2 Chronicles 35:8

KJV

And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred [small cattle], and three hundred oxen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And his princes {H8269} gave {H7311} willingly {H5071} unto the people {H5971}, to the priests {H3548}, and to the Levites {H3881}: Hilkiah {H2518} and Zechariah {H2148} and Jehiel {H3171}, rulers {H5057} of the house {H1004} of God {H430}, gave {H5414} unto the priests {H3548} for the passover offerings {H6453} two thousand {H505} and six {H8337} hundred {H3967} small cattle, and three {H7969} hundred {H3967} oxen {H1241}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also his leading men voluntarily gave to the people and to the cohanim and L'vi'im. Hilkiyah, Z'kharyahu and Yechi'el, the rulers of the house of God, gave the cohanim 2,600 [lambs and kids] and 300 oxen for Pesach offerings.

Berean Standard Bible

His officials also contributed willingly to the people and priests and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the administrators of the house of God, gave the priests 2,600 Passover offerings and 300 bulls.

American Standard Version

And his princes gave for a freewill-offering unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites. Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, the rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover-offerings two thousand and six hundred small cattle, and three hundred oxen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 35:8 offers a profound glimpse into the unparalleled generosity that characterized King Josiah's climactic Passover celebration. This verse meticulously records how the kingdom's preeminent figures—both the secular princes and the high-ranking administrators of the Temple, including Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel—voluntarily contributed an immense quantity of livestock. Their lavish giving ensured that all participants, from the officiating priests and Levites to the general populace, had abundant provisions for the sacrificial offerings. This act of freewill, large-scale giving profoundly underscores the national commitment to spiritual revival and the faithful restoration of God's commands, marking this Passover as the most significant since the days of Samuel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the Chronicler's detailed account of King Josiah's final and most magnificent Passover celebration, found in [2 Chronicles 35](/2_chronicles/35 "2 Chronicles 35 - Josiah's Great Passover"). It immediately follows [2 Chronicles 35:7](/2_chronicles/35-7 "2 Chronicles 35:7 - Josiah's Personal Passover Contribution"), where King Josiah himself sets a remarkable precedent by personally supplying a staggering amount of lambs, goats, and oxen for the Passover offerings. Verse 8 then broadens this picture of generosity by highlighting the substantial contributions of his "princes" and, more specifically, the "rulers of the house of God." This sequence demonstrates a widespread, top-down commitment to the feast, emphasizing that the king's piety inspired similar devotion throughout the leadership. The subsequent verses, [2 Chronicles 35:9-19](/2_chronicles/35-9 "2 Chronicles 35:9-19 - Further Contributions and the Passover Celebration"), continue to elaborate on the contributions of other Levite chiefs and the meticulous execution of the Passover rituals, culminating in the Chronicler's declaration that this Passover was unmatched since the time of Samuel. Thus, 2 Chronicles 35:8 serves as a crucial narrative link, showcasing the collective effort and abundant provision that made such a grand-scale, historically significant observance possible.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) was a pivotal era of profound spiritual reformation in Judah, occurring after decades of widespread idolatry and religious syncretism under his predecessors. His reforms, initiated early in his reign (as seen in [2 Chronicles 34:3](/2_chronicles/34-3 "2 Chronicles 34:3 - Josiah's Early Reforms")), gained significant momentum and intensity following the providential discovery of the Book of the Law by Hilkiah the high priest (recorded in [2 Chronicles 34:14](/2_chronicles/34-14 "2 Chronicles 34:14 - Hilkiah Discovers the Book of the Law")). This discovery catalyzed a national covenant renewal, with the Passover celebration described in this chapter serving as its spiritual climax and tangible expression. The Passover, originally instituted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Institution of the Passover"), was a foundational feast commemorating God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage through the sacrifice of a lamb. Its proper observance had often been neglected or poorly executed throughout Israelite history, making Josiah's zealous restoration of it, accompanied by such immense provision, a powerful symbol of national repentance, renewed covenant faithfulness, and a return to Mosaic Law. The specific mention of "small cattle" (sheep and goats) and "oxen" reflects the types of animals prescribed for various sacrifices during the Passover week and the subsequent Feast of Unleavened Bread, underscoring the adherence to divinely revealed instructions.
* **Key Themes:** The verse prominently features several significant themes that resonate throughout the Chronicler's narrative. Firstly, **Willing Generosity** is powerfully highlighted by the phrase "gave willingly," emphasizing that the contributions were not coerced levies or mandatory taxes, but rather freewill offerings flowing from a genuine heart for God and His worship. This spirit of spontaneous generosity is a recurring motif in biblical accounts of supporting sacred endeavors, as seen in the offerings for the tabernacle in [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Willing Offerings for the Tabernacle"). Secondly, **Support for Ministry** is clearly evident, as the gifts were meticulously directed "unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites." This comprehensive distribution ensured that those facilitating worship and the general populace could fully participate in the feast without financial burden, underscoring the community's responsibility to provide for its spiritual leaders and the accessibility of worship for all. Thirdly, **Corporate Worship and Unity** emerges as a strong theme, as the vast provisions enabled the entire nation to partake in this central act of remembrance and atonement, fostering a powerful sense of national cohesion and shared spiritual experience. Finally, the verse contributes significantly to the overarching theme of **Restoration of God's Commands and Covenant Faithfulness**, as this lavish giving was an integral part of Josiah's broader effort to bring Judah back into alignment with the Mosaic Law and the covenant stipulations, culminating in a Passover of unprecedented scale and devotion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Willingly (Hebrew, _nᵉdâbâh'_):** This noun (H5071) signifies "spontaneity," a "freewill offering," or a "voluntary gift." It denotes an act of generosity that is not compelled by law, obligation, or external pressure, but rather flows from an internal desire and a willing heart. In the Old Testament, _nᵉdâbâh_ offerings were particularly valued as expressions of deep devotion, love, and gratitude towards God, standing in contrast to mandatory sacrifices. Its use here underscores the genuine, heartfelt commitment of the princes and temple officials to the Passover celebration and, by extension, to the restored worship of Yahweh.
* **Rulers (Hebrew, _nâgîyd'_):** This term (H5057) refers to a "commander," "chief," "leader," or "prince," often denoting someone who occupies a prominent or leading position, whether civil, military, or religious. In this context, when applied to Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, it highlights their significant administrative and spiritual authority within the Temple hierarchy. While "princes" refers to secular nobility, these "rulers" were distinct, high-ranking officials of the "house of God," indicating their crucial role in managing temple affairs, resources, and personnel. Their inclusion alongside the secular princes demonstrates a unified effort across both religious and civil leadership in supporting the national revival and the Passover.
* **Oxen (Hebrew, _bâqâr'_):** This noun (H1241) refers to "beef cattle" or an "animal of the ox family of either gender," often used collectively as a "herd." These animals were commonly used for plowing, but also significantly for various sacrifices in Israelite worship, including burnt offerings and peace offerings. The provision of 300 oxen, in addition to the small cattle, indicates the immense scale of the offerings required not only for the Passover lamb itself but also for the numerous additional sacrifices that accompanied the week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately followed the Passover. This quantity underscores the abundance of resources dedicated to this national act of worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites:"** This opening clause introduces the primary donors, "his princes," referring to King Josiah's leading officials, nobles, and possibly tribal heads. The crucial adverb "willingly" highlights their benevolent and uncoerced spirit, indicating a genuine desire to contribute. The verse then specifies the broad recipients of their generosity: "the people" (the general populace who would partake in the Passover meal), "the priests" (who performed the intricate sacrificial rituals and mediated worship), and "the Levites" (who assisted the priests, prepared the offerings, and managed the Temple's logistical needs). This tripartite distribution ensured that every segment of the community involved in the Passover had the necessary provisions to participate fully and properly.
* **"Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings"**: This part of the verse singles out specific, high-ranking temple officials who also contributed significantly. Hilkiah was the renowned high priest who discovered the Book of the Law, while Zechariah and Jehiel were likely prominent Levites or chief administrators responsible for the Temple's finances and operations. Their title, "rulers of the house of God," clarifies their administrative and spiritual authority within the Temple. Their specific contribution was directed "unto the priests for the passover offerings," indicating their particular concern for ensuring the proper execution of the sacrificial rites by the priestly class. This highlights the vital collaboration and shared responsibility between the secular and religious leadership in facilitating the national worship.
* **"two thousand and six hundred [small cattle], and three hundred oxen."**: This final clause quantifies the extraordinary scale of the donations provided specifically by Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel. The "two thousand and six hundred small cattle" (referring to sheep and goats) would have been used primarily for the individual Passover lambs, where each household or group was to sacrifice an animal. The "three hundred oxen" would have been designated for additional peace offerings, burnt offerings, and other communal sacrifices associated with the week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread. These immense numbers underscore the vast resources dedicated to this national act of worship, reflecting the profound depth of commitment to Josiah's revival and the meticulous adherence to the requirements of the Mosaic Law.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 2 Chronicles 35:8 to emphasize the profound significance and unprecedented scale of Josiah's Passover. **Enumeration** is prominently featured, with the precise listing of donors (general "princes" followed by specific temple "rulers"), recipients (people, priests, Levites), and the exact quantities of animals (2,600 small cattle, 300 oxen). This detailed accounting lends credibility and gravity to the event, highlighting its meticulous organization and the sheer magnitude of the resources mobilized. The phrase "gave **willingly**" serves as a powerful **emphasis**, underscoring the spontaneous, heartfelt, and uncoerced nature of the contributions, elevating the act of giving to a spiritual virtue rather than a mere administrative transaction. Furthermore, the sheer magnitude of the numbers, particularly when viewed in comparison to previous Passover accounts, functions as **amplification**. This technique is used to impress upon the reader the unparalleled nature of this particular Passover, fulfilling the Chronicler's overarching theme of Josiah's exceptional piety and the zenith of Judah's spiritual restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 35:8 powerfully illustrates the theological principle that genuine spiritual revival is often accompanied by tangible, sacrificial generosity. The "willing" giving of the princes and temple leaders was not merely an administrative act but a profound expression of transformed hearts, mirroring the nation's renewed commitment to God's covenant. This generosity enabled the entire community to participate in the central act of worship, demonstrating that corporate worship thrives when leaders and people alike are united in their commitment and willing to contribute their resources. It underscores the biblical truth that supporting those who minister and providing for the needs of the community are integral aspects of faithful living and a thriving spiritual life, ensuring that God's commands can be observed fully and joyfully. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that true devotion to God finds expression not only in ritual but also in practical, selfless giving that facilitates the spiritual flourishing of the entire community.

* [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Willing Offerings for the Tabernacle")
* [1 Chronicles 29:9](/1_chronicles/29-9 "1 Chronicles 29:9 - David's People Give Willingly")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 35:8, depicting the lavish and willing generosity of Judah's leaders, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and the church today. It challenges us to examine the posture of our own hearts in giving—not just financially, but of our time, talents, and energy—towards the work of God's kingdom. True generosity, as exemplified here, flows from a transformed heart that desires to see God's purposes fulfilled and His people nourished. This passage reminds us that supporting those in spiritual leadership (pastors, missionaries, teachers, church staff) is a vital act of stewardship, enabling them to focus on their calling without undue material burdens. Moreover, it highlights the importance of corporate worship and communal participation; when resources are shared willingly and abundantly, the entire body of Christ can engage more fully in remembering God's faithfulness, celebrating His deliverance, and participating in His redemptive work in the world. Ultimately, this verse calls us to consider how our personal and collective resources can be joyfully and selflessly deployed to facilitate genuine spiritual renewal and the vibrant worship of God in our generation, reflecting the heart of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "willingness" of the princes in 2 Chronicles 35:8 challenge my own attitude towards giving and serving in my church or community?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively support those who lead spiritual ministry, ensuring they have the resources and freedom to fulfill their calling?**
* **Considering the scale of generosity for Josiah's Passover, what resources (time, talent, treasure) might God be calling me to contribute to His kingdom work today, and with what spirit should I give?**

### FAQ

**Why is the amount of offerings so specifically mentioned in this verse and the surrounding context?**

Answer: The specific mention of the vast quantities of "small cattle" and "oxen" serves several critical purposes within the Chronicler's narrative. Firstly, it highlights the unprecedented scale and significance of Josiah's Passover, emphasizing that it was truly "such a Passover as had not been kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet" ([2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - Unparalleled Passover")). These detailed numbers underscore the national commitment to the revival and the meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law's sacrificial requirements. Secondly, it powerfully demonstrates the extraordinary generosity of the leaders, showcasing their willingness to invest substantial resources in the restoration of true worship. This level of detail validates the historical account and impresses upon the reader the depth of devotion and the abundance of God's provision, channeled through human benevolence, that enabled such a grand and comprehensive celebration.

**What does "rulers of the house of God" mean, and why are they distinct from "princes" in this context?**

Answer: The "princes" mentioned at the beginning of the verse refer to the secular, political leaders and nobles of Judah, who held authority under King Josiah. They represent the civil government's support for the spiritual revival and its practical implementation. In contrast, "rulers of the house of God" (specifically Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel) were high-ranking temple officials. Hilkiah was the high priest, and Zechariah and Jehiel were likely prominent Levites or chief administrators responsible for the Temple's finances, resources, and operational management. Their distinction highlights that both the civil and religious leadership were united in their commitment to the Passover celebration. This collaboration between state and religious authorities was crucial for mobilizing the necessary resources and ensuring the proper, comprehensive execution of such a massive national event, demonstrating a holistic commitment to God's commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 35:8, with its vivid depiction of lavish, willing generosity for the Passover, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Passover, a divinely instituted commemoration of deliverance through the sacrifice of a lamb, consistently pointed forward to the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, Jesus Christ](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who delivers humanity from the bondage of sin and death. The immense provisions made by Josiah's princes and temple rulers ensured that all the people could participate in this redemptive feast, foreshadowing the infinitely greater provision made by Christ. His own self-giving on the cross was the supreme act of willingness and generosity. As [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Generosity") declares, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." His sacrifice provides the perfect and complete offering, enabling all who believe to participate in the New Covenant feast of salvation, a spiritual reality far surpassing any physical Passover. Through His abundant provision, we are given access to true worship in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - True Worship")) and are empowered to live lives of generous service, mirroring the self-sacrificial love of our Savior. The Old Testament generosity for the Passover thus serves as a powerful type, pointing to the immeasurable, all-sufficient grace poured out by Christ, the one who truly provides for all of His people for eternity.

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 29:31

Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.

2 Chronicles 29:33

And the consecrated things [were] six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep.

1 Chronicles 29:6

Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,

1 Chronicles 29:9

Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.

1 Chronicles 9:20

And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, [and] the LORD [was] with him.

Nehemiah 7:70

And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.

Nehemiah 7:72

And [that] which the rest of the people gave [was] twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.