2 Chronicles 35:8

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on 2 Chronicles 35:8

This verse provides a snapshot of the immense generosity and communal effort behind King Josiah's grand Passover celebration, described as one of the greatest since the days of Samuel. It highlights the voluntary contributions made by the kingdom's leaders to ensure that everyone—from the priests and Levites facilitating the worship to the common people participating—had the necessary provisions for the sacrifices.

Historical and Cultural Context

2 Chronicles 35:8 is set during the reign of King Josiah, a pivotal period of spiritual revival in Judah. Following generations of idolatry and neglect, Josiah initiated extensive reforms to restore true worship. This particular Passover celebration was a culmination of his efforts to bring the nation back into covenant with God. The sheer scale of the offerings—2,600 small cattle (sheep and goats) and 300 oxen—underscores the national commitment and the deep desire to properly observe a central commandment that had long been overlooked since the original institution of the Passover.

The mention of Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel as "rulers of the house of God" indicates their significant roles in overseeing temple affairs. Hilkiah was the high priest instrumental in the discovery of the Book of the Law, which subsequently spurred Josiah's zealous reforms.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Willing Generosity: The phrase "gave willingly" emphasizes the spontaneous and heartfelt nature of the contributions. This was not a forced tax but a freewill offering, demonstrating a genuine desire to support the worship of God.
  • Support for Ministry: The princes' gifts directly supported the priests and Levites, enabling them to carry out their sacred duties without financial burden, and also provided for the general populace to participate fully in the Passover feast. This highlights the importance of the community supporting those who lead spiritual worship.
  • Corporate Worship and Unity: The large-scale provision ensured that the entire nation could participate in this significant act of remembrance and atonement, fostering national unity and a shared spiritual experience.
  • Restoration of God's Commands: This act of lavish giving was part of a larger movement to faithfully observe God's commands, particularly the Passover, which commemorated God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "willingly" is nedabah (נְדָבָה), which refers to a voluntary, freewill offering or gift. It implies a spontaneous act of generosity, not an obligation. This term resonates with other biblical passages that commend cheerful and uncompelled giving, highlighting a heart posture that pleases God.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 35:8 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  1. The Importance of Generosity: Just as the princes gave willingly to support the Passover, believers are called to give generously to support the work of God's kingdom, whether through their local church or other ministries. This giving should be from a willing heart, reflecting the principle of cheerful giving.
  2. Supporting Spiritual Leadership: The verse reminds us of the importance of providing for those who serve in ministry (pastors, teachers, missionaries) so they can focus on their spiritual duties without being hindered by material needs.
  3. Corporate Worship: The communal nature of the Passover celebration, made possible by these gifts, underscores the value of believers coming together to worship and remember God's faithfulness.
  4. Revival Requires Commitment: Josiah's revival was marked by both spiritual reform and tangible commitment, including significant financial support. True spiritual renewal often involves a willingness to invest resources in God's purposes.
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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

  • 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.
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