King Josiah orchestrated an unprecedented Passover celebration in Jerusalem, meticulously organizing the priests and Levites and providing vast resources for the offerings. Following this, he confronted Pharaoh Necho of Egypt at Megiddo, disregarding a divine warning conveyed by Necho. Josiah was mortally wounded in the battle, leading to his death and widespread mourning throughout Judah.
To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel.
Moreover, stand in the Holy Place by the divisions of the families of your kinsmen the lay people, and by the divisions of the families of the Levites.
Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your fellow countrymen to carry out the word of the LORD given by Moses.”
From his own flocks and herds Josiah contributed 30,000 lambs and goats plus 3,000 bulls for the Passover offerings for all the people who were present.
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.
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.
They set aside the burnt offerings to be given to the divisions of the families of the people to offer to the LORD, as is written in the Book of Moses; and they did the same with the bulls.
They roasted the Passover animals on the fire according to the regulation, and they boiled the other holy offerings in pots, kettles, and bowls and quickly brought them to all the people.
Afterward, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, since the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were offering up burnt offerings and fat until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the priests, the descendants of Aaron.
The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their position, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them.
So on that day the entire service of the LORD was carried out for celebrating the Passover and offering burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, according to the command of King Josiah.
No such Passover had been observed in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet. None of the kings of Israel ever observed a Passover like the one that Josiah observed with the priests, the Levites, all Judah, the Israelites who were present, and the people of Jerusalem.
After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Neco king of Egypt marched up to fight at Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him.
But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty. God told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!”
Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo.
So his servants took him out of his chariot, put him in his second chariot, and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. And Josiah was buried in the tomb of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him.
Then Jeremiah lamented over Josiah, and to this day all the choirs of men and women sing laments over Josiah. They established them as a statute for Israel, and indeed they are written in the Book of Laments.
his acts from beginning to end—they are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.
Study Notes for 2 Chronicles 35
Verse 1
This Passover occurred late in Josiah's reign (v. 19), likely following the discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Chr 34:14) and the subsequent nationwide reforms. The celebration strictly adhered to the Mosaic requirements, marking a high point of spiritual renewal.
Verse 3
The instruction to 'Put the holy ark in the house' suggests the Ark had been moved, perhaps for safekeeping during Manasseh's idolatrous reign or during the recent temple repairs. Placing it back symbolizes the complete restoration of proper, legitimate worship.
Verse 4
The organization of the priests and Levites 'after your courses' follows the detailed administrative plans established by King David (1 Chr 24-26) and reinforced by Solomon, ensuring orderly and efficient temple service.
Verse 7
Josiah's personal contribution of 30,000 animals demonstrates the immense scale of the celebration and the king's commitment to ensuring that all the people could fulfill the requirements of the Law, particularly those who traveled great distances.
Verse 8
The generous contributions from the royal officials, priests, and Levite leaders underscore the widespread support for Josiah's reforms and the communal nature of the restored worship.
Verse 12
The careful separation and distribution of the offerings ensured that the sacrifices were handled according to the specific legal instructions found in 'the book of Moses' (the Pentateuch, cf. Lev 1:1-17).
Verse 13
While the Passover lamb had to be roasted (Exod 12:8-9), other accompanying peace or fellowship offerings ('the other holy offerings') could be cooked by boiling ('sod'), illustrating the careful distinction made between different types of sacrifices.
Verse 18
This verse highlights the unparalleled nature of Josiah's Passover. The comparison to the days of Samuel emphasizes that such a comprehensive, nationwide observance had not occurred since the early monarchy, marking a spiritual high point for Judah.
Verse 20
This transition marks the tragic end of the godly king. Pharaoh Necho II was marching north (609 BC) to aid Assyria against the rising power of Babylon. Josiah likely intervened to prevent Egypt from aiding Assyria, hoping to secure Judah's independence from foreign powers.
Verse 21
Necho's claim that 'God commanded me' is significant. The Chronicler suggests that, even though Necho was a pagan, his military action was divinely directed, making Josiah's decision to intercept him an act of disobedience against a prophetic warning.
Verse 22
Josiah’s refusal to heed the warning and his use of disguise show his stubborn determination to fight. His death in the Valley of Megiddo (Armageddon) became a symbol of national tragedy (cf. Zech 12:11).
Verse 25
The prophet Jeremiah, who was active during Josiah’s reign, composed a formal lament (dirge) for the king, emphasizing the depth of national sorrow. Josiah’s death was a catastrophic loss, signaling the imminent collapse of the kingdom.
Verse 26
The Chronicler concludes the account by emphasizing Josiah’s piety—his 'goodness' was measured precisely 'according to that which was written in the law of the LORD,' confirming his status as a truly righteous reformer.
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