmen the lay people, and by the divisions of the families of the Levites.

And stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the fathers’ houses of your brethren the children of the people, and let there be for each a portion of a father’s house of the Levites.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 35:5 describes a crucial instruction given by King Josiah to the Levites during the remarkable Passover celebration. It emphasizes the structured and orderly manner in which the Levites were to perform their duties in the Temple, according to their ancestral divisions, ensuring smooth and proper worship for all the people.

Context

This verse is set during the reign of King Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings, known for his sweeping religious reforms. After discovering the Book of the Law (2 Chronicles 34:15), Josiah embarked on a zealous campaign to purge idolatry and restore true worship in Judah. Chapter 35 details the magnificent Passover celebration he organized, described as the greatest since the days of Samuel (2 Chronicles 35:18). For this grand event, the Levites, who were responsible for the Temple services, sacrifices, and teaching the law, were specifically instructed to take their designated places, highlighting the importance of order and adherence to God's commands in worship. Their role was to facilitate the worship of the "families of the fathers of your brethren the people," meaning the ordinary Israelites.

Key Themes

  • Order and Structure in Worship: The verse underscores the divine principle of order in spiritual service. The "divisions of the families" refer to the organized courses of the Levites, established centuries earlier by King David (1 Chronicles 23:6), ensuring that all necessary tasks were covered systematically.
  • Levitical Service and Responsibility: It highlights the critical role of the Levites as intermediaries and facilitators of worship. Their precise positioning in the "holy place" (the Temple precincts) was essential for handling the sacrifices and assisting the people according to Mosaic law.
  • Obedience to God's Law: Josiah's entire reform movement, including this detailed instruction to the Levites, was an act of profound obedience to the rediscovered Law of God. This verse reflects the commitment to restore practices precisely as prescribed by divine instruction.
  • Community Participation in Worship: By having the Levites stand "according to the divisions of the families of the fathers of your brethren the people," it shows how the Levites' service was integrated with and supported the worship of the entire Israelite community.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "divisions of the families" translates the Hebrew word *maḥlĕqôṯ* (מַחְלְקוֹת), which refers to established courses, shifts, or groups. This term emphasizes the highly organized and hereditary system by which the Levites performed their duties, ensuring continuity and efficiency in the complex Temple services. The "holy [place]" refers specifically to the areas within the Temple complex where the Levites performed their duties, distinct from the Most Holy Place, which only the high priest could enter.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Chronicles 35:5 offers valuable insights into the nature of corporate worship and service. It reminds us that:

  • Order Enhances Worship: While our forms of worship differ from ancient Israel, the principle of order and preparation remains vital. Thoughtful planning and execution in church services or ministries can help minimize distractions and maximize focus on God.
  • Every Role is Important: Just as the Levites had specific, assigned roles, every member of the body of Christ has a unique gift and place in serving God and others (1 Corinthians 12:27).
  • Serving Others in Worship: The Levites' service facilitated the people's ability to worship. Likewise, our service within the church should aim to help others draw closer to God and experience His presence.
  • Obedience Leads to Blessing: Josiah's adherence to God's commands led to a revival. When we seek to obey God's Word in our personal and corporate lives, we open ourselves to His blessing and presence.

This verse, though specific to ancient Temple rituals, provides timeless principles for understanding the importance of dedicated, orderly, and community-oriented service in the pursuit of genuine worship.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 134:1

    ¶ A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all [ye] servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.

  • Psalms 135:2

    Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,

  • 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.
← Back