2 Kings 23:21

2 Kings 23:21 records King Josiah's pivotal command to the people of Judah to celebrate the Passover, emphasizing its importance according to the newly rediscovered "book of this covenant." This verse marks a significant moment in Israel's spiritual history, signaling a deep commitment to national repentance and a return to God's prescribed worship.

Context

This command from King Josiah comes after a period of intense spiritual decline in Judah, marked by widespread idolatry and neglect of God's Law. Josiah, who began his reign at a young age, initiated sweeping religious reforms. The catalyst for this verse's command was the discovery of the Book of the Law (likely a portion of Deuteronomy) in the Temple during its repairs. Upon hearing its contents, Josiah humbled himself, tore his clothes, and committed to purging the land of all forms of pagan worship and restoring proper worship of the LORD. The celebration of the Passover, as commanded in this verse, was a crowning act of this national spiritual revival, demonstrating a full commitment to the covenant stipulations found in the rediscovered book.

Key Themes

• Obedience to God's Word: Josiah's command directly stems from what was "written in the book of this covenant," underscoring the absolute authority of God's revealed Word as the foundation for faith and practice.
• Covenant Renewal: The Passover celebration served as a powerful act of national covenant renewal. By observing it as prescribed, the people reaffirmed their commitment to their unique relationship with the LORD, established at Mount Sinai.
• Remembrance and Deliverance: The Passover itself is a powerful symbol, commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Josiah's emphasis on keeping it highlights the importance of remembering God's mighty acts of salvation.
• Authentic Worship: The verse emphasizes that worship must be conducted "as it is written," contrasting with the syncretistic and unauthorized practices that had become common. True worship is always in accordance with divine instruction.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "book of this covenant" (Hebrew: sepher habberith hazzeh) is crucial. The term berith (covenant) signifies a solemn, binding agreement or treaty, often initiated by God. In this context, it refers to the Mosaic Law, which formed the basis of God's relationship with Israel. Josiah's command to observe the Passover "as it is written" demonstrates his profound respect for the precise terms of this divine agreement, indicating a desire to restore not just the festival, but the very essence of their covenant relationship with God.

Significance and Application

Josiah's reforms, culminating in this Passover celebration, offer timeless lessons:

• The Centrality of Scripture: This account powerfully illustrates that genuine spiritual revival and reformation begin with rediscovering and obeying God's Word. Like Josiah, we must allow Scripture to convict, guide, and shape our lives and communities. This event highlights the transformative power of God's Word as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
• Leadership and Example: Josiah, as king, took personal responsibility for leading his nation back to God, demonstrating that true leadership involves promoting righteousness and adherence to divine truth.
• The Call to Remembrance: Just as Israel was commanded to remember the Passover, believers today are called to remember God's redemptive acts, especially the ultimate deliverance through Christ's sacrifice, often symbolized in communion.
• Continuous Reformation: The need for spiritual "clean-up" and a return to biblical principles is a recurring theme throughout history. This verse serves as a reminder for individuals and communities to constantly evaluate their practices against God's unchanging standards.