2 Chronicles 35:9

KJV

Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethaneel, his brethren, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, chief of the Levites, gave unto the Levites for passover offerings five thousand [small cattle], and five hundred oxen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Conaniah {H3562} also, and Shemaiah {H8098} and Nethaneel {H5417}, his brethren {H251}, and Hashabiah {H2811} and Jeiel {H3273} and Jozabad {H3107}, chief {H8269} of the Levites {H3881}, gave {H7311} unto the Levites {H3881} for passover offerings {H6453} five {H2568} thousand {H505} small cattle, and five {H2568} hundred {H3967} oxen {H1241}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Konanyah, his brothers Sh'ma'yah and N'tan'el, and Hashavyah, Ye'i'el and Yozavad, the head L'vi'im, gave the L'vi'im 5,000 [lambs and kids] and 500 oxen for Pesach offerings.

Berean Standard Bible

Additionally, Conaniah and his brothers Shemaiah and Nethanel, as well as Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, officers of the Levites, donated to the Levites 5,000 Passover offerings and 500 bulls.

American Standard Version

Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethanel, his brethren, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, the chiefs of the Levites, gave unto the Levites for the passover-offerings five thousand small cattle, and five hundred oxen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 35:9 meticulously records the remarkable generosity and organizational efforts of six prominent Levite leaders—Conaniah, Shemaiah, Nethaneel, Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad—who collectively provided an immense contribution of five thousand small cattle and five hundred oxen. These substantial provisions were specifically designated as Passover offerings, ensuring that the vast congregation gathered for King Josiah's unprecedented Passover celebration had ample animals for sacrifice and feasting, thereby facilitating widespread and fervent participation in this pivotal act of national worship and covenant renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the detailed account of King Josiah's monumental Passover celebration, as chronicled in [2 Chronicles 35](/2_chronicles/35 "2 Chronicles 35 - Josiah's Great Passover"). The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 35:1-8) establish the context by describing Josiah's personal piety, his meticulous preparations, and the generous provisions made by the king himself, his officials, and the princes. This sets a precedent for the Levites' equally significant contributions. The chapter emphasizes the careful adherence to Mosaic law in the execution of the Passover, highlighting the essential roles of the priests and Levites in consecrating themselves, preparing the offerings, and assisting the people according to the commands of [Moses](/deuteronomy/16 "Deuteronomy 16 - Instructions for Passover"). Verse 9 specifically highlights the provision by the Levite leaders, underscoring their commitment to ensuring the entire nation could participate in this sacred feast, which the chronicler later extols as the greatest Passover observed in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel ([2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - The Unprecedented Passover")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [2 Chronicles 35](/2_chronicles/35 "2 Chronicles 35 - Josiah's Passover") are situated in the latter part of King Josiah's reign (c. 640-609 BC), a period of profound religious reform in Judah. This reform movement was ignited by the discovery of the "Book of the Law" in the Temple ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")), prompting Josiah to purge idolatry, restore the pure worship of Yahweh, and re-establish the Mosaic covenant as the bedrock of national life. The Passover, a foundational festival commemorating Israel's miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")), was central to this spiritual revival. Culturally, the provision of animals for sacrifice was a significant act of piety, communal responsibility, and a demonstration of national commitment, especially for a large-scale national event. The Levites, as a hereditary priestly tribe, held crucial roles in the Temple service, including teaching the Law, maintaining the sanctuary, and assisting the priests in the sacrificial system, making their leadership and generosity particularly impactful and exemplary.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - History of Judah's Kings"). Foremost among these is **Generosity and Provision**, as the immense donation by the Levite leaders ensures that all people, regardless of their personal means, can participate fully in the Passover. This reflects a spirit of communal responsibility and a deep commitment to facilitating worship for the entire nation. The detailed enumeration of contributors and quantities also highlights **Order and Organization**, emphasizing the meticulous planning and execution required for such a large-scale religious festival, a hallmark of proper worship under the Law. Furthermore, the collective effort underscores **Communal Worship and Unity**, as leaders and people unite in a shared act of remembrance and covenant renewal, fostering national cohesion and spiritual solidarity. Finally, this act of giving is a direct manifestation of the **Restoration of True Worship**, signifying a national recommitment to God's commands after generations of apostasy and neglect, a central and defining theme of Josiah's reign as described in [2 Chronicles 34](/2_chronicles/34 "2 Chronicles 34 - Josiah's Reforms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oxen (Hebrew, _bâqâr'_):** From `H1241`, this term refers to beef cattle or an animal of the ox family, used for various purposes including plowing and, significantly, for sacrificial offerings. In the context of the Passover, while a lamb was the primary offering, oxen were typically used for accompanying sacrifices such as peace offerings (cf. [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Law of Peace Offerings")), which allowed worshippers to partake in the meat. The donation of five hundred oxen indicates the scale of the communal feasting and additional sacrifices that were integral to this grand celebration, providing sustenance for the vast assembly.
* **Passover offerings (Hebrew, _peçach'_):** From `H6453`, this word refers to a "pretermission" or "exemption," used technically for the Jewish Passover festival or its victim. This highlights the specific purpose of the donated animals: they were intended for the ritual sacrifices and associated meals of the Passover, commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The Levites' provision directly facilitated the nation's ability to observe this foundational feast according to God's command.
* **Chief (Hebrew, _sar'_):** From `H8269`, this term denotes a "head person" or "ruler" of any rank or class. Applied to Conaniah, Shemaiah, Nethaneel, Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, it signifies their prominent leadership roles within the Levitical order. As "chiefs of the Levites," they held authority and responsibility for overseeing the various duties of the Levites, including the logistical and spiritual preparations for the Passover. Their generous contribution served as a powerful example of leadership, demonstrating their commitment not just in administration but also in sacrificial giving.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethaneel, his brethren, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, chief of the Levites":** This detailed enumeration of six prominent Levite leaders emphasizes their individual and collective responsibility in this significant act of provision. The phrase "his brethren" likely refers to Nethaneel being a brother of Shemaiah and Conaniah, indicating a familial or kinship group within the Levite leadership, though it could also broadly refer to fellow Levites. Their collective status as "chiefs" underscores their authority and influence within the Levitical order, making their generous contribution a significant act of leadership by example and a testament to their commitment to Josiah's reforms.
* **"gave unto the Levites for passover offerings":** This clause clarifies both the recipients and the precise purpose of the immense donation. The animals were given "unto the Levites," likely referring to the broader body of Levites who would assist the priests in the meticulous and labor-intensive process of slaughtering, skinning, and preparing the vast number of sacrifices. The explicit purpose, "for passover offerings," indicates that these animals were specifically and solely intended for the sacrificial rites and communal feasting associated with the Passover festival, ensuring that the people had the necessary provisions to observe this sacred commandment.
* **"five thousand [small cattle], and five hundred oxen":** The immense quantities specified here—5,000 sheep/goats (small cattle) and 500 oxen—underscore the extraordinary scale of Josiah's Passover. This was not a small, localized event but a national celebration requiring massive resources to accommodate a vast multitude of participants. The sheer numbers emphasize the profound generosity of these Levite leaders and the collective national commitment to facilitating a comprehensive and inclusive observance of the Passover for the entire nation, reflecting the depth of the spiritual revival.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Enumeration** by meticulously listing the names of the six contributing Levite leaders. This serves to personalize the act of generosity, highlighting the specific individuals responsible for this significant provision and lending an air of historical accuracy and authenticity to the account. Furthermore, the sheer scale of the numbers—"five thousand [small cattle], and five hundred oxen"—functions as a form of **Amplification**, emphasizing the unprecedented magnitude of the offerings and, by extension, the extraordinary nature of Josiah's Passover. While these numbers are likely literal, their impact is to convey the overwhelming abundance and the national commitment to this restored worship. The act of giving itself can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing the Levites' dedication to God's law, their commitment to the spiritual well-being of the nation, and their active participation in Josiah's widespread reforms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the biblical principles of generous provision and corporate responsibility in worship. The Levite leaders' willingness to contribute such vast resources for the Passover underscores the importance of selfless giving to facilitate the spiritual life of the community. It reflects a deep understanding that true worship requires not only personal devotion but also communal effort and material support. This act of giving enabled the entire nation to participate in a pivotal covenant renewal, demonstrating that the health of a community's spiritual life is often intertwined with the generosity of its leaders and members. It also highlights the meticulous organization and commitment required to uphold God's commands, ensuring that worship is conducted with reverence and order, creating an environment where all can draw near to God.

* [Deuteronomy 16:1-8](/deuteronomy/16-1-8 "Instructions for the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [Leviticus 1:1-9](/leviticus/1-1-9 "The Burnt Offering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The generous provision by these Levite leaders in 2 Chronicles 35:9 offers profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to consider our own roles in supporting and facilitating corporate worship and ministry. Their selflessness reminds us that true spiritual revival often requires tangible commitment and sacrificial giving, not just from a select few, but from all who are able, especially those in leadership. This passage encourages us to move beyond mere participation to active contribution, recognizing that our resources—whether financial, time, or talent—can be instrumental in enabling others to encounter God and grow in faith. It calls us to emulate their diligent preparation and commitment to order, ensuring that our collective spiritual endeavors are conducted with excellence and intentionality, ultimately fostering a vibrant and inclusive community of faith where all can draw near to God and experience His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the generosity of these Levite leaders challenge my own approach to giving in support of spiritual endeavors and the local church?**
* **In what ways can I contribute to the order, organization, and smooth functioning of communal worship or ministry in my context, following the example of the Levites?**
* **How does the emphasis on corporate worship and shared provision in this passage inform my understanding of the church's role and my place within it today?**
* **Considering Josiah's reforms, what "idols" or distractions in my personal life or community need to be purged to restore pure and unhindered worship of God?**

### FAQ
**Why were so many animals needed for the Passover celebration described in 2 Chronicles 35?**

Answer: The sheer number of animals—five thousand small cattle and five hundred oxen—was necessary due to the unprecedented scale of Josiah's Passover. This was a national event, involving a vast multitude of people from all over Judah and even parts of Israel, as described in [2 Chronicles 35:18](/2_chronicles/35-18 "2 Chronicles 35:18 - The Unprecedented Passover"). According to the Mosaic Law, each household was required to provide a lamb or kid for the Passover sacrifice ([Exodus 12:3-6](/exodus/12-3-6 "Exodus 12:3-6 - Selection of the Passover Lamb")). Additionally, oxen were provided for other communal sacrifices, such as peace offerings, which involved feasting and were common during major festivals. The immense provision ensured that every participant had an animal for sacrifice and that there was ample meat for the celebratory meals that accompanied the festival, making it truly a national and inclusive event.

**What was the specific role of the "chief of the Levites" in facilitating the Passover, beyond their generous donations?**

Answer: The "chief of the Levites" played a pivotal role in the administration and execution of the Passover, as outlined throughout [2 Chronicles 35](/2_chronicles/35 "2 Chronicles 35 - Josiah's Great Passover"). Beyond their significant material contributions, these leaders were responsible for organizing their fellow Levites to assist the priests in the intricate sacrificial process. This included slaughtering the Passover lambs, skinning the animals, preparing the sacrifices, and ensuring the blood was properly handled and sprinkled at the altar ([2 Chronicles 35:10-11](/2_chronicles/35-10-11 "2 Chronicles 35:10-11 - Levites Prepare the Offerings")). They also had a crucial teaching role, instructing the people and priests on how to properly consecrate themselves and observe the Law ([2 Chronicles 35:3](/2_chronicles/35-3 "2 Chronicles 35:3 - Levites Instructed")). Their leadership was indispensable for the meticulous and orderly conduct of such a large-scale and ritually complex festival, ensuring its spiritual integrity and effectiveness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The generous provision of "small cattle" and "oxen" for the Passover in 2 Chronicles 35:9, while a testament to human obedience and communal spirit, ultimately points forward to the ultimate and perfect provision found in Jesus Christ. The myriad of lambs sacrificed at the Passover, each serving as a temporary atonement and a vivid reminder of deliverance, foreshadows the singular, once-for-all sacrifice 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' gifts enabled the nation to participate in a physical deliverance from the consequences of sin, Christ's self-giving on the cross provides spiritual deliverance for all who believe, fulfilling the very essence of the Passover. He is our [Passover lamb, who has been sacrificed](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"), inaugurating a new covenant not with the blood of bulls and goats, but with His own precious blood ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The boundless generosity of the Levites, though commendable, pales in comparison to the infinite generosity of God, who [gave His only Son](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World") so that we might have eternal life, making Him the ultimate and inexhaustible provision for our spiritual nourishment and salvation.

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

Isaiah 1:10

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Micah 6:6

¶ Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, [and] bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?

Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

2 Chronicles 31:12

And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated [things] faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite [was] ruler, and Shimei his brother [was] the next.

Jeremiah 7:21

¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh.

Jeremiah 7:28

But thou shalt say unto them, This [is] a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.