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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 35:1–19. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The destruction which Josiah made of idols and idolatry was more largely related in the Kings, but just mentioned here in the foregoing chapter (v. 33); but his solemnizing the passover, which was touched upon there (Kg2 23:21), is very particularly related here. Many were the feasts of the Lord, appointed by the ceremonial law, but the passover was the chief. It began them all in the night wherein Israel came out of Egypt; it concluded them all in the night wherein Christ was betrayed; and in the celebration of it Hezekiah and Josiah, those two great reformers, revived religion in their day. The ordinance of the Lord's supper resembles the passover more than it does any of the Jewish festivals; and the due observance of that ordinance, according to the rule, is an instance and means both of the growing purity and beauty of churches and of the growing piety and devotion of particular Christians. Religion cannot flourish where that passover is either wholly neglected or not duly observed; return to that, revive that, make a solemn business of that affecting binding ordinance, and then, it is to be hoped, there will be a reformation in other instances also.
In the account we had of Hezekiah's passover the great zeal of the people was observable, and the transport of devout affection that they were in; but little of the same spirit appears here. It was more in compliance with the king that they all kept the passover (Ch2 35:17, Ch2 35:18) than from any great inclination they had to it themselves. Some pride they took in this form of godliness, but little pleasure in the power of it. But, whatever defect there was among the people in the spirit of the duty, both the magistrates and the ministers did their part and took care that the external part of the service should be performed with due solemnity.
I.The king exhorted and directed, quickened and encouraged, the priests and Levites to do their office in this solemnity.
Perhaps he saw them remiss and indifferent, unwilling to go out of their road or mend their pace. If ministers are so, it is not amiss for any, but most proper for magistrates, to stir them up to their business. Say to Archippus, Take heed to thy ministry, Col 4:17. Let us see how this good king managed his clergy upon this occasion.
1.He reduced them to the office they were appointed to by the law of Moses (Ch2 35:6) and the order they were put into by David and Solomon, Ch2 35:4. He set them in their charge, Ch2 35:2. He did not cut them out new work, nor put them into any new method, but called them back to their institution. Their courses were settled in writing; let them have recourse to that writing, and marshal themselves according to the divisions of their families, Ch2 35:5. Our rule is settled in the written word; let magistrates take care that ministers walk according to that rule and they do their duty.
2.He ordered the ark to be put in its place. It should seem, it had of late been displaced, either by the wicked kings, to make room for their idols in the most holy place, or by Hezekiah, to make room for the workmen that repaired the temple. However it was, Josiah bids the Levites put the ark in the house (Ch2 35:3), and not carry it about from place to place, as perhaps of late they had done, justifying themselves therein by the practice before the temple was built. Now that the priests were discharged from this burden of the ark they must be careful in other services about it.
3.He charged them to serve God and his people Israel, Ch2 35:3. Ministers must look upon themselves as servants both to Christ and to his church for his sake, Co2 4:5. They must take care, and take pains, and lay out themselves to the utmost,
(1.)For the glory and honour of God, and to advance the interests of his kingdom among men. Paul, a servant of God, Tit 1:1.
(2.)For the welfare and benefit of his people, not as having dominion over their faith, but as helpers of their holiness and joy; and there will be no difficulty, in the strength of God, in honestly serving these two masters.
4.He charged them to sanctify themselves, and prepare their brethren, Ch2 35:6. Ministers' work must begin at home, and they must sanctify themselves in the first place, purify themselves from sin, sequester themselves from the world, and devote themselves to God. But it must not end there; they must do what they can to prepare their brethren by admonishing, instructing, exhorting, quickening, and comforting, them. The preparation of the heart is indeed from the Lord; but ministers must be instruments in his hand.
5.He encouraged them to the service, Ch2 35:2. He spoke comfortably to them, as Hezekiah did, Ch2 30:22. He promised them his countenance. Note, Those whom we charge we should encourage. Most people love to be commended, and will be wrought upon by encouragements more than by threats.
II.The king and the princes, influenced by his example, gave liberally for the bearing of the charges of this passover.
The ceremonial services were expensive, which perhaps was one reason why they had been neglected. People had not zeal enough to be at the charge of them; nor were they now very fond of them, for that reason, and therefore,
1.Josiah, at his own proper cost, furnished the congregation with paschal lambs, and other sacrifices, to be offered during the seven days of the feast. He allowed out of his own estate 30,000 lambs for passover offerings, which the offerers were to feast upon, and 3000 bullocks (Ch2 35:7) to be offered during the following seven days. Note, Those who are serious in religion should, when they persuade others to do that which is good, make it as cheap and easy to them as may be. And where God sows plentifully he expects to reap accordingly. It is to be feared that the congregation generally had not come provided; so that, if Josiah had not furnished them, the work of God must have stood still.
2.The chief of the priests, who were men of great estates, contributed towards the priests' charges, as Josiah did towards the people's. The princes (Ch2 35:8), that is, the chief of the priests, the princes of the holy tribe, rulers of the house of God, bore the priests' charges. And some of the rich and great men of the Levites furnished them also with cattle, both great and small, for offerings, Ch2 35:9. For, as to those that sincerely desire to be found in the way of their duty, Providence sometimes raises up friends to bear them out in it, beyond what they could have expected.
III.The priests and Levites performed their office very readily, Ch2 35:10.
They killed the paschal lambs in the court of the temple, the priests sprinkled the blood upon the altar, the Levites flayed them, and then gave the flesh to the people according to their families (Ch2 35:11, Ch2 35:12), not fewer than ten, nor more than twenty, to a lamb. They took it to their several apartments, roasted it, and ate it according to the ordinance, Ch2 35:13. As for the other sacrifices that were eucharistical, the flesh of them was boiled according to the law of the peace-offerings and was divided speedily among the people, that they might feast upon it as a token of their joy in the atonement made and their reconciliation to God thereby. And, lastly, The priests and Levites took care to honour God by eating of the passover themselves, Ch2 35:14. Let not ministers think that the care they take for the souls of others will excuse their neglect of their own, or that being employed so much in public worship will supersede the religious exercises of their closets and families. The Levites here mace ready for themselves and for the priests, because the priests were wholly taken up all day in the service of the altar; therefore, that they might not have their lamb to dress when they should eat it, the Levites got it ready for them against supper time. Let ministers learn hence to help one another, and to forward one another's work, as brethren, and fellow-servants of the same Master.
IV.The singers and porters attended in their places, and did their office, Ch2 35:15.
The singers with their sacred songs and music expressed and excited the joy of the congregation, and made the service very pleasant to them; and the porters at the gates took care that there should be no breaking in of any thing to defile or disquiet the assembly, nor going out of any from it, that none should steal away till the service was done. While they were thus employed their brethren the Levites prepared paschal lambs for them.
V.The whole solemnity was performed with great exactness, according to the law (Ch2 35:16, Ch2 35:17), and, upon that account, there was none like it since Samuel's time (Ch2 35:18), for in Hezekiah's passover there were several irregularities. And bishop Patrick observes that in this also it exceeded the other passovers which the preceding kings had kept, that though Josiah was by no means so rich as David, and Solomon, and Jehoshaphat, yet he furnished the whole congregation with beasts for sacrifice, both paschal and eucharistical, at his own proper cost and charge, which was more than any king ever did before him.
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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. It immediately follows 2 Chronicles 35:7, 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, 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), 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). 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, 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. 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
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Why is the amount of offerings so specifically mentioned in this verse and the surrounding context?
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). 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?
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, 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 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) 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.