2 Kings 23:22

KJV

Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely there was not holden {H6213} such a passover {H6453} from the days {H3117} of the judges {H8199} that judged {H8199} Israel {H3478}, nor in all the days {H3117} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, nor of the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063};

Complete Jewish Bible

For Pesach had not been so observed since the days when the judges ruled Isra'el - not during the times of any of the kings of Isra'el or of the kings of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

No such Passover had been observed from the days of the judges who had governed Israel through all the days of the kings of Israel and Judah.

American Standard Version

Surely there was not kept such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The declaration in 2 Kings 23:22 underscores the unparalleled nature of the Passover celebrated during King Josiah’s reign. This observance, meticulously carried out according to the rediscovered Book of the Law, surpassed all previous celebrations since the era of the Judges and throughout the entire history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It stands as a profound testament to a nationwide spiritual revival and a radical recommitment to God's covenant, marking a pinnacle of obedience and devotion in Israelite history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic statement regarding Josiah’s great Passover, which is described in [2 Kings 23:21-23](/2_kings/23-21-23 "2 Kings 23:21-23 - Josiah's Passover Celebration"). It follows directly after Josiah’s extensive religious reforms, initiated by the dramatic discovery of the [Book of the Law](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law") in the Temple during repairs. Josiah’s immediate and profound response to the Law, characterized by tearing his clothes and seeking God's will ([2 Kings 22:11-13](/2_kings/22-11-13 "2 Kings 22:11-13 - Josiah's Response to the Law")), led to a solemn covenant renewal ceremony involving the entire nation ([2 Kings 23:1-3](/2_kings/23-1-3 "2 Kings 23:1-3 - Covenant Renewal")). This was followed by a sweeping purge of idolatry and pagan practices throughout Judah and even parts of the former northern kingdom ([2 Kings 23:4-20](/2_kings/23-4-20 "2 Kings 23:4-20 - Josiah's Reforms")). The celebration of the Passover is presented as the ultimate expression of the nation's renewed commitment to Yahweh, demonstrating the practical outworking of their repentance and obedience to the rediscovered divine commands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For centuries prior to Josiah, both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah had largely strayed from the Mosaic covenant, engaging in widespread idolatry, syncretism, and neglect of God's commands. Kings like Manasseh, Josiah’s grandfather, had led Judah into deep apostasy, even setting up Asherah poles and altars to foreign gods within the Temple itself. The Passover, a foundational festival commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt, had likely been observed sporadically and imperfectly, if at all, for generations. Josiah's reforms, therefore, were not merely a superficial cleanup but a radical dismantling of deeply entrenched paganism and a deliberate, comprehensive restoration of true Yahweh worship. This Passover, observed with such meticulous adherence to the Law, represented a profound cultural shift and a return to the very roots of Israelite identity and faith, echoing the original commands given in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - Institution of the Passover").
* **Key Themes:** The unparalleled nature of Josiah's Passover underscores several critical themes. Firstly, it highlights **Radical Reformation and Revival**, demonstrating that genuine spiritual renewal requires a complete turning away from sin and a full embrace of God's commands, even if it means overturning long-standing traditions and practices. Secondly, it emphasizes the absolute **Primacy and Authority of God's Word**, as the entire revival stemmed from the rediscovery and obedient response to the Book of the Law. The unprecedented quality of this Passover was directly proportional to its strict adherence to divine commands, unlike previous, more perfunctory observances. Thirdly, it powerfully illustrates **Covenant Renewal**, serving as a national recommitment to the [covenant God made with Israel](/deuteronomy/29 "Deuteronomy 29 - The Mosaic Covenant") at Sinai. This celebration was a tangible expression of the people's renewed obligation and God's faithfulness to His promises. Finally, the verse establishes this event as a **Historical Benchmark**, declaring that "surely there was not holden such a passover," placing Josiah's observance as a pinnacle in Israelite history, surpassing all previous celebrations since the era of the Judges and throughout the monarchical period.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holden (Hebrew, _‘âsâh'_):** From H6213, this primitive root means "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In the context of religious festivals like the Passover, it specifically denotes the act of celebrating or keeping the feast. The use of this word here emphasizes not just the occurrence of a Passover, but its deliberate, active, and comprehensive observance, implying a level of intentionality and meticulousness that was absent in previous celebrations. It signifies the *performance* of the ritual according to its prescribed form.
* **Passover (Hebrew, _peçach'_):** From H6453, this word refers to a "pretermission, i.e. exemption," used technically of the Jewish Passover (the festival or the victim). It is the annual festival commemorating the Lord's "passing over" the houses of the Israelites when He struck the firstborn of Egypt ([Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "Exodus 12:13 - The Lord Will Pass Over")). It is a foundational event in Israelite history, symbolizing redemption, deliverance, and the establishment of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The fact that Josiah's celebration of this particular feast was deemed unparalleled speaks volumes about its adherence to the original, divine stipulations.
* **Days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From H3117, this word means "a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term)." Its repeated use in the verse ("from the days of the judges," "in all the days of the kings") emphasizes the vast historical scope being considered. It highlights that across centuries and multiple eras of leadership, no comparable observance had taken place, underscoring the extraordinary nature of Josiah's achievement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely there was not holden such a passover":** This opening clause immediately establishes the superlative nature of Josiah's Passover. The emphatic "surely" (כִּי - *kî*) highlights its absolute uniqueness. The phrase "such a passover" indicates that it was not merely the act of observing the festival, but the *manner, devotion, and comprehensiveness* with which it was kept that set it apart from all others. It implies a level of adherence to the Law and national participation that had not been seen before.
* **"from the days of the judges that judged Israel":** This phrase sets the historical baseline for comparison. The period of the Judges (roughly 14th-11th centuries BC) was a time when Israel was still relatively new to the land and, despite cycles of apostasy, had moments of strong covenant fidelity. By stating that Josiah's Passover surpassed even those observed in this early period, the text emphasizes the depth of the subsequent national decline and the extraordinary achievement of Josiah's revival. It suggests that even the original, foundational observances had not reached this level of meticulousness or national unity.
* **"nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;":** This final clause broadens the scope of comparison to encompass the entire monarchical history of both the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). It is a sweeping statement, asserting that neither the kings of the ten northern tribes (who often led their people into gross idolatry) nor the kings of Judah (some of whom were righteous, but none achieving Josiah's level of reform) had ever presided over a Passover of this magnitude and purity. This emphasizes the unparalleled nature of Josiah's reign as a beacon of righteousness and obedience amidst centuries of spiritual decline.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** is prominent, as the statement "surely there was not holden such a passover" uses superlative language to emphasize the extraordinary nature of the event, portraying it as truly unprecedented. This is further reinforced by **Contrast**, as Josiah's reign and this specific Passover are starkly contrasted with the spiritual failures and idolatry of previous eras, including the long period of the Judges and the entire history of the divided monarchy. The **Repetition** of "nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah" serves as a rhetorical device to underscore the comprehensive scope of this unparalleled observance, leaving no period or kingdom untouched by the comparison. Finally, the verse makes effective use of **Historical Allusion**, referencing the "days of the judges" and the "kings of Israel" and "kings of Judah," which immediately evokes a broad sweep of Israelite history, allowing the reader to grasp the immense significance of Josiah's achievement within that historical context.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Josiah's Passover stands as a powerful theological statement about the transformative power of God's Word and the necessity of radical obedience. It demonstrates that true national revival is not merely a superficial cleanup but a deep, Spirit-led return to the covenant, fueled by repentance and a meticulous adherence to divine commands. This event underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people have been unfaithful for generations, and highlights the crucial role of righteous leadership in guiding a nation back to Him. The joy and unity experienced during this Passover reveal the blessings that flow from national repentance and a corporate commitment to worship God according to His revealed will. It serves as a timeless example that genuine spiritual renewal begins with a rediscovery of divine truth and a heartfelt commitment to follow it, regardless of the cost.

* [Exodus 12:1-20](/exodus/12-1-20 "Exodus 12:1-20 - Institution of the Passover")
* [2 Chronicles 35:1-19](/2_chronicles/35-1-19 "2 Chronicles 35:1-19 - Josiah's Great Passover")
* [Nehemiah 8:1-12](/nehemiah/8-1-12 "Nehemiah 8:1-12 - Reading of the Law and Revival under Ezra")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Josiah's unparalleled Passover offers profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to move beyond perfunctory religious observance to a radical, heartfelt, and comprehensive obedience to God's Word. Just as the rediscovery of the Law ignited a nationwide revival in Judah, so too should our engagement with Scripture lead to personal and corporate transformation. This narrative calls us to examine the depth of our own commitment to God's commands, asking if our worship and daily lives truly reflect a "Passover" of unparalleled devotion, free from the idols and compromises of our age. It reminds us that spiritual renewal often requires uncomfortable, radical change, a willingness to dismantle anything that hinders our full devotion to God, and a joyful embrace of His truth. Josiah's example inspires us to seek a level of faithfulness that honors God above all else, trusting that genuine obedience brings profound blessing and true spiritual vitality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the account of Josiah's Passover challenge our understanding of "revival" today, particularly regarding its source and scope?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or as a community, need to "rediscover" the Word of God and allow it to lead to radical reform in our lives and practices?**
* **What does Josiah's example teach us about the importance of intentional, heartfelt worship and obedience versus mere ritual or tradition?**

### FAQ
**Why was Josiah's Passover considered so unique and unprecedented?**

Answer: Josiah's Passover was considered unique primarily because of its comprehensive nature, its strict adherence to the rediscovered divine commands, and the profound national repentance that accompanied it. Unlike previous observances, which were likely partial or perfunctory, this Passover was celebrated exactly as prescribed in the [Book of the Law](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"). It was the culmination of a sweeping reform movement that eradicated idolatry from the land, renewed the covenant with Yahweh, and involved the entire nation in a sincere return to God's ways. The text emphasizes that no such Passover had been held since the days of the Judges, nor throughout the entire history of the kings of Israel or Judah, highlighting its unparalleled devotion and meticulousness.

**What was the significance of the "Book of the Law" mentioned in Josiah's time?**

Answer: The "Book of the Law" (likely a copy of Deuteronomy or a significant portion of the Pentateuch) discovered in the Temple during repairs was profoundly significant because it served as the catalyst for Josiah's entire reform movement and the subsequent Passover. Its rediscovery brought the nation face-to-face with God's original covenant stipulations, including the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience (cf. [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant")). The reading of this book to the people sparked national repentance, covenant renewal, and a radical commitment to purge all forms of idolatry and restore pure worship. It underscored the authority of God's written Word as the ultimate standard for faith and life, demonstrating its power to transform individuals and an entire nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Josiah's unparalleled Passover, a pinnacle of Old Testament obedience and revival, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. While Josiah's reforms cleansed the land and restored a temporary physical observance, Christ Himself is the true and perfect [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The Passover feast, commemorating deliverance from Egyptian bondage through the blood of a lamb, foreshadowed the ultimate redemption achieved by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. He is our [Passover Lamb, sacrificed for us](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ, our Passover Lamb"), whose shed blood cleanses not merely a nation's land but the hearts of all who believe, delivering them from the bondage of sin and death. The meticulous adherence to the Law during Josiah's Passover points to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, not to abolish them but to [fulfill them](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). The spiritual renewal experienced under Josiah, though profound, was temporary and incomplete; in Christ, we receive a new covenant, a spiritual cleansing, and an eternal indwelling of the Holy Spirit that brings true and lasting transformation (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, Josiah's great Passover serves as a vibrant shadow, pointing forward to the infinitely greater and eternal redemption secured by our Lord Jesus Christ.

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 35:3

And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; [it shall] not [be] a burden upon [your] shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,

2 Chronicles 35:19

In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.

2 Chronicles 30:1

¶ And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel.

2 Chronicles 30:3

For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 30:13

¶ And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation.

2 Chronicles 30:20

And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.