What does 2 Chronicles 35:18 mean?

"And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem." - 2 Chronicles 35:18

2 Chronicles 35:18 - "And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem."

The verse 2 Chronicles 35:18 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem."

This verse is part of the account of King Josiah's reign and his efforts to restore the worship of God in Israel. The context of this verse is the celebration of the Passover, a significant event in the history of the Israelites. The Passover was instituted by God as a memorial of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus. It was to be celebrated annually as a reminder of God's faithfulness and deliverance.

In this verse, the author of 2 Chronicles is reflecting on the great significance of the Passover that was celebrated during the reign of King Josiah. The verse emphasizes that this particular Passover was unique and unparalleled in its grandeur and devotion to God. It mentions that there had been no Passover like it since the days of Samuel the prophet, highlighting the exceptional nature of the celebration.

One of the key themes in this verse is the importance of religious revival and renewal. King Josiah sought to bring about a spiritual awakening in Israel by restoring the true worship of God and reviving the observance of religious traditions such as the Passover. His efforts were not only confined to the royal court but extended to include the priests, the Levites, and all the people of Judah and Israel. The verse underscores the unity and participation of all the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the observation of the Passover, emphasizing the collective commitment to religious restoration and devotion.

Symbolically, this verse represents the idea of returning to the roots of one's faith and tradition. The Passover, as a symbol of deliverance and redemption, holds deep spiritual significance for the Israelites. By observing the Passover in such a grand and unprecedented manner, King Josiah and the people of Israel were reaffirming their commitment to their faith and heritage. The verse serves as a reminder of the transformative power of religious revival and the restoration of authentic worship.

Furthermore, the mention of Samuel the prophet in contrast to King Josiah's Passover serves to highlight the exceptional nature of the event. Samuel was a revered figure in Israelite history, known for his role as a prophet, priest, and judge. By invoking Samuel's name, the verse draws a parallel between the religious fervor of King Josiah's reign and the peak of spiritual devotion during Samuel's time.

In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 35:18 conveys a message of the significance of religious revival and the observance of traditional customs in the worship of God. It emphasizes the unity and devotion of the people of Israel in celebrating the Passover during King Josiah's reign. The verse serves as a testament to the power of spiritual renewal and the restoration of authentic faith. It also highlights the exceptional nature of the Passover under Josiah's leadership, drawing a parallel to the devotion seen during the time of Samuel the prophet.

2 Chronicles 35:18 Artwork

2 Chronicles 18:9

2 Chronicles 20:18

2 Chronicles 35:19 - "In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept."

2 Chronicles 35:2 - "And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,"

2 Chronicles 6:35 - "Then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause."

2 Chronicles 35:27 - "And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah."

2 Chronicles 35:10 - "So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their courses, according to the king's commandment."

2 Chronicles 35:26 - "Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that which was written in the law of the LORD,"

2 Chronicles 35:17 - "And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days."

1 Chronicles 2:35 - "And Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to wife; and she bare him Attai."

2 Chronicles 35:1 - "Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the LORD in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month."

2 Chronicles 35:5 - "And stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the families of the fathers of your brethren the people, and after the division of the families of the Levites."

2 Chronicles 20:35 - "¶ And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:"

2 Chronicles 35:6 - "So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that they may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses."

2 Chronicles 35:23 - "And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded."

Exodus 35:18 - "The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,"

2 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"

2 Chronicles 18:1 - "Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab."

1 Chronicles 18:2 - "And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts."

2 Kings 18:35 - "Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?"

2 Chronicles 21:18 - "¶ And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease."

2 Chronicles 18:6 - "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?"

2 Chronicles 29:35 - "And also the burnt offerings were in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings, and the drink offerings for every burnt offering. So the service of the house of the LORD was set in order."

2 Chronicles 35:20 - "¶ After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him."

2 Chronicles 35:4 - "And prepare yourselves by the houses of your fathers, after your courses, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and according to the writing of Solomon his son."

2 Chronicles 35:13 - "And they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance: but the other holy offerings sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and divided them speedily among all the people."

2 Chronicles 35:12 - "And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto the LORD, as it is written in the book of Moses. And so did they with the oxen."

2 Chronicles 18:28 - "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead."