2 Chronicles 35:7

KJV

And Josiah gave to the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all for the passover offerings, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks: these [were] of the king's substance.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Josiah {H2977} gave {H7311} to the people {H1121}{H5971}, of the flock {H6629}, lambs {H3532} and kids {H1121}{H5795}, all for the passover offerings {H6453}, for all that were present {H4672}, to the number {H4557} of thirty {H7970} thousand {H505}, and three {H7969} thousand {H505} bullocks {H1241}: these were of the king's {H4428} substance {H7399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yoshiyahu gave the ordinary people, to all who were present, 30,000 lambs and kids from the flock, all of them for Pesach offerings, and 3,000 bulls. These were from the king's personal property.

Berean Standard Bible

From his own flocks and herds Josiah contributed 30,000 lambs and goats plus 3,000 bulls for the Passover offerings for all the people who were present.

American Standard Version

And Josiah gave to the children of the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all of them for the passover-offerings, unto all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bullocks: these were of the king’s substance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 35:7 vividly portrays King Josiah's extraordinary generosity, as he personally provided an immense quantity of lambs, kids, and bullocks from his own wealth for the Passover offerings. This monumental act of giving ensured widespread participation in the sacred festival, underscoring his profound commitment to God's covenant, the spiritual restoration of Judah, and the meticulous observance of the Law, culminating in a Passover celebration of unprecedented scale and devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the broader narrative of King Josiah's reign, specifically detailing the culmination of his extensive religious reforms. The preceding chapters, particularly [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms and the Discovery of the Law"), describe his unwavering zeal for God, beginning with the purging of idolatry from Judah and the subsequent repair of the Temple. The pivotal discovery of the Book of the Law in [2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") profoundly impacted Josiah, leading him to a national renewal of the covenant and a command for a widespread observance of the Passover. Verse 7 specifically highlights Josiah's personal and substantial contribution to this grand event, setting the stage for the detailed account of the Passover's execution in the subsequent verses, which the Chronicler explicitly states was unparalleled since the days of Samuel ([2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Uniqueness of Josiah's Passover")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah reigned over Judah from 640-609 BC, a critical juncture following decades of severe apostasy under his idolatrous predecessors, Manasseh and Amon. His reforms were a radical effort to reverse the widespread pagan practices that had deeply infiltrated Judahite worship, including Baal worship and child sacrifice. The Passover, originally instituted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"), was a foundational annual festival commemorating Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage and reaffirming their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. Its proper observance, as meticulously detailed in the Mosaic Law, required specific sacrificial animals. Josiah's unprecedented provision of these animals removed a significant economic barrier for countless families, enabling a truly national and inclusive celebration, thereby reflecting his fervent desire to restore the nation's spiritual health and adherence to God's commandments.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Chronicler's theological agenda. Foremost is the theme of **righteous kingship and covenant faithfulness**. Josiah's actions exemplify a king who leads by profound personal example, prioritizing God's commands and the spiritual well-being of his people, contrasting sharply with the spiritual failures of many of his predecessors. His personal sacrifice highlights the theme of **generosity and stewardship**, demonstrating that true leadership involves a willingness to provide abundantly for the needs of the community to facilitate genuine worship. Furthermore, the passage emphasizes the **centrality of the Temple and proper worship** in Israelite life, as the Passover was a Temple-centric ritual requiring specific offerings. The sheer scale of the event, made possible by Josiah's giving, underscores the theme of **national spiritual revival** and a comprehensive return to God's ways, a recurring hope throughout Chronicles, even if tragically short-lived after Josiah's untimely death. This commitment to the Law, particularly the Passover, speaks to the enduring importance of remembering God's salvific acts, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:20-25](/deuteronomy/6-20-25 "Deuteronomy 6:20-25 - Remembering the Exodus and God's Law")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** From H7311, this verb signifies "to be high actively, to rise or raise." In this context, it implies Josiah's act of "raising up" or "heaving up" these animals as a grand provision for the Passover. It suggests a deliberate, prominent, and generous act of setting apart or making available a vast quantity of resources for a sacred purpose, elevating the capacity for national worship.
* **passover offerings (Hebrew, _peçach'_):** From H6453, this term technically refers to the Jewish Passover festival itself and, by extension, the sacrificial victim required for its observance. Josiah's provision of these "offerings" directly facilitated the central ritual of the Passover, which commemorated Israel's "exemption" or "passing over" from divine judgment in Egypt, ensuring that the people could participate in this vital act of remembrance and atonement.
* **substance (Hebrew, _rᵉkûwsh'_):** From H7399, this noun denotes "property (as gathered); good, riches." This word emphasizes that the vast quantity of animals came directly from Josiah's personal wealth, his accumulated possessions and herds, rather than from public taxes or state coffers. This detail underscores the profound personal sacrifice and deep, individual devotion that motivated the king's extraordinary generosity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Josiah gave to the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all for the passover offerings, for all that were present, to the number of thirty thousand":** This initial clause immediately establishes King Josiah's initiative and the immense scale of his generosity. The phrase "to the people" (לָעָם, _la'am_) emphasizes the broad and inclusive reach of his provision, ensuring that ordinary citizens, regardless of their economic status, could participate in the sacred festival. The staggering number "thirty thousand" (שְׁלֹשִׁים אֶלֶף, _sheloshim 'elef_) lambs and kids (צאן, _tso'n_, which collectively refers to sheep and goats) highlights the unprecedented nature of this offering, intended to cover the sacrificial needs of the vast congregation gathered for the Passover. The explicit purpose, "all for the passover offerings," unequivocally confirms the profound religious motivation behind this massive donation.
* **"and three thousand bullocks:":** In addition to the smaller animals, Josiah also provided a substantial number of "bullocks" (בָּקָר, _baqar_), which were larger and more valuable animals. These were typically used for burnt offerings or peace offerings that accompanied major festivals like the Passover, further demonstrating the lavishness and completeness of his provision for the entire celebration, extending beyond just the primary Passover lamb to encompass all necessary sacrifices.
* **"these [were] of the king's substance.":** This concluding phrase is crucial, as it clarifies the source of these vast resources. They did not come from a national tax, a general fund, or Temple treasuries, but directly from Josiah's personal wealth and herds. This detail elevates his act from mere administrative provision to a profound personal sacrifice and a tangible embodiment of his spiritual commitment and genuine devotion to God and his people.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices to powerfully emphasize the significance and uniqueness of Josiah's actions. **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** is evident in the sheer numbers (thirty thousand lambs/kids and three thousand bullocks), which, while potentially literal, certainly serve to convey the extraordinary and unparalleled scale of the Passover celebration and Josiah's immense generosity. This numerical emphasis creates a sense of **Grandeur** and **Magnificence**, underscoring the uniqueness of this event in Israelite history, a point explicitly affirmed in [2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Uniqueness of Josiah's Passover"). The repeated phrase "all for the passover offerings, for all that were present" functions as **Emphasis** and **Inclusivity**, highlighting that Josiah's provision was comprehensive, ensuring no one was excluded from participation due to lack of resources. This act of giving also serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of righteous leadership, where the king personally facilitates the nation's spiritual obedience and worship, implicitly contrasting with the spiritual neglect and idolatry of previous reigns.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
King Josiah's extraordinary generosity in [2 Chronicles 35:7](/2_chronicles/35-7 "2 Chronicles 35:7 - Josiah's Provision for Passover") is a profound theological statement on the nature of leadership, worship, and covenant faithfulness. His willingness to deplete his personal "substance" to enable the entire nation to participate in the Passover underscores the principle that true spiritual leadership involves sacrificial provision and the removal of barriers to worship. This act reflects a deep understanding of the covenant, where the king's piety directly impacts the nation's spiritual health and ability to commune with God. It also highlights the corporate nature of Israelite worship, where the individual's participation was facilitated by the community and its leaders, emphasizing unity and shared devotion in obedience to God's commands.

* [Exodus 12:21](/exodus/12-21 "Exodus 12:21 - Instructions for the Passover Lamb")
* [Leviticus 1:10](/leviticus/1-10 "Leviticus 1:10 - Regulations for Burnt Offerings")
* [Deuteronomy 16:1-8](/deuteronomy/16-1-8 "Deuteronomy 16:1-8 - The Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Josiah's actions in [2 Chronicles 35:7](/2_chronicles/35-7 "2 Chronicles 35:7 - Josiah's Provision for Passover") provide a powerful blueprint for generous and servant-hearted leadership, both within the church and in broader life. His willingness to give from his personal "substance" to facilitate the spiritual participation of others challenges us to consider how we can remove obstacles that hinder individuals from engaging fully in worship, discipleship, or ministry. This might involve financial provision, but also the giving of time, talent, or emotional support to create an environment where all can flourish spiritually. Josiah's zeal for the Law and his commitment to proper worship remind us of the importance of diligent obedience and participation in spiritual disciplines, not as a burden, but as a joyful response to God's grace. His leadership fostered a national spiritual renewal, echoing the call for personal and communal transformation that is central to the Christian walk, encouraging us to invest deeply in the spiritual well-being of those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I, like Josiah, use my "substance" (resources, time, talents) to remove barriers for others to engage in worship or spiritual growth?**
* **How does Josiah's personal sacrifice challenge my understanding of generosity in the context of serving God and others?**
* **What spiritual disciplines or acts of corporate worship might I be able to facilitate or encourage for my community, following Josiah's example of comprehensive provision?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Josiah's personal contribution to the Passover?**

Answer: Josiah's personal contribution of 30,000 lambs and kids and 3,000 bullocks from his "king's substance" was profoundly significant. It demonstrated his deep personal piety and unwavering commitment to God's Law, going far beyond mere administrative duty. This massive provision removed economic barriers for the common people, ensuring that virtually every family could offer the required Passover sacrifices and participate fully in the national celebration. It underscored his role as a righteous king who actively facilitated his people's obedience and worship, making this Passover the most comprehensive and devout since the days of Samuel ([2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Uniqueness of Josiah's Passover")). His generosity was a tangible expression of his fervent desire for national spiritual renewal and adherence to the covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Josiah's provision of sacrificial animals was immense and vital for the Old Covenant Passover, it ultimately points forward to the infinitely greater and perfect provision of Jesus Christ. Just as Josiah gave from his "substance" to enable all to participate in the Passover, so too did Christ give His very life, His ultimate "substance," as the perfect and final [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The countless animals sacrificed under the Old Covenant, including those so generously provided by Josiah, were but a shadow of the once-for-all, all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ ([Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Sacrifice Superior to Animal Sacrifices")). Through His atoning death on the cross, Jesus removed the ultimate barrier to fellowship with God – sin – making it possible for all who believe to partake in the true spiritual Passover, the new covenant in His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). His sacrifice was not merely for a single nation but for all humanity, offering eternal deliverance and unhindered access to God's presence, a fulfillment far surpassing the temporary and national deliverance commemorated by Josiah's grand Passover.

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

1 Kings 8:63

And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:24

For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.

1 Chronicles 29:3

Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, [which] I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

Ezekiel 45:17

And it shall be the prince's part [to give] burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.

2 Chronicles 31:3

[He appointed] also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, [to wit], for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as [it is] written in the law of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 7:8

Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 7:10

And on the three and twentieth day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the LORD had shewed unto David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people.