2 Chronicles 35:6

KJV

So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that [they] may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

So kill {H7819} the passover {H6453}, and sanctify {H6942} yourselves, and prepare {H3559} your brethren {H251}, that they may do {H6213} according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then slaughter the Pesach lamb, consecrate yourselves, prepare what your kinsmen need, and act according to the word of ADONAI given through Moshe."

Berean Standard Bible

Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your fellow countrymen to carry out the word of the LORD given by Moses.”

American Standard Version

And kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare for your brethren, to do according to the word of Jehovah by Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Josiah's direct command to the Levites in 2 Chronicles 35:6 represents a pivotal moment in Judah's spiritual restoration, outlining the essential steps for the proper observance of the Passover. This verse emphasizes the ritual killing of the sacrificial lamb, the necessary self-sanctification of the Levites, and their crucial role in preparing the wider community, all in strict adherence to the divine instructions given through Moses. It encapsulates Josiah's profound commitment to returning the nation to covenant faithfulness and underscores the meticulous preparation required for sacred worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within [2 Chronicles 35](/2_chronicles/35 "2 Chronicles 35 - Josiah's Passover Celebration"), which meticulously details King Josiah's grand Passover celebration, arguably the most significant since the time of the Judges. Following his extensive reforms—cleansing the land of idolatry, repairing the temple, and rediscovering the Book of the Law (as recounted in [2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms") and [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Early Reign and Reforms"))—Josiah orchestrates this Passover as the culmination of his efforts to restore true worship. The preceding verses ([2 Chronicles 35:1-5](/2_chronicles/35-1-5 "2 Chronicles 35:1-5 - Josiah's Instructions to Levites")) describe Josiah's specific instructions to the Levites regarding their roles and stations in the temple service, setting the stage for their direct involvement in the Passover ritual, which was central to Israelite identity and worship. This immediate context highlights the meticulous planning and the king's deep commitment to following Mosaic law.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned over Judah from 640-609 BC, a period marked by significant religious decline under his predecessors, Manasseh and Amon. Judah had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, embracing idolatry and syncretistic practices. The discovery of the Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy) during the temple repairs (around 622 BC) profoundly impacted Josiah, leading to a nationwide spiritual revival. This revival involved the destruction of pagan altars, the purification of the temple, and the re-establishment of the covenant. The Passover, a foundational feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage, served as a powerful symbol of national renewal and a re-commitment to God's covenant. Josiah's insistence on adhering "according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses" reflects a profound shift back to the authoritative Torah, distinguishing this Passover from many previous, less orthodox celebrations, emphasizing a return to the purity of the Mosaic covenant.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and Josiah's reign. Firstly, **Obedience to Divine Command** is paramount, as evidenced by the repeated emphasis on doing things "according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses." This highlights the Chronicler's consistent message that national blessing and spiritual vitality are directly tied to adherence to God's revealed will, particularly the Mosaic Law, as seen throughout [the institution of the Passover in Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Institution of the Passover") and the detailed instructions in [Deuteronomy 16](/deuteronomy/16 "Deuteronomy 16 - The Feast of Passover"). Secondly, **Sanctification and Purity** are presented as non-negotiable prerequisites for divine service. The command to "sanctify yourselves" underscores the necessity of ritual and spiritual cleanliness for the Levites, who were mediators of worship, reflecting principles found in [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinction Between Holy and Unholy"). Finally, **Corporate Responsibility and Preparation** is a vital theme, as the Levites are instructed to "prepare your brethren," demonstrating the communal nature of worship and the leadership's role in facilitating the people's participation in sacred rites, ensuring the entire community could properly engage in the Passover celebration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kill (Hebrew, _shâchaṭ'_):** From H7819, this verb means "to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)." In the context of the Passover, it specifically refers to the ritual slaying of the Passover lamb or kid, which was the central act of the sacrifice. It is not merely killing for food, but killing as an act of worship and atonement, fulfilling the divine command originally given in [Exodus 12:6](/exodus/12-6 "Exodus 12:6 - Time of Slaying the Passover Lamb").
* **Sanctify (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** From H6942, this word means "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally); to appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly." Here, it refers to the ceremonial purification and spiritual preparation required of the Levites before they could handle sacred duties. This involved ritual cleansing (e.g., washing, abstaining from defilement) and dedicating themselves fully to God's service, ensuring they were ritually pure and spiritually ready to approach the holy God and handle the sacred elements of the Passover.
* **Word of the LORD (Hebrew, _dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This phrase combines H1697 (_dâbâr_), meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing," and H3068 (_Yᵉhôvâh_), the Jewish national name of God, "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, the Lord." This emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of the instructions. It signifies that the commands regarding the Passover were not human inventions or traditions, but direct revelations from God Himself, communicated through His chosen prophet, Moses. This highlights the foundational principle of obedience to divine revelation as the basis for all legitimate worship and practice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So kill the passover,":** This is a direct, imperative command from King Josiah to the Levites. It refers to the ritual slaughter of the Passover lambs, which were to be sacrificed by the Levites for the entire congregation. This act was the foundational element of the Passover celebration, symbolizing the substitutionary sacrifice that averted the plague of death in Egypt and served as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance and covenant faithfulness.
* **"and sanctify yourselves,":** This second imperative emphasizes the personal and ritual purity required of the Levites. Before they could participate in such a sacred act, they needed to undergo ceremonial cleansing and consecration. This was crucial for those handling holy things and mediating worship, ensuring they were fit to stand before God and perform their duties without incurring divine wrath, underscoring the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him.
* **"and prepare your brethren,":** This third command highlights the Levites' broader responsibility beyond their personal purification and the direct sacrifice. They were to assist and guide the rest of the Israelite community, ensuring that every family and individual was properly prepared to participate in the Passover, understood the rituals, and had their lambs ready. This speaks to the Levites' pastoral, educational, and organizational role in facilitating the people's worship, ensuring communal readiness.
* **"that [they] may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.":** This final clause provides the overarching purpose and ultimate authority for all the preceding commands. The entire elaborate preparation and execution of the Passover were to be carried out in exact conformity with the divine instructions originally given to Moses. This underscores Josiah's unwavering commitment to biblical fidelity and the absolute supremacy of God's revealed law as the standard for all worship and national life, emphasizing a return to the foundational covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. Foremost is **Direct Command**, as Josiah issues clear imperatives ("kill," "sanctify," "prepare"), underscoring the urgency, authority, and non-negotiable nature of the instructions for the Levites. There is a strong **Emphasis on Divine Authority** through the phrase "according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses," which serves as an authoritative anchor, legitimizing Josiah's reforms and framing the entire celebration as an act of obedience to God's ancient covenant and revealed will. The verse also demonstrates **Conciseness and Efficiency**, packing multiple critical actions and their divine rationale into a single, compact sentence, reflecting the focused and purposeful nature of Josiah's religious revival. Furthermore, the progression from the specific cultic act ("kill the passover") to personal preparation ("sanctify yourselves") to communal responsibility ("prepare your brethren") illustrates a **Hierarchical Structure of Responsibility** within the worship context, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual purity, priestly duty, and congregational participation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Chronicles 35:6](/2_chronicles/35-6 "2 Chronicles 35:6 - Josiah's Command for Passover") profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of covenant obedience, atonement, and the necessity of proper worship. The Passover, instituted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Institution of the Passover"), served as God's foundational act of redemption for Israel, establishing a perpetual reminder of His saving power and the cost of sin. Josiah's meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law for this celebration underscores the enduring importance of God's revealed will as the blueprint for human flourishing and divine-human interaction. The Levites' sanctification highlights the universal biblical principle that those who draw near to a holy God must themselves be set apart and purified, a theme consistently found from the Tabernacle instructions to the requirements for priests. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical account but a theological statement about the nature of true worship: it must be God-initiated, God-directed, and approached with reverence, purity, and a deep respect for His commands.

* [Exodus 12:21](/exodus/12-21 "Exodus 12:21 - Moses' Instructions for Passover")
* [Deuteronomy 16:1-8](/deuteronomy/16-1-8 "The Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread")
* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "God's Holiness and Priestly Purity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that our approach to God and our participation in worship should be marked by intentionality, reverence, and a deep commitment to His revealed will. Just as the Levites were commanded to "sanctify yourselves," we are called to spiritual preparation, recognizing that true worship flows from a heart set apart for God, cleansed by His grace, and dedicated to His purposes. This involves examining our hearts, confessing sin, and aligning our lives with biblical truth, not just for personal piety but for the sake of the corporate body. The Levites' responsibility to "prepare your brethren" also speaks to the communal nature of faith; spiritual leaders and mature believers have a vital role in equipping, teaching, and encouraging others to engage in worship and obedience "according to the word of the LORD." Our worship, whether individual or corporate, should always be rooted in and guided by Scripture, ensuring that our practices genuinely honor God and reflect His character, rather than being shaped by human preferences, fleeting emotions, or cultural trends. This commitment to biblical fidelity ensures our worship is authentic and pleasing to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command to "sanctify yourselves" challenge my approach to personal devotion and corporate worship today, particularly in light of Christ's finished work?**
* **In what specific ways can I, or my spiritual community, better "prepare our brethren" to understand and participate in God-honoring practices and a deeper walk with Him?**
* **How does the emphasis on "the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses" inform my commitment to biblical authority and the sufficiency of Scripture in all areas of my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my worship, both private and public, is truly "according to the word of the LORD" and not merely a reflection of cultural norms or personal preferences?**

### FAQ
**Why was Josiah's Passover celebration considered so significant?**

Answer: Josiah's Passover, as described in [2 Chronicles 35](/2_chronicles/35 "2 Chronicles 35 - Josiah's Passover Celebration"), was deemed exceptionally significant because of its unprecedented adherence to the Mosaic Law, a level of fidelity not seen since the days of the prophet Samuel ([2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - No Passover Like It")). After generations of idolatry and neglect of God's covenant under his predecessors, Josiah's reforms, sparked by the discovery of the Book of the Law ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")), led to a nationwide spiritual revival. This Passover was the culmination of his efforts to restore true worship, meticulously following the divine instructions for the feast, including the proper roles of the priests and Levites, the location of the celebration, and the specific rituals. It represented a profound re-commitment of the entire nation to God and His covenant, demonstrating a radical return to biblical authority and a desire for genuine spiritual renewal.

**What was the specific role of the Levites in the Passover, as highlighted in this verse?**

Answer: In [2 Chronicles 35:6](/2_chronicles/35-6 "2 Chronicles 35:6 - Josiah's Command for Passover"), the Levites are given three crucial, interconnected roles for the Passover celebration, demonstrating their vital mediatorial and supportive function. First, they were commanded to "kill the passover," meaning they were responsible for the ritual slaughter of the Passover lambs for the entire congregation, a task that historically often fell to the heads of households but was centralized by Josiah for proper temple worship and efficiency. Second, they were to "sanctify yourselves," emphasizing the essential requirement of ritual purity and spiritual consecration for those performing sacred duties. This ensured they were fit to handle holy things and mediate worship before a holy God. Third, they were instructed to "prepare your brethren," signifying their broader pastoral and organizational responsibility to guide and assist the rest of the Israelite community in understanding and participating correctly in the Passover, ensuring that all were ready and able to observe the feast "according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses," thus facilitating communal obedience and worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous observance of the Passover under Josiah, particularly the command to "kill the passover" and "sanctify yourselves," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Passover lamb, whose blood averted death and secured deliverance, was a profound type 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 Levites prepared the sacrificial animals for the people's atonement, Christ Himself became the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, requiring no further animal offerings because His blood fully atones for sin ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ")). His shed blood on the cross is the ultimate means by which we are truly "sanctified," not through ritual cleansing but through spiritual purification and justification, making us holy and acceptable before God ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate"); [1 Peter 1:2](/1_peter/1-2 "1 Peter 1:2 - Elect According to the Foreknowledge of God")). The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's death, transcends the Old Testament shadows, inviting believers into a spiritual Passover where Christ is our Passover Lamb ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover")). Our "preparation" for worship now involves drawing near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience ([Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Let Us Draw Near with a True Heart")), empowered by the Holy Spirit to live "according to the word of the LORD" as revealed in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, the living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"); [John 14:23-24](/john/14-23-24 "John 14:23-24 - Jesus' Love and Obedience")).

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 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].

Hebrews 9:13

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

Hebrews 9:14

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

2 Chronicles 29:15

And they gathered their brethren, and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of the LORD, to cleanse the house of the LORD.

Genesis 35:2

Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

Job 1:5

And it was so, when the days of [their] feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings [according] to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Exodus 12:21

¶ Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.