2 Chronicles 35:14

And afterward they made ready for themselves, and for the priests: because the priests the sons of Aaron [were busied] in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night; therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron.

And afterward {H310} they made ready {H3559} for themselves, and for the priests {H3548}: because the priests {H3548} the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175} were busied in offering {H5927} of burnt offerings {H5930} and the fat {H2459} until night {H3915}; therefore the Levites {H3881} prepared {H3559} for themselves, and for the priests {H3548} the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175}.

Afterwards, they prepared food for themselves and for the cohanim; because the cohanim, the descendants of Aharon, were busy till nightfall offering the fat and the portions to be burned up; this is why the L'vi'im prepared food both for themselves and for the cohanim the descendants of Aharon.

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.

And afterward they prepared for themselves, and for the priests, because the priests the sons of Aaron were busied in offering the burnt-offerings and the fat until night: therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the sons of Aaron.

Commentary

This verse from 2 Chronicles 35:14 provides a detailed glimpse into the diligent and orderly service performed by the Levites during King Josiah's unparalleled Passover celebration. It highlights their crucial role in supporting the priests, who were fully occupied with the core sacrificial duties.

Context

This passage is set during the reign of King Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings, known for his extensive religious reforms and his fervent dedication to restoring true worship of God. The entire chapter 35 describes the magnificent Passover celebration he orchestrated, which was unprecedented in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet (2 Chronicles 35:18). The scale of the offerings and the meticulous adherence to Mosaic Law required a highly organized effort from all involved, particularly the priests and Levites.

Key Themes

  • Dedicated Service: The priests were so engrossed in their primary duty of offering "burnt offerings and the fat until night" that they couldn't attend to their own needs. This underscores their complete devotion to God's service.
  • Division of Labor and Cooperation: The verse beautifully illustrates the essential teamwork within the temple service. The Levites, with their varied roles, stepped in to ensure that the priests and themselves were provided for, allowing the priests to focus on their sacred, time-consuming tasks. This reflects the meticulous organization of duties within God's house.
  • Orderly Worship: The seamless operation described demonstrates the importance of order and preparation in worship, ensuring that all aspects of the ceremony were handled efficiently and reverently.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "were busied", though italicized in KJV (indicating it's supplied by translators for clarity), accurately conveys the intense, non-stop activity of the priests. They were fully engaged in the sacrificial process, which involved the intricate handling of many animals, blood, and the specific portions like the fat. The "burnt offerings" (Hebrew: 'olah) were entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God, while the "fat" was considered the choicest part and was also offered to the Lord as a sweet savour, signifying His portion.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for modern-day spiritual service and community life. It teaches the importance of supporting those in leadership or those carrying out primary spiritual duties. Just as the Levites ensured the priests were cared for, we are called to serve one another, recognizing that different gifts and roles contribute to the overall health and effectiveness of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12). It also highlights the dignity of "behind-the-scenes" work; every task, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to the greater worship of God and the well-being of the community.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 6:2 (2 votes)

    Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

  • Acts 6:4 (2 votes)

    But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.